About the Organization
Core Operations Data Ops Group is a global team operating in over 20 countries, providing essential support to key business lines including Markets, Services, and Wealth Management. We provide an array of services to enable client lifecycle transactions; from relationship establishment to supporting the data demands surrounding instruments.
The Strategic Change Team, within Data Operations, is responsible for the execution of strategic change initiatives, including:
- Developing and implementing Gen AI solutioning strategies in partnership with Technology
- Driving transformative change initiatives across the organization
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary individual to lead the end-to-end development and implementation of AI programs and strategic initiatives within the Data Operations Group. This role will be pivotal in shaping the strategic direction, driving innovation through practical AI deployments, and ensuring the successful execution of critical programs. A deep understanding of referntial data and its strategic implications, particularly how AI can enhance compliance and efficiency in this domain, is required.
Responsibilities
- Leads the conceptualization, strategic development, and hands-on implementation of innovation initiatives, including pioneering projects to significantly enhance operational efficiency and controls within the context of the evolving Operations Operating Model. Actively architects the deployment and integration of advanced automation technologies, including AI, for enterprise-wide strategic impact.
- Provides strategic direction and thought leadership across the reference data domain, defining optimal implementation approaches and establishing robust governance models that integrate strategic planning, dependency management, and proactive risk mitigation.
- Identifies, evaluates, and champions strategic opportunities across the reference data domain, leveraging deep insights to architect process optimizations and inform future strategic positioning, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI-driven solutions for these improvements.
- Defines the vision and drives the strategic implementation of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs in close partnership with Technology teams, specifically focusing on strengthening control mechanisms, enhancing reporting capabilities, and fostering data-driven decision-making through deployed AI solutions.
- Cultivates and directs strategic communication channels and fosters high-impact collaborative environments among diverse senior stakeholders, driving consensus and ensuring alignment with organizational strategic objectives.
- Oversees the strategic planning of project timelines, comprehensive resource allocation, and robust budget forecasting, ensuring that initiatives are strategically aligned, optimally resourced, and contribute to long-term financial health.
- Designs and evolves critical governance frameworks and strategic reporting mechanisms, preparing and presenting high-level reports and insights for various senior stakeholder groups, including steering committees and executive leadership, to ensure transparent oversight and strategic alignment.
- Develops and implements strategic data and documentation management frameworks, ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and accessibility of critical information to support strategic decision-making and uphold audit readiness.
- Provides strategic oversight and guidance for key initiatives within the SMBIC Data Operations Group, championing strategic best practices to ensure efficient and successful achievement of transformative outcomes.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a strategic leadership role within the financial services industry, focusing on transformation, innovation, or strategic program management, with a demonstrated track record of leading and implementing successful AI programs, ideally experience with agentic AI
- Proven experience in defining and implementing strategic governance models, executive reporting, and enterprise-level risk management.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic documentation standards and frameworks.
- Extensive experience in developing and presenting strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership and executive committees.
- Exceptional strategic planning skills with a keen eye for critical detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex strategic concepts effectively to all levels of stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) for strategic communication and planning.
- Ability to independently drive strategic initiatives, manage complex interdependencies, and deliver against ambitious strategic goals.
- Deep understanding of strategic data management principles, advanced analytics, and their application to drive business outcomes, with practical experience in deploying AI/ML models to solve complex business problems.
- Extensive experience in the reference data domain, with a focus on strategic implications and opportunities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conceptualize and leverage data for strategic decision-making within the context of Operations optimization.
- Proven experience in defining, leading, and overseeing AI strategy and full-lifecycle implementation programs.
Competencies
- Strategic Vision & Execution: Proven ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans and drive successful execution of complex, enterprise-wide initiatives, especially those involving AI and advanced automation.
- Strategic Program Leadership: Exceptional ability to define, prioritize, and oversee strategic programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and delivering transformative results, with specific expertise in managing AI/ML project lifecycles.
- Executive Communication & Influence: Superior oral and written communication skills, capable of preparing compelling strategic reports, executive summaries, and presentations, and effectively influencing senior stakeholders.
- Strategic Problem Solving: Proactively identifies complex organizational challenges, conceptualizes innovative solutions, and drives strategic decision-making to overcome obstacles and capitalize on opportunities, leveraging AI as a core component of problem resolution.
- Strategic Acumen & Precision: Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail in strategic planning, data analysis, and the development of comprehensive strategic frameworks, ensuring accuracy and long-term viability.
- Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Builds and maintains influential relationships with senior stakeholders, driving consensus, managing complex expectations, and advocating for strategic initiatives across the organization.
Education
- Bachelor's/University degree. Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is a plus.
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Job Family Group:
Operations - Core
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Job Family:
Operations Project Management
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Time Type:
Full time
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Primary Location:
New York New York United States
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Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:
$163,600.00 - $245,400.00
In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.
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Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.
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Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.
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Anticipated Posting Close Date:
Jul 11, 2026
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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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