Senior AI Adoption Specialist

This three-year programme is funded by the GLA aligning with their new ‘AI mission’ which has established an AI taskforce to look at the future of jobs and has goals such as providing ‘free AI skills training for Londoners’. This also delivers a key recommendation of L&P’s Business Support Strategy of supporting under-represented founders with AI adoption. This is a high profile and ambitious programme which will aim to support a high number of businesses, from different sizes and sectors. The delivery model is currently being designed but it is likely to include: an awareness campaign, a range of online and face-to-face activities adapted to support different business audiences, from online training and content resources to a more in-depth accelerator programme., The Senior AI Adoption Specialist will be responsible for delivering high-quality AI Adoption support, guiding SMEs through their AI awareness and adoption journey, and ensuring all activities meet the programme’s standards of excellence. They will also lead on the SME outreach and engagement to ensure strong participation in the programme. The AI Technology Adoption Specialist will lead a team of AI Adoption Specialists (x4) that will work directly with businesses to understand their operational and commercial challenges, identify where AI can create value, and develop practical AI adoption roadmaps that help SMEs move from awareness to implementation. The role will operate across London, with delivery taking place through a combination of in-person workshops, online sessions, client meetings, remote working and work from London & Partners’ main office.

They will:

• Work with the Head of the AI Programme and with the AI Programme Manager on programme planning, technical delivery, monitoring, reporting and stakeholder engagement, and the continuous innovation and improvement for the programme.
• Be an ambassador for the programme, to build visibility with SMEs and potential collaborators across London and manage the relationship with relevant SME and industry networks.
• Achieve programme KPIs related to AI adoption activity. Reaching target number of programme and training registrations, AI adoption, workshops and roadmaps.
• Supporting the Marketing and PR team to increase visibility and reputation of London & Partners and the programme, such as identifying SMEs case studies and engaging in press opportunities where relevant., * Train, guide and supervise a small team of AI Adoption Specialists to achieve programme KPIs and quality standards. Ensuring they have the right support to carry out their role and deliver high quality.
• Lead and manage the team, carrying out performance management, and enabling professional development.
• Facilitate workshops and training to foster Team’s knowledge sharing

Client & Programme Delivery

• With the Head of the AI Programme, design the programme delivery. The programme is still to be designed and it’s likely to include: Online and face-to-face workshops and training; online resources and toolkits and a more in-depth accelerator-style programme for businesses requiring intensive support.
• Manage a portfolio of SMEs, deliver workshops, conduct roadmaps to assess business needs and identify practical opportunities for AI, automation and digital technology adoption
• Be focussed on supporting the Team to provide a quality and seamless customer service for SMEs.
• Supporting the delivery of Alumni events. Identifying key themes to support SME needs, and speakers.

Stakeholder Engagement & Networking

• Represent London & Partners and AI Programme London at business events and conferences to promote the programme.
• Working together with the GLL Regional Managers to build strong relationships with local business networks to raise awareness of the programme and deliver joined activities.
• Work collaboratively with the peer Made Smarter Senior TAS and the GLL Service Delivery team to share knowledge and align best practice.

Monitoring, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure accurate data capture and reporting in CRM and programme management systems.
• Monitor progress against KPIs and funding requirements, providing regular performance updates to the Head of the AI Programme and AI Programme Manager.
• Work with the Head of the AI Programme and AI Programme Manager on continuous improvement of the programme, to optimise customer journeys, increase performance and efficiencies within programme.
• Identify trends, barriers and opportunities arising from SME engagements and share insights to inform future strategy.

Do you have experience in Relationship management?, Management and Leadership

• Demonstrable experience managing and coaching teams in a technical, innovation, or SME advisory setting.
• Line-management experience; setting objectives, performance management and professional development plans.
• Proven track record of delivering successful IDT adoption or digital transformation projects for SMEs.
• Experience working with SMEs to develop digital strategies, improve productivity, or access innovation funding.

SME Advise and Consultancy

• A strong track record of working directly with SMEs and understanding their operational, commercial and digital adoption challenges
• Experience developing AI adoption roadmaps, digital transformation plans, action plans or technology implementation recommendations
• Experience helping businesses achieve outcomes such as increased productivity, enhanced competitiveness, improved customer experience or business transformation
• Experience delivering workshops, webinars, training sessions or one-to-one advisory support on AI, digital tools, automation or technology adoption

Stakeholder Management

• Strong stakeholder engagement experience, ideally within business support, innovation ecosystems, Digital Tech networks or government-funded programmes
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Confident in presenting to senior stakeholders and representing programmes publicly

Knowledge AI, Digital and Technical Knowledge The successful candidate will have strong technical literacy and a practical understanding of how AI can be applied in SME settings. They should be confident assessing business problems, identifying realistic AI-enabled solutions, and advising businesses on what is practical, valuable and achievable. Essential knowledge includes:

• Knowledge of major AI platforms, with hands-on expertise in at least one
• Working knowledge of no-code and low-code automation tools such as Zapier, Make and OpenAI APIs
• Awareness of AI categories relevant to SMEs, including:
• Generative AI
• OCR and document processing
• CRM intelligence
• Forecasting and analytics tools
• Workflow automation
• Data literacy and an understanding of the IT infrastructure needed to support AI solutions
• Understanding of how AI and digital tools can be used to support business transformation including, improve productivity and operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, improve products and services, internal processes, and strengthen competitiveness.
• Understanding of common SME bottlenecks across functions such as finance, sales, operations, customer service and HR
• Awareness of change management principles and the barriers businesses face when adopting new technologies, * At least degree level with a relevant technical, digital or business education with relevant experience of digital technologies or degree level qualification with a management body or the relevant business experience to match

Core Skills & Competencies (Desirable)

• Experience working on government-funded programmes or business support initiatives
• Awareness of monitoring and reporting requirements for public-funded programmes.
• Project management, leadership, or coaching qualifications.
• Knowledge of the UK business support landscape, innovation funding, and SME growth challenges.
• Experience supporting under-represented founders or businesses from diverse communities
• Knowledge of sustainability, green practices or responsible innovation

The postholder should bring a strong sense of initiative, a collaborative mindset and a genuine interest in helping London SMEs use AI in ways that are responsible, practical and commercially valuable.

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave
• Company pension, * 30 Days Annual Leave: Generous paid time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
• Competitive Salary: We value your contributions and ensure you are rewarded accordingly.
• Learning & Development Opportunities: Continuous growth is at the heart of our culture, with ample opportunities for professional development.
• Strong Culture of Belonging: We foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and supported.
• Various Networks for Staff: Connect with like-minded colleagues through our numerous staff networks.
• Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan.
• Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network within your chosen field.
• Geopolitical Insights: Gain unique perspectives on global economic and political trends.
• Hybrid Working Arrangement: Enjoy the flexibility of working both remotely and in-office.
• ️ WorkFlex: Take advantage of opportunities to work abroad and experience different cultures.

London & Partners is the business growth and destination agency for London - it is our mission to create economic growth that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive. Our work shines a global spotlight on London; we support the Mayor of London’s priorities by promoting London internationally as a leading world city.