AI Transformation Head - Banking Domain

About the role

The bank's AI Transformation Head leads the enterprise-wide AI strategy, defines the AI operating model and drives digital transformation across retail banking, corporate banking, risk and operations. Reporting directly to the CEO and regularly to the Board Risk and Technology Committees, the role owns the first-line execution of AI deployment while setting strong controls, and acts as the primary technical contact with the Central Bank of Oman on emerging technology governance and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Formulate and execute a multi-year corporate AI strategy aligned with the bank's digital transformation roadmaps, and define the enterprise target operating model for AI.
• Identify high-impact use cases across retail, corporate banking, risk and back-office operations, and champion an innovation culture around data as a strategic asset.
• Set up an AI governance framework with ethical guidelines, algorithmic transparency standards and model validation protocols, and mitigate risks such as algorithmic bias, data drift and security vulnerabilities.
• Ensure full alignment with Central Bank of Oman regulations, electronic banking guidelines and national data privacy laws, and act as the technical point of contact for internal audit, regulators and CBO inspectors.
• Drive AI initiatives from proof-of-concept to production deployment, working with Information Security, Risk, Compliance and IT, and set KPIs to measure the impact of AI solutions.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors, fintech partners and academic institutions, and oversee data pipelines, warehousing, feature stores and real-time streaming for credit scoring, fraud detection and personalized marketing.
• Build and lead a team of data scientists, ML engineers and transformation project managers, supporting the Omanisation mandate with career pathways, mentorship and training.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, AI, Data Science, IT, Engineering, Business Administration or a related field; a Master's degree is highly desirable.
• 10-15 years of experience in digital transformation, AI, technology strategy, data science or enterprise technology within banking or financial services.
• At least 5 years leading enterprise-wide AI, digital transformation or innovation programs with cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record of delivering AI, ML and GenAI solutions with measurable business results, and of engaging executive leadership and managing technology partnerships.

Required skills

• Enterprise AI strategy and transformation, AI governance and responsible AI
• Data analytics, business intelligence, generative AI and machine learning
• Agile delivery and program management, vendor and stakeholder management, budget and resource management
• Leadership, organizational change management and change management in a regulated banking environment