AI Data Science Lead

Your Role: The AI Data Science Lead is responsible for leading the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI), including GenAI, to solve complex business challenges. This role is pivotal to an effective enterprise Data, Analytics, & AI Operating model, partnering with business areas to understand their needs and challenges, while leveraging Advanced analytics and AI to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation. This role focuses on leading advanced algorithm design, leading and managing data science workflows, and ensuring the successful experimentation and deployment of AI solutions. You will work closely with data engineers, ML/AI engineers, and business stakeholders to drive innovation and optimise decision-making through data-driven solutions. During the formative phase of PTSB's capabilities in AI, this role will form part of a cross functional initiative, the ?AI Lab?. This is a key role requiring the individual to work collaboratively across the key pillars of CDAO, Technology and Risk as well as wider business teams to deliver the required outcomes. You will work closely with Technology in the architecture, development, and deployment of AI-driven systems and infrastructure, and with Model Risk in risk management of the deployment of AI solutions and systems. This role is responsible for driving the delivery of AI practices across the bank ensuring AI solutions are meeting business needs within our risk appetite. The AI Data Science Lead will focus on leveraging AI techniques and practices effectively, bridging AI capabilities with technology, data and business requirements, while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Your Team: You will lead a team of Data Science, AI and Data professionals in a dynamic and high-performing team as part of the CDAO. Youll be responsible for enabling, leading, and delivering some of the most innovative solutions in PTSB's history, focused firmly on bringing together the best of our people, data, and technology to deliver innovative solutions. You will report into the Head of Business Partnering & Advanced Analytics and lead a team of c.6 people as well as external partners as required. Your Responsibilities: To succeed in this role, youll need proven experience of leading a high-performing team in delivery of complex, high-impact initiatives across a fast-paced regulated enterprise environment. Functional Strategy & Delivery Lead AI data science strategies aligned with business goals. Mentor and guide a team of data scientists and AI/ML researchers. Lead an Inspiring Culture Lead and develop the AI Data Science capability creating an innovative high performing team. Develop & Deliver AI Literacy programmes bank wide. Risk Management & Controls Establish metrics to assess model performance and business impact. Establish frameworks and techniques for bias detection, fairness, and explainability. Stakeholder Engagement Partner with cross-functional teams (Technology, Risk, Business Units) to identify AI opportunities and translate them into actionable initiatives that deliver measurable business value. Engage with senior business leaders to advocate for responsible AI practices and ensure alignment of AI strategies with organisational goals and risk appetite. Requirements: Essential ? Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field. 8+ years proven experience leading and developing high performing teams, with at least 3 years in a senior management position. Significant lead and delivery experience in AI / Data Science techniques and practices (e.g., ML, NLP, GenAI), frameworks (TensorFlow, Pytorch, Scikit-learn etc.), tools (e.g., Hugging Face, LangChain, RAG etc.) and platforms (e.g., AWS SAgemaker, Google Vertex, Azure ML etc.). Expert in machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modelling, strong programming skills such as Python, R. Excellent experience in AI ethics, explainability, and bias mitigation techniques Strong leadership, communication, and AI use-case assessment skills Familiarity with ethical AI principles and data privacy regulations with experience developing AI governance and delivery frameworks. Strong awareness of regulatory frameworks (i.e. GDPR, EU AI Act). Understanding of data pipelines, MLOps, data governance, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of successful stakeholder management. Strategic thinker that enjoys the challenge of solving complex problems through a results-oriented mindset.