Director, AI Product Definition & Execution

Director, AI Product Definition & Execution

We are seeking a director to redefine and modernize the Product Management Technical (PMT) operating model by applying an AI‑first lens to how product intent is shaped, refined, and delivered to engineering.

This role sits at the intersection of product, engineering, and architecture, and is central to evolving how we scale quality, clarity, and predictability across highly complex, regulated platforms. The leader will observe and assess the current PMT, identify systemic sources of ambiguity, rework, and friction, and redesign how product ideas become buildable software by owning the operating model, PMT practices, decision frameworks, and AI‑enabled workflows.

Success will be measured by improved delivery outcomes — higher backlog readiness, reduced iteration churn, fewer clarification cycles, stronger engineering trust, and more predictable execution across platforms.

• Product Definition Operating Model: assess current PMT model, identify gaps, define and standardize decomposition patterns, enforce definition of ready, and standardize acceptance criteria.
• AI‑Enabled Product Definition System: embed AI into PMT workflows to support requirement synthesis, feature and story generation, acceptance criteria creation, and validation; define prompt frameworks, guardrails, and AI‑based quality scoring.
• Quality System & Feedback Loops: define quality metrics, track downstream delivery signals, build closed‑loop feedback mechanisms connecting delivery outcomes to product definition quality and AI models.
• PMT Functional Transformation: evolve PMT from requirement writers to problem framers, system designers, and decision enablers; upskill PMTs in product thinking, systems thinking, and responsible AI usage; establish shared standards and expectations.
• Cross‑Functional Alignment: partner with Product, Engineering, and Architecture leaders to align intent, feasibility, constraints, and sequencing; reduce ambiguity at handoffs through AI‑enabled decisioning; build trust through transparency and predictable mechanisms.

• Business intent is collaboratively framed by Product and PMT with explicit outcomes, constraints, and success measures.
• AI‑assisted workflows generate Features, Stories, and acceptance criteria aligned to defined standards.
• AI‑based quality scoring ensures Definition of Ready before engineering intake.
• PMT validates outputs for accuracy, completeness, and readiness (strict PMT acceptance).
• Engineering executes with fewer clarification cycles.
• Delivery outcomes continuously feed back into standards, workflows, and AI models.

• Feature & Story Quality ≥80%
• Backlog readiness ≥85%
• Reduced rework and defects
• Improved delivery predictability
• Increased PMT leverage
• Higher engineering satisfaction

• 10+ years in product, engineering, or technical leadership
• Strong engineering/architecture fluency
• Experience designing operating models
• Hands‑on AI usage in workflows
• Systems thinking and ability to scale quality

• Experience with large‑scale platforms and APIs
• Payments or regulated industry experience
• Operating model transformation experience
• Exposure to AI‑driven tooling

• Engineering‑grade rigor in product definition
• AI‑first mindset
• Systems thinking
• Leadership in ambiguity
• Executive communication skills

Mastercard is a merit‑based, inclusive, equal‑opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require accommodations or assistance to complete the application or recruitment process, please contact reasonable

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of information accessed
• Report suspected information security violations or breaches
• Complete all mandatory security trainings per Mastercard’s guidelines

Compensation: O’Fallon, Missouri: $156,000 - $265,000 USD;
Purchase, New York: $179,000 - $305,000 USD.

Benefits include medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance; flexible spending and health savings accounts; paid leave up to 20 days; 401(k) with company match; tuition reimbursement; fitness reimbursement; and more.