Director of Data Science – AI Ops

About the role

Mastercard is seeking a Director of Data Science to shape the AI Ops strategy and deliver AI‑powered solutions that enhance reliability and performance at scale. This senior leader will translate complex data into actionable, production‑ready models that drive measurable business outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute a data science strategy aligned with AI Ops and enterprise priorities.
• Lead design, development, and deployment of machine learning, deep learning, predictive modeling, and generative AI solutions.
• Establish best practices for model development, validation, governance, and lifecycle management.
• Translate analytical insights into strategic recommendations for executive decision‑making.
• Partner with Engineering, Product, Operations, and AI/ML Engineering teams to operationalize models and enable intelligent automation.
• Build and mentor high‑performing data science teams, fostering innovation and continuous learning.

Required profile

• Advanced expertise in data science, machine learning, AI, and predictive modeling with a track record of enterprise‑scale impact.
• Strong experience applying deep learning and generative AI to large, complex datasets.
• Solid foundation in applied mathematics, statistics, algorithm design, and model validation.
• Proven ability to influence strategic business decisions through data‑driven insights.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high‑performing data science teams.

Required skills

• Machine learning
• Deep learning
• Generative AI
• Predictive modeling
• Applied mathematics
• Statistics
• Algorithm design
• Model validation
• AI Ops
• MLOps
• Model lifecycle management