Director, Decision Systems & AI Transformation

Happen Bank; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Parental leave

Flexible time off

Job summary

Happen Bank seeks a Director, Decision Systems to lead the decision infrastructure across San Francisco and New York, partnering with Risk and Engineering to deliver automated decisioning at scale. You will drive strategic transformation, define the future-state architecture, mentor a growing team, oversee offshore contractors, and guide audits while applying AI responsibly to enhance lending platforms.

This role requires strong executive presence and exceptional communication in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership in fintech/financial services, including 6+ years in people management.
• 10+ years in rules engines like GDS Link, Provenir, Drools, Alloy, Blaze, Oscilar.
• Hands-on API, microservices, cloud architectures and tech strategy.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration to drive alignment and goals.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder negotiation skills.
• Ability to navigate fast-paced, ambiguous environments and solve complex problems.
• Executive presence with long-term vision and operational focus.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Transformation programs for the Risk Infrastructure in collaboration with Credit Risk, Modeling, Business, Engineering, Product, Marketing, and other teams.
• Deliver BAU policies and models on the Decision Infrastructure for Personal Loan Portfolio.
• Develop expertise across Happen Bank’s products, technologies, and processes.
• Partner with Risk and Business teams to manage demand and run the Risk Infrastructure function effectively.
• Define technology strategy and roadmap for Future State architecture and scale decisioning solutions.
• Apply AI responsibly to build next-gen lending platforms and accelerate transformation.
• Provide timely leadership updates on progress, risks, and escalations; generate management presentations.
• Mentor team members and monitor performance; communicate with senior management.
• Oversee offshore contract team recruitment and amplify operational efficiencies.
• Lead internal and external regulatory audits and drive findings to completion.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Rules engines

APIs & Microservices

Cloud architecture

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

GDS Link

Provenir

Drools

Alloy

Blaze

Oscilar

Job description

Happen Bank seeks a Director, Decision Systems to lead the decision infrastructure across San Francisco and New York, partnering with Risk and Engineering to deliver automated decisioning at scale. You will drive strategic transformation, define the future-state architecture, mentor a growing team, oversee offshore contractors, and guide audits while applying AI responsibly to enhance lending platforms.

This role requires strong executive presence and exceptional communication in a fast-paced