AI Automation Lead | S3 | Data & AI Domain | Milton Keynes | Internal Mobility

• Lead the identification, shaping and implementation of AI-enabled automation opportunities across Santander UK.
• Translate business problems into scalable, controlled solutions that deliver measurable value.
• Drive adoption of Process PaaS and the wider AI Automation capability across business domains.
• Help initiatives progress from opportunity and experimentation through governance, implementation and production adoption.
• Operate at the intersection of Business, AI and Automation, coordinating stakeholders across Technology, Architecture, Risk and Control.

We’re shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

• Partner with business domains to identify processes where AI, agentic capabilities or traditional automation can deliver measurable value, and determine the most appropriate technology approach.
• Shape opportunities into well-defined use cases with clear outcomes, requirements, dependencies, controls and success measures.
• Support rapid experimentation and prototyping, then help transition successful concepts into controlled, scalable production solutions.
• Lead day-to-day engagement with teams adopting Process PaaS and AI Automation capabilities, providing practical guidance on technology selection, change and implementation.
• Coordinate Business, AI, Technology, Architecture, Risk and Control stakeholders to manage dependencies, remove blockers and enable delivery.
• Ensure initiatives follow relevant technology, security, architecture, data protection and operational governance, including explain-ability, human oversight, testing and traceability.
• Facilitate workshops and translate business problems into actionable requirements for technical delivery teams.
• Champion adoption, reuse and replication by sharing reusable components, delivery patterns, practical guidance and lessons learned across Santander UK.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us greater as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Great experience in digital transformation, process improvement, artificial intelligence or intelligent automation. (Required)
• Experience taking technology-enabled solutions from initial concept through prototyping, implementation and production adoption. (Required)
• Experience working across business and technical teams to deliver change in a complex organisation. (Required)
• Experience applying technology governance and controls within a regulated environment. (Required)
• Experience with banking, financial services or another highly regulated sector. (Preferred)

Education

• Degree-level education or equivalent practical experience in technology, engineering, data, business transformation or a related discipline. (Preferred)

Languages

• No additional language requirement beyond the role’s working language.

Hard Skills

• Practical understanding of AI, agentic solutions, workflow orchestration, Process PaaS and traditional automation. (Required)
• Ability to determine when AI, agentic technology or conventional automation is the appropriate solution. (Required)
• Ability to translate business problems into implementable technology solutions with clear requirements, dependencies and success measures. (Required)
• Understanding of technology, security, architecture, data protection and operational controls, including explain-ability, human oversight, testing and traceability. (Required)

Soft Skills

• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across business and technical teams. (Required)
• Pragmatic, hands-on and delivery-oriented approach, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and remove blockers. (Required)
• Excellent communication and workshop facilitation skills, with the ability to build relationships across organisational boundaries. (Required)

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a robust risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

The Data & AI Domain at Santander is responsible for setting the strategic direction for data, analytics, and artificial intelligence across the organisation. It ensures that data is managed as a trusted enterprise asset and that advanced technologies are applied responsibly, securely, and effectively to create value for customers and the business., At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return. Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive - personally and professionally.

• Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
• Wellbeing that goes beyond work - we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Support for every life stage - from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network., At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone - regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates.

We want our people to thrive - at work and at home - while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.

To make this possible, our roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles).