Santander Bank

AI Governance Lead

Country: Spain

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) 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 what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s 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

AI Governance Lead

AI Governance, Committees & Use Case Management

About the Role

At Santander, we are building a world-class AI & Data organization to drive innovation at scale and impact the lives of over 170 million people globally. As part of our strategic ambition to become an AI-First bank, we are seeking an AI Governance Lead.

You will be responsible for defining and operating Santander’s AI Governance framework, ensuring that AI use cases are deployed responsibly, consistently, and in line with regulatory and internal requirements. You will play a central role in governing decision forums, managing the global AI use case inventory, and coordinating AI risk assessments across the Group.

Key Responsibilities

AI Governance & Oversight

• Design, implement, and continuously evolve the Group-wide AI Governance model.
• Coordinate and manage AI governance bodies, including agendas, materials, decisions, and follow-up actions.
• Own and maintain the global inventory of AI use cases, ensuring completeness, traceability, and lifecycle accuracy.

AI Risk & Use Case Management

• Define and coordinate AI use case risk assessments covering ethical, legal, operational, reputational, data, model, and cyber risks.
• Ensure appropriate classification of AI use cases by criticality, lifecycle stage, impact, and risk level.
• Act as a coordination point across Business, Data & AI, Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Technology teams.

Reporting & Enablement

• Define KPIs and prepare AI Governance reporting for senior management.
• Support AI Adoption teams by ensuring governance requirements are embedded in delivery objectives.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organization. We’re 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, Mathematics, Business Administration, Law, or similar. (Required)

Professional Experience

• Solid experience in governance bodies, risk management, internal control, or technology governance frameworks. (Required)
• Experience working in complex, multinational environments. (Required)

Hard Skills

• Knowledge of AI governance and risk frameworks such as EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, OECD AI Principles, or OWASP. (Required)

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

Your contribution matters, and it’s 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.

• We’re enable our teams to go beyond through global opportunities and broad career paths.
• Flexibility that works. Enjoy a hybrid working models—some days remote, some days onsite with your team—along with flexible hours.
• Learning for life. Access hundreds of courses on our platforms, including exclusive access to our global learning space: Santander Open Academy (www.santanderopenacademy.com)
• 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. That’s why we offer childcare support and family-friendly programmes 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 that’s only the beginning—we’ll tell you more when you join!

We’re here to keep you motivated, help you reach your goals, and celebrate your progress, 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?

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