Head of Data Science- AI

We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy.

We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.

Are you passionate about using AI to drive business value? Are you ready to lead the development of AI models that directly address complex business challenges and drive innovation?

As part of this role, you will manage the end-to-end process of designing, building and deploying AI solutions that contribute directly to Swifts strategy, from data exploration and preparation to creating cutting-edge machine learning and deep learning models. You’ll guide a talented team of data scientists, oversee the design of AI-driven solutions for a variety of use cases, and ensure high-quality execution. At Swift, you’ll be at the forefront of AI innovation, using the latest techniques to deliver data-driven insights that align with business goals and enhance customer experiences.

What to expect

In this role you will:

• Lead and mentor a global team of data scientists within the AI team, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and setting clear objectives.
• Coordinate the end-to-end development of AI and machine learning solutions in line with product roadmaps and across a variety of business use cases, from conception to deployment ensuring the delivery of impactful, data-driven solutions
• Translate complex business problems from customers and internal product owners into data science plans and which contribute to high impact business cases
• Promote technical excellence and ensure the use of standard methodologies in data science, model validation, and explainability, maintaining a strong focus on accuracy and performance.
• Promote and use responsible AI practices and guidelines, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in all AI and machine learning projects while upholding stringent privacy and data protection standards.
• Collaborate with teams across the company to align AI initiatives with business goals and communicate complex technical concepts in simple, actionable terms including in commercial settings.
• Continuously research and implement brand new AI and machine learning techniques to improve capabilities, ensuring Swift remains at the forefront of AI Innovation in the financial industry.
• Lead project scope, timelines, and prioritization, ensuring the successful delivery of AI projects on time and within scope.

What you need to be successful:

• 5-10 years of hands-on experience developing and delivering in-house AI solutions across a variety of use cases.
• Deep understanding of the end-to-end AI development lifecycle, including data analysis, preparation, modeling, and deployment.
• Expertise in both traditional machine learning models and advanced deep learning techniques, with a strong grasp of model explainability.
• Proficiency in new machine learning methodologies and tools, with a proven track record of learning and adapting to emerging AI technologies.
• Proven expertise in integrating responsible AI principles and robust privacy/data protection measures, in AI solution design, build and deployment with a track record of ensuring high standards of operational excellence
• Strong experience in analyzing complex business problems and translating them into structured data science projects and AI powered solutions
• A track record of successfully leading and managing global data science teams, with a focus on collaboration, mentorship, and delivering results.
• Excellent communication skills, able to translate technical findings into business insights and align projects with strategic objectives.

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MSc, Ph.D. or equivalent experience) in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Certifications in machine learning, data science, or AI.
• Experience in the financial services industry.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, ever-evolving technological landscape.

Don't meet every single requirement? At Swift, we are dedicated to building a workplace where people can bring their full selves and ideas to the team, so if you are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification.

We put you in control of career

We give you a competitive package

We help you perform at your best

We help you make a difference

We give you the freedom to be yourself

We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. An environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential regardless of age, background, culture, colour, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran/military status.