Director, Services Operations Agentic Workflow & Implementation

Job description

At Citi, you won't be running a typical IT implementation. You'll be at the center of redefining how one of the world's largest financial institutions actually operates — from the inside out. Services Operations touches millions of client interactions, thousands of associates, and some of the most complex workflows. You'll have the mandate, the access, and the executive backing to deploy AI where it matters most: at the point where our people serve our clients. The problems are real, the scale is unmatched, and the impact is immediate and measurable. Citi is looking for a Director, Operations Agentic Workflow & Implementation to lead the design and scaled delivery of agentic AI solutions that fundamentally transform how operational processes are executed across the firm partnering with product, operations, technology and second line partners. Sitting at a senior level within Citi's Operations function, this role carries full accountability for embedding AI-driven automation into production environments - bridging strategy, governance, and hands-on implementation to deliver measurable business outcomes. This is not a role for someone who theorises about AI transformation — it is for a seasoned operational technologist who has lived the realities of high-volume, compliance-sensitive service environments and knows how to deploy intelligent automation at scale. If you have a track record of driving large-scale process transformation through emerging technology, this is an opportunity to shape the future of how Citi operates at scale. Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end design and implementation of agentic AI workflows, delivering automation solutions that optimise operational processes at scale across the firm. Define and drive the strategic direction for AI-enabled operations, establishing implementation standards, governance frameworks, and performance metrics that ensure resilience and appropriate human oversight. Partner with Operations, Technology, Product, and Risk teams to redesign existing processes, embed AI agents effectively, and maximise both productivity and service quality. Implement a measurement framework that tracks and continuously improves business outcomes — including cost efficiency, cycle time reduction, accuracy, operational risk reduction, and employee experience. Manage the transition of AI solutions from pilot through to scaled production, ensuring seamless integration into live operational environments with robust controls in place. Lead and develop multiple senior operations managers across large or distributed teams, setting clear performance expectations and making decisions on hiring, development, and team structure. Negotiate and influence at senior leadership level across functions, ensuring alignment of AI implementation priorities with broader business strategy and risk appetite. Required Qualifications & Skills Extensive years of experience in operations or a related function, including at least 8 to 10 years leading large, matrixed teams through other managers. Demonstrated ability to lead medium- to long-term strategic planning across complex, cross-functional environments, with full accountability for budgets, results, and policy decisions. Deep knowledge of operational process design and implementation, with a clear understanding of how AI and workflow automation can be applied to improve end-to-end service delivery. Commercial acumen and analytical capability, including a working understanding of risk and reward dynamics and how they contribute to sustainable operational performance. Ability to assess risk in operational and business decisions, with a consistent approach to compliance, controls, and ethical conduct that protects the firm's reputation and client assets. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a track record of influencing senior stakeholders across multiple functions and engaging effectively with external parties. Profile We are looking for candidates who fit one or more of the following profiles: Operations or Operations Technology Leaders: Professionals who have led technology-enabled transformation within operations functions at large regulated institutions. They understand the realities of high-volume, compliance-sensitive service environments — SLAs, case management, escalation paths, and the human impact of getting automation wrong. AI/Automation Program Leaders: Senior leaders who have implemented AI and intelligent automation specifically within operations contexts — solving real workflow problems rather than building proofs of concept that never reach production. Transformation Leaders: Individuals who have deployed and scaled AI and agentic solutions, implemented intelligent routing, and delivered agent-assist tools that operations teams actually use and trust. Key Attributes Operational Empathy: Has walked in the shoes of an operations team. Understands the day-to-day realities of SLAs, case management, escalation paths, and the human impact of getting automation wrong. Pragmatic Technologist: Possesses strong working knowledge of AI — including LLMs and agentic frameworks — but filters every technical decision through the lens of operational feasibility, auditability, and risk. Can credibly partner with both product/engineering teams and operations leaders. Builds for Operators: Obsessed with implementing tools that are intuitive, reliable, and trusted by the people who depend on them daily. Change Agent with Discipline: Comfortable navigating the ambiguity of emerging AI capabilities, while remaining grounded in the governance and control requirements of a regulated financial institution. Brings structure to transformation without stifling momentum. Proven Delivery at Scale: Has a track record of deploying AI or automation solutions that produced measurable operational outcomes — reduced average handle time, improved first-contact resolution, or lower cost-per-transaction — rolled out across large operations teams (hundreds to thousands of users) with evidence of adoption, change management, and sustained impact. Cross-Functional Operator in Regulated Environments: Experienced in delivering technology initiatives in close partnership with Operations, Risk, Compliance, and Technology — navigating governance frameworks without losing delivery momentum. Process-First Mindset: Demonstrates a consistent habit of understanding and re-engineering the underlying process before layering in automation — not simply digitising broken workflows. Beneficial Skills & Qualifications Prior experience in a specific line of business within financial services operations, providing relevant context for the scope and complexity of this role. Familiarity with agentic AI technologies, orchestration platforms, or large-scale process automation programmes within an enterprise environment. Experience working in close collaboration with Technology and Product functions to co-design and deliver AI or automation solutions into operational workflows. What We Offer This role offers the opportunity to lead one of the most strategically significant programmes within Citi's Operations function — with real ownership, genuine influence, and the scale of a global financial institution behind you. You will work alongside senior leaders across the firm, with the resources and mandate to deliver transformation that matters. Senior-level ownership of a high-visibility programme, with the authority to shape strategy, set direction, and make decisions that have lasting impact on the firm. Access to Citi's global network and cross-functional leadership community, enabling collaboration at the intersection of operations, technology, and AI innovation. Competitive compensation and financial wellbeing benefits commensurate with a Director-level position at a leading global financial institution. Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities to stay at the forefront of AI-enabled operations and enterprise transformation. Wellbeing support and work-life balance resources designed to help you perform at your best across all dimensions of your career and personal life. We work hard to have a positive financial and social impact on the communities we serve. In turn, we put our employees first and provide the best-in-class benefits they need to be well, live well and save well. By joining Citi London , you will not only be part of a business casual workplace with a hybrid working model (up to 2 days working at home per week), but also receive a competitive base salary (which is annually reviewed), and enjoy a whole host of additional benefits such as: Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days plus bank holidays; increasing with tenure A discretional annual performance related bonus Private medical insurance packages to suit your personal circumstances Employee Assistance Program Pension Plan Paid Parental Leave Special discounts for employees, family, and friends Access to an array of learning and development resources Alongside these benefits Citi is committed to ensuring our workplace is where everyone feels comfortable coming to work as their whole self every day. We want the best talent around the world to be energized to join us, motivated to stay, and empowered to thrive. Sounds like Citi has everything you need? Then apply to discover the true extent of your capabilities. #LI-AS3 ------------------------------------------------------ Job Family Group: Business Strategy, Management & Administration ------------------------------------------------------ Job Family: Business Process Re-Engineering ------------------------------------------------------ Time Type: Full time ------------------------------------------------------ Most Relevant Skills Please see the requirements listed above. ------------------------------------------------------ Other Relevant Skills For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter. ------------------------------------------------------ Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi . View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.