Data Transfer Group Manager - Senior Vice President (SVP) - Rutherford, NJ/Tampa, FL (Hybrid)

The IMPaCT Team at Citi is at the forefront of managing critical data functions, encompassing Cross Border Data Clearance, the Enterprise Data Office, Privacy, and Records and Information Management. The Enterprise CBDC (Transfer Office) is pivotal in establishing and implementing Citi's enterprise-wide data transfer framework and operating model.

We are seeking a highly experienced and dynamic Senior Vice President (SVP) to lead, build, manage, and operationalize the cross-border data transfer clearance process for a major business segment within Citi. This critical role demands a sophisticated blend of regulatory execution, privacy expertise, process leadership, and content development. A strong emphasis will be placed on leveraging automation, AI tooling, strategic communication, and data-driven insights to drive efficiency and compliance. The SVP will be instrumental in defining and scaling the enterprise data transfer framework, serving as a trusted advisor to business partners, and ensuring timely and compliant execution across multiple jurisdictions and stakeholder groups. This role is specifically within the Data Transfers Office, focusing on delivering an exceptional and compliant experience for our internal stakeholders. This position reports directly to the Head of Citi’s Enterprise Data Transfer Function.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Operational Excellence: Drive and oversee cross-border data clearance activities, ensuring compliance with privacy, outsourcing, localization, and data sovereignty requirements for a significant business segment. The focus will always be on delivering seamless, efficient, and client-centric service to our internal stakeholders. This includes providing subject matter expertise in data transfers and related regulations, coupled with hands-on execution expertise in implementing and operationalizing complex processes and controls.
• Strategic Operating Model Development: Design, implement, and continuously optimize a scalable and efficient operating model that aligns with Citi’s global data transfer framework. This includes streamlining operational processes for maximum effectiveness, enhancing the user experience, and exhibiting a proactive, problem-solving mindset to anticipate and address challenges before they escalate.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence: Collaborate effectively with diverse global teams including legal, compliance, technology, and business units. Leverage strong influencing and partnership skills to drive seamless delivery, achieve common goals, and consistently meet and exceed stakeholder expectations.
• Innovation & Automation Leadership: Spearhead the development and implementation of innovative product and automation solutions. This includes integrating AI-powered decision support systems, optimizing workflow platforms, and creating intelligent dashboards to significantly enhance efficiency, accuracy, and the speed and quality of service provided to our business partners.
• Data Governance & Ownership: Assume full ownership and meticulous maintenance of the business-aligned Data Transfer Register. Ensure comprehensive traceability, accuracy, and audit readiness, thereby instilling clarity and confidence among our stakeholders regarding data transfer integrity.
• Data-Driven Insights & Analytics: Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis to evaluate process performance, identify critical areas for optimization and provide actionable, data-driven recommendations to senior leadership. Maintain a constant focus on enhancing the customer journey and improving stakeholder satisfaction through insightful analysis and practical solutions.
• Advisory & Expert Guidance: Act as a trusted and authoritative advisor to business partners on framework implementation, complex regulatory interpretation (encompassing transfers, privacy, and AI), and best operating practices. Provide expert guidance and support that is clear, proactive, and anticipates the evolving needs of internal clients.
• Knowledge Management & Content Creation: Produce, curate, and disseminate high-quality knowledge assets, including comprehensive playbooks, detailed guidance documents, and user-friendly FAQs. The goal is to simplify and scale process knowledge across the organization, empowering stakeholders with self-service solutions and clear, effective communication.
• Communication & Executive Reporting: Communicate complex regulatory and process information with exceptional clarity and conciseness to senior management, subject matter experts (SMEs), and challenge functions. Ensure transparency, foster deep understanding, and proactively engage with all internal customers to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Risk Management & Mitigation: Proactively review and critically challenge execution quality, promptly escalate risks, and develop robust, effective remediation strategies to mitigate potential issues. Always prioritize the safety and confidence of our data transfer processes, for the benefit of our internal clients, by establishing and monitoring strong operational process controls.
