Head of Data and AI Assurance (Fintech)

TL;DR

Head of Data and AI Assurance (Fintech): Transforming risk management and assurance practices for data and AI platforms with an accent on implementing control-by-design frameworks and model governance. Focus on building preventative assurance capabilities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving the ethical adoption of intelligent systems within a complex financial services environment.

Location: Hybrid role; must be able to attend office sites in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Halifax, Leeds, London, or Manchester at least 40% of the time.

Salary: £114,800 – £150,000

Company

hirify.global is a leading financial services organization undergoing a significant digital transformation to shape the future of finance responsibly.

What you will do

• Define and lead the end-to-end controls strategy for Data and AI risk, aligning with regulatory and internal standards.
• Embed control-by-design practices across all AI products, data pipelines, and platforms to ensure proactive risk mitigation.
• Oversee assurance activities including model risk management, data quality, lineage transparency, and ethical AI monitoring.
• Lead a high-performing team specialized in assurance, technical risk, and data controls.
• Partner with Engineering, Business, Risk, and Audit teams to ensure clear understanding and management of data-driven risks.
• Provide expert guidance to senior executives on balancing innovation with safe, scalable, and well-governed AI capabilities.

Requirements

• Deep technical expertise in Data Management, AI/ML, data engineering, or model development.
• Proven track record building risk management disciplines within complex, highly regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of model risk management, data governance frameworks, and responsible AI principles.
• Experience driving organizational change and evolving operating models for risk and assurance.
• Ability to interpret complex regulatory guidance and translate it into practical, scalable internal controls.
• Strong strategic influence and communication skills capable of engaging with senior stakeholders and technical teams.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working environment including job share and hybrid attendance options.
• Focus on inclusive culture celebrating diversity and supporting colleagues through initiatives like Working with Cancer and menopause health packages.
• Opportunity to influence industry-wide AI standards in a major financial institution.
• Commitment to professional growth within a large-scale transformation journey.
• Supportive recruitment process with potential for reasonable adjustments for candidates.