> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2234832-head-of-ai](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2234832-head-of-ai). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Head of AI - **Company:** Data Science Festival - **Location:** London, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £140,000.0 - £170,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning Operations - **Published:** August 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.collegerecruiter.com/job/2815043423-head-of-ai ## About the Role * Proven leadership in defining and delivering enterprise AI strategy, including GenAI * Strong understanding of AI platforms, MLOps, and modern AI tooling (without needing to be hands-on) * Experience translating AI opportunities into commercially impactful use cases at scale * Exceptional communication, influence, and stakeholder engagement skills, able to operate confidently at senior levels * Demonstrated ability to build new teams and uplift organisational capability If you are motivated by shaping the future of AI within a major organisation and leading an agenda with significant executive visibility and impact. ## Description Head of AI Salary: £140,000 - £170,000 + bonus Location: London/Hybrid Data Idols are partnering with a major UK brand undergoing a significant enterprise-wide transformation, placing AI at the centre of its long-term business and technology strategy. This is a pivotal, newly created leadership role with the remit to define, influence, and drive the organisation's entire AI agenda. The Opportunity As Head of AI, you will shape the strategic direction for how AI, including generative, agentic, and operational AI, is adopted, governed, and scaled across the organisation. You'll create and lead a high-impact AI function that brings together existing ML, AI Ops, and emerging AI capabilities under a clear, unified strategy. This role is about vision, influence, and enterprise-wide impact. You'll work closely with executive stakeholders to identify where AI can deliver meaningful commercial value, create competitive advantage, and transform customer and operational experiences. You will champion the responsible and strategic adoption of AI, ensuring cutting-edge technologies translate into measurable outcomes. While you'll have a strong technical grounding, this is not a hands-on research or engineering position. Instead, you'll provide strategic leadership, ensuring the right capabilities, standards, and governance structures are in place to successfully deliver AI at scale. Key Responsibilities * Set the enterprise AI strategy, aligning AI capabilities with long-term business goals * Build, lead, and inspire a new AI organisation, consolidating and uplifting existing teams * Drive adoption of generative, agentic, and advanced operational AI across diverse business areas * Influence senior stakeholders and guide the organisation on where and how AI can create real commercial leverage Skills and Experience * Proven leadership in defining and delivering enterprise AI strategy, including GenAI * Strong understanding of AI platforms, MLOps, and modern AI tooling (without needing to be hands-on) * Experience translating AI opportunities into commercially impactful use cases at scale * Exceptional communication, influence, and stakeholder engagement skills, able to operate confidently at senior levels * Demonstrated ability to build new teams and uplift organisational capability If you are motivated by shaping the future of AI within a major organisation and leading an agenda with significant executive visibility and impact. ## Related Videos - [AI PowerPlay: Building High-Impact Teams & Transformative Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1005-ai-powerplay-building-high-impact-teams-transformative-solutions) - [Effective Machine Learning - Managing Complexity with MLOps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/185-effective-machine-learning-managing-complexity-with-mlops) - [Edit Your Future: Queerverse Radical AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/909-edit-your-future-queerverse-radical-ai) - [MLOps - What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/392-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it) - [Inside the AI Revolution: How Microsoft is Empowering the World to Achieve More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/869-inside-the-ai-revolution-how-microsoft-is-empowering-the-world-to-achieve-more) - [AI in Leadership: How Technology is Reshaping Executive Roles](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1705-ai-in-leadership-how-technology-is-reshaping-executive-roles) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development)