Director – AI and Data Strategy & Management

Our PurposeMastercard 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 SummaryDirector – AI and Data Strategy & ManagementOverviewServices within Mastercard is responsible for acquiring, engaging, and retaining customers by managing fraud and risk, enhancing cybersecurity, and improving the digital payments experience. We provide value-added services and leverage expertise, data-driven insights, and execution. Our team combines traditional management consulting with Mastercard’s rich AI and Data assets, proprietary platforms, and technologies to provide clients with powerful strategic insights and recommendations. Our teams work with a diverse global customer base across industries, from banking and payments to retail and restaurants.Roles and ResponsibilitiesTeam Collaboration & Culture Develop sound business recommendations and deliver effective client presentations to close deals Plan, organize, and structure own work and that of junior project delivery consultants to identify effective analysis structures to address client problems and synthesize analyses into relevant findings Lead team and external meetings, and lead or co-lead project management Contribute to the firm's intellectual capital and solution development Grow from coaching to enable ownership of day-to-day project management across client projects, and mentor junior consultants Shape and deliver AI strategies that address complex business challenges for payments-centric companies. Advance the firm’s AI capabilities through consistent thought leadership, external outreach, and the development of new service offerings.Develop AI & Data -Driven Strategies for Business Impact Identify high-impact opportunities for AI and Data 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 and data 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.Expand Thought Leadership & External Network Publish and present on cutting-edge AI methods and industry insights—e.g., through whitepapers, case studies, conference keynotes, and journal articles. Build an external network of AI experts, industry leaders, and academic partners to keep the firm at the forefront of emerging AI trends. Advise on best practices around AI ethics, governance, and regulatory considerations in financial services. Elevate the firm’s reputation by participating in relevant forums, client discussions, and industry events, driving new business opportunities.All About YouBasic qualifications Undergraduate engineering degree with AI and Data strategy & management experience in AI and Data platforms, strategy, assessment, architecture, integration, monetization, data-as-a-product etc. Product experience Experience managing clients or internal stakeholders and win revenue generating work Ability to analyze large datasets and platforms and provide recommendations AI and Data and analytics experience such as working with AI and Data analytics software (e.g., Python, R, SQL, SAS) and building, managing, and maintaining database structures Advanced Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills Ability to perform multiple tasks with multiple clients in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment Ability to communicate effectively in English and the local office language (if applicable) Eligibility to work in the country where you are applying, as well as apply for travel visas as required by travel needsPreferred Qualifications Experience managing tasks or workstreams in a collaborative team environment Experience coaching junior delivery consultants Relevant industry expertise MS or master’s degree with relevant specialization (not required)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, andComplete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.