Vice President, AI and Data (US)

Visionary AI and Data executive with a track record of scaling intelligent systems; Ready to lead ZIP’s next wave of innovation across agentic infrastructure, ML platforms, and data strategy

Accelerate the future of agentic commerce and consumer products by driving enterprise-scale AI, responsible frameworks, and high-performing technical teams

Remote-first opportunity for US-based employees with the option to work in-person out of our Manhattan office 

Vice President AI and Data

Lead the future of Agentic AI, Data Engineering, and Machine Learning at ZIP US, enabling the next generation of fintech, ecommerce, payments, and the hybrid workforce through agentic systems.

Start your adventure with Zip

ZIP is hiring a Vice President and Chief AI and Data Officer to define and lead our AI and Data strategy across engineering, operations, and product enablement. This senior executive role spans Agentic AI, Data Engineering, Machine Learning Engineering, and Agentic Operations, with responsibility for designing and managing the infrastructure, frameworks, and operational models that power agentic systems across our business.

You will lead the development of agentic infrastructure, drive the enablement of agentic products and services, and guide ZIP US’s leadership in the emerging space of agentic commerce, agentic payments, and the next generation hybrid workforce. As the enterprise leader for AI and Data, you will ensure that ZIP continues to be trusted, innovative, and resilient while advancing our position as an industry leader.

As a key member of the US Product, Design, and Engineering Leadership Team, you will:

• Define and execute ZIP’s AI and Data strategy across engineering and operations
• Build the organizational foundation for Agentic Operations to manage the lifecycle of agentic systems across the enterprise
• Drive enablement of agentic products and services for customers and merchants
• Partner across Sales, Partnerships, Product, Engineering, Compliance, and Operations to align technical innovation with business priorities
• Ensure AI, ML, and Data initiatives reinforce customer trust, security, and regulatory requirements
• You will lead high performing AI, Data, and ML engineering teams while shaping a new function dedicated to agentic systems and operations

Interesting problems you will get to solve

• Define and lead the enterprise AI and Data strategy, positioning ZIP US at the forefront of agentic commerce, payments, and hybrid workforce transformation
• Build and scale the Agentic Operations function, responsible for defining, deploying, and managing agentic systems throughout the organization
• Architect and deliver the agentic infrastructure that powers experimentation, orchestration, governance, and enterprise scale deployment of intelligent systems
• Partner with Product and Engineering to enable agentic product capabilities, advancing both customer and merchant experiences
• Establish responsible AI frameworks that ensure secure by design, resilient by design, and ethical use of AI in a regulated financial services environment
• Build and retain a world class team of AI, Data, and ML engineers while establishing ZIP US as a destination for top technical talent

What you will bring to the team

• Vision and strategy: You combine deep technical knowledge of AI and Data with the ability to set enterprise level direction and inspire teams to deliver
• Agentic expertise: You understand the principles of agentic AI and have experience deploying intelligent systems that act autonomously and responsibly
• Technical leadership: You bring mastery in AI, ML, and Data Engineering, coupled with the ability to design and scale infrastructure to support complex systems
• Communication and influence: You are an exceptional communicator with executive presence, equally comfortable in front of technical teams, merchants, partners, regulators, and the Board
• Curiosity: You maintain a constant drive to learn, explore, and adapt in order to stay at the pace of AI and data’s rapid evolution
• Inspiration: You lead from the front, inspiring teams and the broader organization with a growth mindset and future oriented perspective

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Graduate degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline is required
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in AI, Data, or Machine Learning Engineering, with at least 5 years in senior executive roles
• Proven success leading large scale AI and Data initiatives in financial services, fintech, or other regulated, high trust industries
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage AI/ML platforms, data infrastructure, and agentic systems at enterprise scale
• Direct experience with agentic AI, multi agentic systems, or intelligent automation is highly desirable
• Strong track record of building and leading cross functional teams spanning Product, Engineering, Compliance, and Business
• Success in developing and implementing responsible AI practices including governance, risk management, and ethical AI frameworks

Leadership And Mindset

• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate trends in AI, commerce, payments, and the hybrid workforce
• Inclusive leader who fosters diversity of thought, talent development, and collaboration
• Hands on problem solver who balances innovation with resilience and compliance
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to drive change in a fast paced, high growth environment

Skills And Expertise

• Advanced expertise in AI, ML, and Data Engineering frameworks and platforms
• Deep knowledge of agentic systems, multi agentic orchestration, and agentic infrastructure
• Strong foundation in cloud native architecture, data platforms, and model lifecycle management
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance frameworks including SOC2, ISO27001, PCI DSS, and AI governance standards
• Metrics oriented approach with focus on outcomes, adoption, and operational excellence

What you’ll get in return

Zip is a place where you’ll get out what you put in. The newness of our sector means we need to move at pace and embrace change, and our promise to you when you join the team is that you’ll feel empowered and trusted to make big things happen quickly. We want you to feel welcome and as though you have the support to be yourself, and care for yourself at work. Because it’s important to us that you make the most of the opportunities you’ll get to grow your skills and your career, and be surrounded by smart, friendly people and leaders that have your back.

We think these are just some of the best things about being a Zipster. We will also offer you:

• Flexible working culture
• Incentive programs
• 20 days PTO every year
• Generous paid parental leave
• Leading family support policies
• 100% employer covered insurance
• Learning and wellness subscription stipend
• Company-sponsored 401k match

Zip is committed to a straightforward and transparent pay structure. The actual base salary will be determined by various individualized factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, location, internal equity, as well as other objective business considerations. The annual base Pay Range for this position is $240,000 - $290,000 USD. This range reflects our US national compensation (USN). Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. 

If hired, employees will be in an 'at-will position' and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Be a part of a team that reflects the diversity of our customers

We pride ourselves on being a workplace that provides equal opportunities to people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, veteran status, and everything else that makes you unique. Equally, we’re committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are accessible and inclusive. Please let us know If there are any adjustments that need to be made to ensure you have a fair and equitable experience.

And finally…get to know us

Zip Co Limited (ASX: ZIP) is a digital financial services company, offering innovative, people-centered products.

Operating in two core markets - Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and the US, Zip offers access to point-of-sale credit and digital payment services, connecting millions of customers with its global network of tens of thousands of merchants.

We’re proud to be a values-led business and our values - Customer First, Own it, Stronger Together and Change the Game - guide us in everything we do. I acknowledge by clicking "Submit Application", that the information provided is true and correct. I also understand that any willful dishonesty may render for refusal of this application or immediate termination of employment. By providing your information, you acknowledge that you have read our Zip Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice and authorize Zip to process your data subject to those terms. Zip participates in the federal government’s E-Verify program