Manager, AI & Data Strategy

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

The Manager, AI & Data Strategy is a developing subject-matter expert responsible for advancing Mastercard's AI and data strategy through research, stakeholder engagement and practical application of responsible AI principles. The role applies advanced knowledge of AI, data, analytics and governance to support strategic initiatives, influence decision-making and contribute to improvements across products, services and business processes.

Working closely with business, technology, legal, compliance, privacy and risk partners, the Manager helps evaluate emerging technologies, develops strategic recommendations, contributes to responsible AI frameworks and promotes the adoption of data-driven and AI-enabled ways of working across Mastercard.

Key Responsibilities

AI and Data Strategy Execution: Contribute to the execution of Mastercard's AI and data strategy by supporting strategic initiatives, identifying improvement opportunities and helping drive outcomes aligned to organisational priorities.

Research and Trend Analysis: Conduct advanced research into emerging AI, analytics and data trends, identifying innovative opportunities, potential risks and market developments relevant to Mastercard's products, services and operations.

Thought Leadership Development: Support internal and external thought leadership activities by synthesising industry developments, emerging technologies and regulatory trends into actionable insights for business and technology leaders.

Strategic Insight Generation: Provide data-driven analysis and strategic recommendations regarding emerging AI capabilities, including future and hypothetical risks, helping leaders make informed decisions and strengthen organisational resilience.

Responsible AI Framework Development: Contribute to the development and refinement of responsible data and AI governance frameworks, assessment models, methodologies and best practices that support innovation while protecting customer trust.

Governance and Risk Support: Support the design of forward-looking governance approaches, guardrails and ethical standards that help Mastercard proactively address evolving regulatory, societal and technology-related risks.

AI and Analytics Adoption: Advise business and technology teams on integrating innovative analytics, generative AI and agentic AI approaches into products, services and operational processes while promoting responsible usage practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product, engineering, legal, compliance, privacy, security, risk and business stakeholders to embed responsible AI and data practices into operational workflows and strategic initiatives.

Data and AI Literacy: Help foster a culture of data literacy and responsible innovation by creating practical guidance, facilitating discussions and enabling teams to better understand AI opportunities, limitations and risks.

Industry Engagement and External Visibility: Contribute to industry forums, standards discussions, research initiatives, publications and knowledge-sharing activities that enhance Mastercard's reputation as a trusted and responsible AI and data leader.

Knowledge Asset Development: Develop reusable frameworks, research summaries, evaluation approaches, governance artefacts and educational materials that can be leveraged across Mastercard.

Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement: Assess the effectiveness of governance practices, strategic initiatives and AI adoption efforts, recommending enhancements based on new evidence, industry developments and organisational needs.

Mentoring and Capability Building: Guide junior team members through coaching, work reviews and practical development opportunities, sharing best practices and helping build expertise across the AI and data strategy discipline.

All About You

• Experience in AI strategy, data strategy, analytics, responsible AI, product strategy, consulting or a related field.
• Solid understanding of generative AI, agentic AI, machine learning, analytics and data management principles.
• Ability to conduct research and translate complex technical, regulatory and industry developments into practical business insights.
• Experience influencing stakeholders and collaborating across multiple business and technical disciplines.
• Knowledge of responsible AI concepts including fairness, transparency, privacy, governance, accountability and model risk.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate emerging opportunities and risks.
• Excellent written, verbal and executive communication skills.
• Experience developing presentations, strategic recommendations, frameworks or governance materials.
• Ability to balance innovation with appropriate risk management and governance considerations.
• Strong intellectual curiosity and interest in emerging technologies, societal trends and future business impacts.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and rapidly evolving environments.
• Bachelor's degree in business, data science, engineering, computer science, technology or related discipline.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in payments, financial services or another highly regulated industry.
• Exposure to AI governance, model governance, technology risk, privacy or compliance functions.
• Experience conducting market research, technology assessments or strategic analyses.
• Experience contributing to white papers, thought leadership publications, conference presentations or industry forums.
• Familiarity with global AI regulatory developments and responsible AI frameworks.

Measures of Success

• Research and analysis help identify meaningful opportunities and risks associated with emerging AI and data technologies.
• Strategic recommendations influence business decisions and contribute to responsible innovation initiatives.
• Governance frameworks and AI assessment approaches are consistently applied across projects and initiatives.
• AI and analytics capabilities are adopted responsibly and effectively across supported teams.
• Data and AI literacy improve through educational activities, frameworks and stakeholder engagement.
• Cross-functional teams successfully embed responsible AI principles into products, services and operational processes.
• Mastercard's internal and external thought leadership on AI and data strategy continues to mature and expand.
• Junior team members develop stronger expertise through coaching, mentoring and practical guidance.

• The role consistently demonstrates the Mastercard Way by creating value, growing together, moving fast and doing the right thing.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;

• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;

• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and

• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.