Job description

We invite you to explore a future with us at PRA Group, a diverse and growing company that has a tangible impact on the global economy. Position Summary: We are seeking a visionary and execution-focused SVP to lead our Applied AI and Data Science function. This role will drive the strategic identification, design, and delivery of high-impact AI initiatives across the enterprise, while also overseeing our data science team to form a unified AI/Data Science capability. The SVP will be responsible for transforming business operations through applied AI innovation, including conversational AI, intelligent automation, and decisioning systems, with a strong focus on measurable outcomes and business impact. This role is hybrid and requires working onsite three days a week working in either our Charlotte, NC office or our Norfolk, VA office. Qualifications • 10+ years of experience in AI, ML/data science, or product development, with 5+ years in leadership roles. • The ideal candidate has previous experience working for a Fintech, Big Tech or AI Solutions Product company. • Proven track record of delivering AI solutions in financial services or regulated industries. • Deep expertise in AI/ML technologies such as NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation. • Strong understanding of AI ecosystems including LLM orchestration, voice AI, decision engines, and workflow automation. • Experience with platforms such as Azure Cognitive Services, Dialogflow, or equivalent. • Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and modern data science tools and frameworks. • Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional teams and delivering operational AI solutions at scale. • Bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in consumer collections, legal recovery, or dispute resolution. • Familiarity with AI governance, responsible AI practices, and model risk management. Key Responsibilities AI Strategy & Execution • Lead the enterprise-wide AI strategy focused on applied innovation and business transformation. • Identify and prioritize AI opportunities across business areas including underwriting, call center, digital, legal, and compliance. • Translate operational challenges into structured AI use cases and deliver scalable solutions. • Oversee deployment of AI agents (voice/text), document automation, intelligent routing, and LLM-based solutions. • Define and monitor KPIs including automation rate, recovery uplift, resolution time, and model performance. Data Science Leadership • Integrate and lead the data science function, aligning it with AI strategy to deliver predictive models, optimization, and analytics. • Guide teams in developing and operationalizing ML models, statistical analysis, and experimentation. • Ensure robust model governance, monitoring, and compliance with regulatory frameworks (e.g., Reg F, CCPA). Cross-Functional Collaboration • Communicate AI strategy and impact to executive stakeholders, articulating ROI and strategic value. • Partner with Investments, Ops, Tech, Risk / Compliance, Finance and external vendors to deliver AI solutions that are secure, ethical, and compliant. • Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement across AI and data science teams. Leadership/Supervisory Responsibilities & Level • Lead AI and Data Science team and help to improve business focus and outcomes through development of world class impact-oriented talent. • Influence internal and external stakeholders as a thought leader in applied AI and data science. • Develop and track progress against a product roadmap for AI and data science capabilities. • Define success metrics for team members and projects, ensuring clarity of expectations and accountability. • Own resolution of operational issues, process improvements, and cross-functional impediments. • Provide mentorship and coaching to foster technical and professional development across the team. • Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies during design and implementation of AI/ML solutions. • Support budget planning, resource allocation, and performance management for the function. • Exposure to compliance environments and regulatory frameworks in financial services. Success Metrics • Business impact from AI initiatives (e.g., collections uplift, efficiency gains). • Time-to-value for AI deployments from concept to scale. • Adoption and utilization of AI tools across business units. • Model performance and reliability aligned with business goals. • Compliance with internal and external AI governance standards. • Innovation pipeline of validated AI use cases. • Stakeholder satisfaction and strategic alignment. • Cost efficiency and ROI of AI investments. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, sex, gender, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, citizenship, or any other classes recognized by state or local law or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. We are a drug free workplace. To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

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