Head Of Data Science And AI

The Head of Data Science & AI at Global Payments is a transformative leadership position responsible for refining and scaling the company's data science and artificial intelligence (AI) function from the ground up. This leader will architect and deliver an AI-first ecosystem that integrates generative AI, machine learning, and orchestration to drive business value globally. The role encompasses strategy, platform development, talent acquisition, and the operationalization of AI solutions-balancing build, buy, and co-create approaches with technology partners. The Head of Data Science & AI will collaborate closely with business leaders to incubate, scale, and systematize use cases, ensuring that data-driven innovation is embedded across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

● Build & Lead the Data Science Organization

○ Refine and scale a world-class data science and AI function, including recruiting, mentoring, and developing a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, ML engineers, platform engineers, and product managers while fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation.

○ Define the vision, strategy, and roadmap for data science and AI initiatives aligned with Global Payments' business objectives.

● Platform Strategy & Delivery

○ Architect and oversee the development of holistic AI platforms/solutions that leverage data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, generative AI, and automation.

○ Evaluate and implement leading data science and AI platforms to accelerate model development, deployment, and monitoring.

○ Build robust data pipelines, feature engineering workflows, and model management infrastructure to support scalable, production-grade AI solutions ● GenAI Strategy: Build, Buy, Co-Create

○ Develop and execute a hybrid GenAI strategy, leveraging internal development, third-party solutions, and co-creation with strategic partners.

○ Drive the adoption of GenAI technologies, integrating them into existing products and creating new AI-powered offerings.

● Business Partnership & Use Case Incubation

○ Establish an operating model to engage business units, incubate high-impact AI use cases, and operationalize solutions at scale.

○ Define and track success metrics for AI initiatives, ensuring measurable business outcomes and ROI.

○ Champion data-driven decision-making and embed analytics into business processes.

● Governance, Security & Compliance

○ Partner with Data and AI Governance teams to ensure all data science and AI initiatives adhere to industry standards for data privacy, security, and regulatory compliance.

● Thought Leadership & External Engagement

○ Represent Global Payments in external forums, building relationships with technology partners, research institutions, and the broader AI community. ○ Stay abreast of emerging trends in AI, ML, and GenAI, and translate them into actionable strategies for the business.

Required Experience & Skills:

● 10+ years' leadership in data science, AI/ML, and analytics within fintech, payments, or related sectors.

● Proven success building and scaling global data science teams and platforms.

● Deep expertise in machine learning, generative AI, feature engineering, model design, MLOps, and cloud-based AI infrastructure.

● Skilled at integrating data science applications into software products and working with data at scale and velocity.

● Strong ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value.

● Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.

● Track record of scaling high-impact AI use cases through buy/build strategies.

● Effective player-coach: hands-on problem solver and team facilitator.

● Experienced in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent.

● Dynamic, forward-thinking leader with a bias for action, experimentation, and rapid execution.