• AI Governance & Regulatory Change Management: Drive the integration of AI governance principles into data transfer processes, with a particular focus on actively monitoring and responding to evolving AI regulations globally. This includes aligning current operational processes with new AI laws, assessing the impact of regulatory changes on existing data transfer frameworks, and proactively adapting strategies to maintain compliance and ethical AI deployment. The regulations in scope for this role specifically cover data transfers, privacy, and AI.
• Team Building & Management: Recruit, develop, and manage a high-performing team responsible for the meticulous execution, coordination, and adherence to control standards. Foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and a strong customer service ethos to proactively support business needs. This role requires a hands-on problem-solver who champions innovative solutions and drives tangible results.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Extensive Experience: 10+ years of progressive and relevant experience in privacy, regulatory operations, legal, compliance, or data governance within global financial institutions or large enterprise settings. Demonstrated deep understanding of service delivery within a complex and highly regulated environment, including significant data transfer expertise.
• Regulatory & Compliance Expertise: Strong working knowledge and practical application of international privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, PIPEDA), cross-border regulatory requirements for data transfers (e.g., UK GDPR, EU-US Data Privacy Framework), and emerging AI regulations (e.g., EU AI Act, state-level AI governance laws in the US). Ability to articulate and apply their impact on business operations and client-facing processes, acting as a subject matter expert in these areas.
• AI Governance Acumen: Demonstrated expertise in AI governance frameworks, including ethical AI development, bias control, transparency, accountability, and the ability to proactively manage the associated risks and opportunities.
• AI Tooling and LLM Testing Experience: Proven hands-on experience working with AI tools for process enhancement, automation, or data analysis. Specific experience in testing Large Language Models (LLMs), including prompt testing, response validation, and output format verification, is highly desirable.
• Technical Proficiency & Innovation: Hands-on experience with automation tools, workflow platforms, and the integration of AI in business processes. Demonstrated passion for innovation and leveraging technology to drive efficiency and enhance the user experience.
• Risk & Control Frameworks: Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and managing robust risk and operational process controls frameworks. This includes process oversight, meticulous audit preparation, and the implementation of effective controls that ensure strong data protection while facilitating business objectives.
• Consulting & Problem-Solving Acumen: Prior consulting experience, showcasing a superior ability to diagnose complex issues, propose innovative solutions, and effectively guide clients (internal or external) through significant organizational and process changes with a distinctly customer-centric approach.
• Strategic Problem-Solver: A strong, proactive, and analytical problem-solver who can not only identify challenges but also conceptualize and drive the implementation of innovative, practical solutions. Possesses an execution-focused mindset, prioritizing tangible outcomes over mere tracking of issues, with proven hands-on execution expertise.
• Execution & Ownership Focus: Demonstrated ability to take full ownership of initiatives and consistently deliver results. Focuses on achieving measurable outcomes and ensuring efficient, effective execution, rather than just monitoring or documenting progress.
• Executive Communication & Influence: Exceptional track record of executive communications, sophisticated content development, and influential advisory support. Possesses the ability to influence and persuade stakeholders at all levels, consistently tailoring messages to resonate with diverse audience needs and perspectives.
• Team Leadership & Development: Proven track record of successfully leading, managing, and developing cross-functional teams across multiple time zones within complex, matrixed organizations. A strong history of fostering a service-oriented mindset and a culture of accountability to internal stakeholders.
• Certifications: CIPP/CIPM/CIPT/CISA certifications are a significant advantage. An AI governance certification such as the IAPP's Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) or ISACA's AI Governance certifications is highly desirable.
• Legal Expertise (Preferred): Juris Doctor (JD) degree or equivalent legal qualification is preferred, with proven experience in applying legal principles to data privacy, data transfers, and AI governance in a financial institution setting.
• Technical Tools: Mastery in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and other relevant office productivity tools.