Senior Managing Consultant / Director – Strategy & Transformation – AI Strategy (Financial Services)

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Senior Managing Consultant / Director – Strategy & Transformation – AI Strategy (Financial Services)

Reporting to the Principal and working closely with the Mastercard AI team, the Senior Managing Consultant, AI Strategy will spearhead AI-driven consulting engagements for clients—especially card issuers and other financial services organizations. You will lead multidisciplinary teams of data scientists and business strategists to develop long term strategies and implement AI solutions that transform how clients approach analytics, automation, and value generation.
In this role, you will:
1. Shape and deliver AI strategies that address complex business challenges for payments-centric companies.
2. Advance the firm’s AI capabilities through consistent thought leadership, external outreach, and the development of new Consulting services offerings.
3. Mentor and grow junior colleagues, fostering a collaborative team culture around innovative AI methodologies.
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develop AI-Driven Strategies for Business Impact
• Identify high-impact opportunities for AI and analytics within client organizations, particularly in card issuing and payments.
• Quantify the full value potential of AI solutions, detailing the value levers, critical dependencies, and feasibility pathways to maximize ROI.
• Architect end-to-end AI solutions by combining expertise in data engineering, solution design, and domain-specific knowledge (e.g., credit card issuing).
• Secure Alignment from executive stakeholders, translating ambitious AI visions into actionable plans with clear timelines, deliverables, and success metrics.
• Scale effective AI initiatives across multiple use cases, proactively addressing technical or organizational hurdles to ensure widespread adoption.
2. Lead Rapid, Iterative AI Delivery
• Collaborate closely with business leaders to co-own solutions, gather continuous feedback, and adjust scopes for maximum business value.
• Drive a balanced approach to problem-solving, focusing on both technical feasibility and strategic payoff—avoiding unnecessary complexity.
• Augment client teams by providing change management and AI expertise, ensuring full realization of value and adoption of best practices.
3. Expand Thought Leadership & External Network
• Develop, publish, and/or present on cutting-edge AI methods and industry insights—e.g., through whitepapers, case studies, and journal articles.
• Advise clients on best practices around AI ethics, governance, and regulatory considerations in financial services.
• Elevate the firm’s reputation by participating in client discussions, select industry events, and primarily driving new business opportunities.
4. Innovate & Scale the AI Operating Model
• Develop new delivery frameworks and methodologies to enhance the speed and consistency of AI project execution.
• Codify best practices, creating reusable assets (templates, playbooks) that help internal teams replicate successful approaches.
• Mentor junior colleagues, providing technical guidance and career development support to foster a robust, forward-thinking AI community.
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QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
• Experience: 8+ years leading data-driven, analytics, machine learning, or software strategies and delivering measurable outcomes (preferably in financial services, payments, or card issuing).
• GenAI Experience: Developed and deployed GenAI use cases with proven value from end to end. Developed tools with widely adopted GenAI packages and major foundation models.
• Thought Leadership: Demonstrated history of publishing, speaking at reputable industry conferences, or leading innovative AI initiatives in recognized settings.
• Communication: Excellent executive-level presentation skills and the ability to translate complex AI concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Agile Mindset: Familiarity with agile methodologies, iterative development, and modern technology project management practices.
• Financial Services Domain: Deep understanding of the payments ecosystem and key operational challenges relevant to card issuers.
• Leadership: Experience managing direct reports and/or cross-functional teams, with a track record of mentoring talent and building high-performing groups.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in computer science, engineering, or related fields; Master’s degree or equivalent advanced study strongly preferred.
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WHY JOIN US
• Impact at Scale: Collaborate with top-tier clients in the financial services space to drive transformational AI initiatives.
• Thought Leadership Platform: Shape industry perspectives by publishing, attending major events, and building an influential network.
• Professional Growth: Develop your leadership and technical skills by working on cutting-edge projects with leading experts in applied AI.
• Innovative Culture: Contribute to a dynamic environment that values experimentation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
#AI2

Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;

• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;

• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and

• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.