AI Transformation Lead (Strategy, Product & Hands-on Build)

IT STARTS HERE

Santander () is evolving from a global high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking innovation and the courage to challenge whats possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. Its a chance for driven professionals to grow learn and make a real difference.

Our Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAIO) division is building a world-class AI & Data team to make a difference in the lives of over 170 million people worldwide through one of the largest banks in the world.

We are undergoing one of the biggest transformations in our history and technology is at the heart of our strategy. Join our team to play a part in one of the most important technological projects for the financial sector in the world.

Our mission is to contribute to helping more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management. Santander is proud of being an organization where there are equal opportunities regardless of age gender disability civil status race religion or sexual orientation. This job offer is an opportunity not only to join a great company but also to collaborate in projects that have a real impact on society.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

We are looking for an AI Transformation Lead who can drive enterprise AI initiatives end-to-end from defining strategy and use cases to hands-on development and deployment.

This role combines AI product leadership technical architecture and direct development. You will design prototype and scale AI systems (LLMs RAG agents automation workflows) that deliver measurable value in a regulated banking environment.

You are equally comfortable discussing ROI with executives designing system architecture with engineers writing Python code and crafting high-quality prompts and evaluation pipelines.

Key Responsabilities:

1 .AI Strategy & Product Definition

• Identify high-impact AI opportunities across business units.

• Translate business challenges into scalable AI roadmaps.

• Define measurable success metrics and adoption strategies.

2. Hands-on Development (Code Prompting)

• Develop AI prototypes and production components in Python.

• Implement RAG pipelines embeddings workflows and orchestration logic.

• Build integrations with APIs internal systems and data platforms.

• Design test and optimize prompts for reliability accuracy and safety.

• Create structured prompt templates guardrails and evaluation frameworks.

• Run experiments to benchmark model performance and iterate based on telemetry and human feedback.

3. Architecture & Delivery Leadership

• Define scalable AI architectures (LLMs vector DBs agent frameworks MLOps).

• Oversee model lifecycle management monitoring and drift detection.

• Lead cross-functional squads (AI Data Engineering Business).

• Ensure production-grade performance resilience and latency targets.

4. Value Realization

• Own AI initiatives from concept to production.

• Track KPIs and ensure measurable business impact.

• Drive stakeholder alignment and adoption.

WHAT YOULL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organization. Were enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge skills and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• Degree in Engineering Computer Science Data Science or related field. (Required)

Professional Experience

• 34 years in AI/ML AI product or AI transformation roles. (Required)

• Proven experience deploying AI systems into production. (Required).

• Experience in regulated environments (banking preferred). (Required).

Hard Skills

• Strong Python development skills. (Required).

• Hands-on experience with:

  • LLMs and prompt engineering (Required).

  • RAG architectures and vector databases (Required).

  • Agentic workflows and orchestration frameworks (Required).

  • MLOps and evaluation pipelines (Required).

  • Cloud environments (e.g. AWS) (Required).

• Ability to operate both at system design level and implementation detail. (Required).

Languages

• Fluent English and Spanish is required. (Required)

Soft Skills

• High ownership mindset; bias toward execution.

• Technically credible with engineers; strategic with executives.

• Structured thinker comfortable in ambiguity.

• Strong communicator across business and technical audiences.

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

Your contribution matters and its recognized. You can expect a fair competitive reward package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. But we know rewards go beyond numbers.

• Were enable our teams to go beyondthrough global opportunities and broad career paths.

• Flexibility that works. Enjoy a hybrid working modelssome days remote some days onsite with your teamalong with flexible hours.

• Learning for life. Access hundreds of courses on our platforms including exclusive access to our global learning space: Santander Open Academy ()

• Competitive rewards. Receive a highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses motivating you to keep growing with us.

• Financial advantages. Benefit from preferential banking terms special interest rates on loans life insurance and more.

• Your health is our priority. Through BeHealthy our global wellness programme we promote Holistic wellbeing.

• We know family is everything. Thats why we offer childcare support and family-friendlyprogrammes tailored to each life stage.

• Always by your side. Get access to Santander Contigo our program for employees and their families offering legal emotional and administrative advisory services.

• Extra benefits. Gym/WellHub membership medical centers in some of our facilities meal subsidy parking shuttle service from various points in Madrid as well as exclusive discounts and offers for Santander employees. And thats only the beginningwell tell you more when you join!

Were here to keep you motivated help you reach your goals and celebrate your progresss every step of the way.

LOCAL COMPLIANCE

Santander is proud of being an organization where there are equal opportunities regardless of age gender disability civil status race religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If this sounds like a role you are interested in then please apply.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR JOURNEY