Lead AI Validation & Governance (GenAI & ML)

Within the Group Data, Artificial Intelligence and Automation department, we are looking for a highly experienced Data Scientist / Data Engineer to lead AI Validation and Governance across both traditional Machine Learning and next-generation Generative and Agentic AI systems.

Lead AI Validation & Governance (GenAI & ML)

will play a pivotal role in defining, implementing, and scaling the Group’s AI governance and model risk framework, ensuring that AI systems are robust, explainable, compliant, and fit for purpose in business-critical contexts.

This role sits at the intersection of AI model validation, model risk management, and Responsible AI, providing independent oversight and technical leadership across the entire AI lifecycle — from design and development to deployment, monitoring, and periodic review.

In addition to its strategic and governance responsibilities, this role is expected to remain strongly hands‑on, actively contributing to the design, validation, and testing of AI models and systems.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with a pragmatic mindset, and is comfortable developing and reviewing model validation code; working directly with ML and GenAI pipelines; building prototypes, validation tools, and monitoring solutions; interacting with data, models, and APIs in a production‑oriented environment

Key responsibilities of the role will include:

• Perform independent validation and challenge of AI/ML and agentic/Generative AI systems across the full lifecycle, including model design, data quality, and performance (accuracy, robustness, explainability, fairness)
• Align validation and governance practices with applicable regulations (e.g., EU AI Act), internal guidelines, and risk appetite, translating requirements into operational processes and controls
• Identify and assess key risks (bias, explainability, compliance), and define appropriate validation controls and mitigation actions
• Define and implement continuous monitoring and alerting mechanisms for AI systems in production (e.g., data/performance drift, emerging risks such as GenAI hallucinations)
• Ensure ongoing compliance through lifecycle oversight, including periodic re‑validation of models
• Design and implement reusable functionalities to enable scalable governance and monitoring of AI models and agents
• Collaborate with data scientists, engineers, and cross‑functional stakeholders, acting as asecond line of defense to challenge assumptions and strengthen decision‑making
• Maintain robust documentation and support audit and regulatory reviews, while contributing to standards, templates, and best practices

Requirements

• Strong expertise in machine learning, Generative AI and agentic AI, with solid knowledge of AI lifecycle frameworks and validation/governance practices
• 4-7+ years of experience in AI/ML validation, model risk, or AI governance preferably within structured or regulated environments
• Advanced Python programming skills (object-oriented design) with hands‑on experience in core data science libraries (e.g., pandas, scikit‑learn, LightGBM)
• Proven ability to develop clean, modular, maintainable code, with strong focus on robustness, reproducibility, and quality
• High autonomy and proactivity, with strong collaboration skills and good understanding of regulatory frameworks (e.g., EU AI Act), explainability tools, and modern AI architectures
• Italian and English working proficiency
• Analytical thinking, risk mindset, communication skills, ability to challenge assumptions, strong documentation discipline
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, collaborating with individuals with diverse mindsets
• Proficiency in multitasking and managing dynamic deadlines
• Willingness to learn new technological and complex topics and to continuously challenge oneself

What we offer

We offer employment at the VI level with the relevant salary, in accordance with the CCNL ANIA for non‑executive employees and the Generali Group Company Agreement.

Gross annual salary ranging between 43K€ and 55K€. The final offer will be aligned with the candidate’s professional experience, technical and soft skills relevant to the role, and may include an individual variable component.

We also offer:

• Smart working and flexible hours
• Corporate welfare system
• Supplementary health insurance and discounted insurance policies
• Training and development
• Structured continuous learning paths (technical and managerial)
• Career development programs within the Group
• Access to learning platforms and internal mobility opportunities, including international

Why Join Generali

Joining Generali means becoming part of an international Group with a solid history and a forward‑looking vision, placing people at the center of its sustainable growth strategy.

At Generali, we promote a responsible, inclusive, and innovation‑driven work environment where everyone can contribute to creating value for customers, society, and the communities in which we operate.

We offer career development paths, continuous learning opportunities, and internal mobility, rewarding talent and merit. We believe in flexibility as a key driver of employee wellbeing and a sustainable work‑life balance.

Working at Generali means sharing strong values and tackling complex challenges together to build a safer and more sustainable future every day.

At Generali, we foster a corporate culture based on diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that valuing differences is a key factor for sustainable growth.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Generali evaluates all applications exclusively on objective and gender‑neutral criteria, based on skills, experience, and potential, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the selection process.

Company Profile

Generali Group Head Office is the guidelining unit of the Generali Group, one of the largest global insurance and asset management providers. Established in 1831, Generali is present in over 50 countries in the world, with a total premium income of € 82.5 billion in 2023. With around 82,000 employees serving 70 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia and Latin America. At the heart of Generali’s strategy is its Lifetime Partner commitment to customers, achieved through innovative and personalised solutions, best‑in‑class customer experience and its digitalised global distribution capabilities. The Group has fully embedded sustainability into all strategic choices, with the aim to create value for all stakeholders while building a fairer and more resilient society.