Associate Director, AI - Manchester

As one of the world’s top three credit ratings agencies, Fitch Ratings plays a critical role in global capital markets by providing credit analysis, ratings, research, and commentary to financial market participants. For over 100 years, Fitch Ratings has been creating value for global markets through its rigorous analysis and deep expertise, which have resulted in a variety of market leading tools, methodologies, indices, research, and analytical products.

Fitch Ratings is part of Fitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries. With dual headquarters in London and New York, Fitch Group is owned by Hearst. Explore a career at Fitch Ratings and you’ll join a collaborative network of curious minds. Here, our differences are our strengths - in life as well as our work. Together we work with integrity and objectivity to provide clarity to the world’s financial markets.

The prospective candidate will be joining our innovative Ratings AI team, which focuses on ideating, planning, and testing AI solutions to enhance Fitch Ratings' workflows and processes.

• A chance to spearhead innovative AI projects within a leading financial services organization
• High visibility and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company's technological advancements
• A dynamic and collaborative team of AI specialists passionate about driving change
• A supportive environment for professional development with a focus on cutting-edge AI technologies

• Actively monitor cutting-edge AI/ML research and open-source software repos, assessing them for practical and innovative applications across business workflows and decision-making processes
• Prototype and iterate on creative, innovative AI-driven solutions using a range of technologies and platforms
• Formulate and execute strategic plans for AI initiatives that align with our organizational goals and values
• Manage the AI development lifecycle, ensuring smooth progression from concept to deployment
• Engage with both internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver tailored AI solutions
• Mentor and nurture junior members of the AI team, promoting a culture of continuous learning and innovation

• An advanced degree (PhD or Master’s degree is desirable) in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, quantitative finance, mathematics, or a related field
• Solid professional experience in AI, machine learning, or data science roles
• A proven ability to lead and deliver AI projects from inception to successful implementation
• Strong technical knowledge of AI methodologies, as well as proficiency in programming languages like Python or R

• Previous experience within financial services or rating agencies
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills capable of inspiring a diverse team
• A keen understanding of AI regulatory and ethical standards, particularly within the financial industry
• A proactive approach to staying informed about emerging AI technologies and trends

• Hybrid Work Environment: 3 days a week in office required
• A Culture of Learning & Mobility: Dedicated trainings, leadership development and mentorship programs designed to ensure that your time at Fitch will be a continuous learning opportunity
• Investing in Your Future: Retirement planning and tuition reimbursement programs that empower you to achieve your short and long-term goals
• Promoting Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive healthcare offerings that enable physical, mental, financial, social, and occupational wellbeing
• Supportive Parenting Policies: Family-friendly policies, including a generous global parental leave plan, designed to help you balance career and family life effectively
• Inclusive Work Environment: A collaborative workplace where all voices are valued, with Employee Resource Groups that unite and empower our colleagues around the globe
• Dedication to Giving Back: Paid volunteer days, matched funding for donations and ample opportunities to volunteer in your community

Fitch is committed to providing global securities markets with objective, timely, independent and forward-looking credit opinions. To protect Fitch’s credibility and reputation, our employees must take every precaution to avoid conflicts of interests or any appearance of a conflict of interest. Should you be successful in the recruitment process at Fitch Ratings you will be asked to declare any securities holdings and other potential conflicts prior to commencing employment. If you, or your immediate family, have any holdings that may conflict with your work responsibilities, you may be asked to divest yourself of them before beginning work.

Fitch is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, and other statuses protected by law.