AI Governance Specialist

Financial services organisations operating in regulated markets are deepening their investment in responsible AI — not as a compliance formality, but as a structural capability. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded across core business functions, the need for practitioners who can operationalise governance, manage risk, and sustain oversight frameworks has become a senior priority.

We are retained by a leading financial institution to identify an AI Governance Specialist to anchor its AI governance function. This is a high-visibility role operating at the intersection of risk, compliance, and emerging technology — sitting within a technology governance structure and working closely with both local leadership and a broader enterprise-wide governance framework.

The Role

This role exists to ensure that AI systems deployed across the organisation are subject to rigorous, structured oversight — from initial registration through risk assessment, approval, monitoring, and recertification. The successful candidate will serve as the operational and secretariat anchor for the organisation's AI governance working group, driving compliance with regulatory expectations and enterprise governance standards while managing the end-to-end lifecycle of AI systems in use.

This is not a pure policy or documentation role. The organisation is looking for someone who has worked on the ground in risk and compliance — someone who understands what happens when material risks are missed at deployment, and who can bring that operational judgement to bear on AI-specific challenges. AI domain knowledge is valued; the ability to apply sound risk instincts to an AI context is essential.

What You Bring

• At least 7 years of experience in risk management, compliance, or technology governance, with meaningful exposure to AI or data-driven systems
• A strong foundation in risk and compliance practice — you have seen what material risk looks like in a deployed environment and know how to design controls accordingly
• Working knowledge of AI governance frameworks and regulatory standards relevant to the financial services sector, including guidance from relevant monetary authorities and international standards bodies
• Familiarity with AI ethics principles, model risk concepts, and data privacy obligations (including personal data protection legislation)
• Experience operating within or alongside a governance committee or working group structure
• Strong stakeholder management skills — able to engage across technical, business, and senior leadership audiences, and to communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats
• Comfortable operating with ambiguity; able to make sound judgements and drive decisions in a space that is still evolving
• Prior experience in a regulated financial institution is strongly preferred

Why This Role

AI governance as an organisational discipline is being built in real time. This person will have the opportunity to shape how it is institutionalised — defining operating procedures, establishing working rhythms, and helping the organisation navigate a regulatory landscape that is actively developing. For a risk and compliance professional looking to move into one of the most consequential emerging specialisms in financial services, this is an early-mover opportunity with genuine seniority and scope.