IT STARTS HERE
Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization, 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 strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
At Santander, we are building a world-class AI & Data organization to drive innovation at scale and responsibly deliver the benefits of AI across all our markets. As part of this journey, we are looking for an AI Engagement Lead — a connector, communicator, and orchestrator who will help accelerate AI adoption through effective engagement with our local CDAIOs and country AI leads.
In this role, you will act as the primary point of coordination between the Global AI team and the country organizations, helping shape local AI roadmaps, surface key opportunities, and remove operational blockers. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that our global AI strategy translates into tangible impact at the country level — through structured governance, proactive stakeholder management, and compelling communication.
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:
Country Engagement & Coordination
Build trusted working relationships with CDAIOs and local heads of AI to ensure alignment with global priorities.
Support the Senior Leader in shaping country engagement plans and follow-up on delivery milestones.
Identify high-value AI use cases and track progress across implementation phases.
Facilitate structured country reviews, QBRs, and steering committees with clear KPIs and outcomes.
Stakeholder Communication & Alignment
Prepare executive briefings, decks, and talking points for senior forums (e.g., CDAO Council, ExCo readouts).
Translate complex AI topics into clear, business-relevant messages tailored to different audiences.
Act as the “voice of the countries” within the global AI adoption function, surfacing feedback and local challenges.
Coordinate with Product Owners, Risk, Compliance, and Technology to unblock delivery and manage dependencies.
Change Management & Enablement
Support adoption readiness by leveraging playbooks, templates, and internal communications.
Contribute to internal storytelling campaigns that drive awareness and enthusiasm for AI initiatives.
Share best practices and promote reusability of successful approaches across countries.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organization. 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.
Professional Experience
5–8 years of experience in consulting, transformation, business strategy, or program management roles within large, matrixed organizations. (Required)
Proven track record of coordinating complex programs or stakeholder engagement across multiple geographies. (Required)
Languages
Fluent English (written and spoken) (Required)
Spanish or Portuguese are a plus (Preferred)
Hard Skills
Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and synthesize complex information. (Required)
Strong organizational and project management capabilities, comfortable working with ambiguity and multiple priorities. (Required)
Solid understanding of business value creation and performance measurement. (Required)
Soft Skills
Experience in financial services or other regulated industries.
Familiarity with AI & Data concepts (AI use cases, data lifecycle, responsible AI).
Experience collaborating with technology, risk, and compliance teams on innovation or change programs.
International exposure or experience working across Europe and the Americas.
What We Offer
Join a global, high-impact AI & Data team at one of the world’s leading financial institutions. You’ll work alongside senior AI and business leaders, gaining unique exposure to strategic decision-making and large-scale transformation programs. We offer a dynamic environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning — giving you the opportunity to make a real difference in how AI transforms the future of banking.
WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT
Your contribution matters, and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair, competitive reward package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. But we know rewards go beyond numbers.
We’re enable our teams to go beyond through global opportunities and broad career paths.
Flexibility that works. Enjoy a hybrid working models—some days remote, some days onsite with your team—along with flexible hours.
Learning for life. Access hundreds of courses on our platforms, including exclusive access to our global learning space: Santander Open Academy (www.santanderopenacademy.com)
Competitive rewards. Receive a highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses, motivating you to keep growing with us.
Financial advantages. Benefit from preferential banking terms, special interest rates on loans, life insurance, and more.
Your health is our priority. Through BeHealthy, our global wellness programme, we promote Holistic wellbeing.
We know family is everything. That’s why we offer childcare support and family-friendly programmes tailored to each life stage.
Always by your side. Get access to Santander Contigo, our program for employees and their families offering legal, emotional, and administrative advisory services.
Extra benefits. Gym/WellHub membership, medical centers in some of our facilities, meal subsidy, parking, shuttle service from various points in Madrid, as well as exclusive discounts and offers for Santander employees. And that’s only the beginning—we’ll tell you more when you join!
We’re here to keep you motivated, help you reach your goals, and celebrate your progress, every step of the way.D
LOCAL COMPLIANCE
Santander is proud of being an organization where there are equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR JOURNEY?