> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3524716-ai-innovation-director](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3524716-ai-innovation-director). 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). --- # AI Innovation Director - **Company:** Ericsson - **Location:** Reading, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Customer Data Management - **Published:** October 2, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=cd59385e19349652 ## About the Role * 10+ years in telco operations, managed services or adjacent domains (RAN, core, IP, service assurance, change). * 5+ years in innovation, product management or solution leadership for AI/analytics/autonomous operations. * Experience leading cross-functional, global teams and delivering complex solutions into live networks., * Strong domain expertise in at least one of: Service Assurance, Optimization, Fault Management, Change Management. * Ability to translate complex operations challenges into clear AI use cases and value narratives. * Solid understanding of AI/ML, GenAI and autonomous operations concepts (intents, closed loops, autonomy levels). * Strong leadership, stakeholder management and storytelling skills suitable for senior internal and customer engagement. Behaviours and Competencies * Customer and value focused, with the ability to shape AI use cases around measurable operational and business outcomes. * Strong collaboration and ability to lead cross-functional, global teams and squads by influence rather than direct authority. * Structured, strategic thinking with the ability to articulate complex AI and autonomy concepts in simple, impactful narratives. * Innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, constantly scanning the market and technology landscape to keep the domain ahead. Why join Ericsson?At Ericsson, you´ll have an outstanding opportunity. The chance to use your skills and imagination to push the boundaries of what´s possible. To build solutions never seen before to some of the world's toughest problems. You´ll be challenged, but you won't be alone. You´ll be joining a team of diverse innovators, all driven to go beyond the status quo to craft what comes next. ## Description * Own the innovation roadmap for the assigned domain, aligned with the overall AI and autonomous operations strategy. * Identify, shape and prioritise high-value AI use cases based on operational insights and customer demand. * Lead end-to-end solution design for each use case, including business intent, scope, architecture, operating model, KPIs and value case. * Steer cross-functional squads (SMEs, AI experts, architects, delivery) to build and validate new solutions with lighthouse customers. * Ensure every solution is industrialised through reusable blueprints, standard SoWs, reference architectures, runbooks and value messaging. * Act as primary innovation contact for the domain with sales, delivery, customers and partners, supporting GTM without owning P&L * Continuously monitor market, competitor and technology developments to keep the domain ahead on AI, GenAI and autonomy. Join our Team Role Authority * Define and recommend changes to the AI innovation roadmap, solution patterns and autonomy strategy within the governance of the AI Innovation VP and SA MSN. * Access necessary operational, financial and customer data to prioritise and shape AI use cases and measure value delivery. * Initiate and lead innovation and industrialisation initiatives within the scope of AI and autonomous-operations solutions, including lighthouse engagements. ## Related Videos - [API Platform: From Rest & GraphQL APIs to state-of-the-art standards in seconds](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1968-api-platform-from-rest-graphql-apis-to-state-of-the-art-standards-in-seconds) - [Edit Your Future: Queerverse Radical AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/909-edit-your-future-queerverse-radical-ai) - [The Impact of AI on Game Development and the Industry](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100297-the-impact-of-ai-on-game-development-and-the-industry) - [Angstfreude - AI and Corporate Culture - The Thrill and the Threat](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100354-angstfreude-ai-and-corporate-culture-the-thrill-and-the-threat) - [AI Vector Search at Scale - Ewa Szyszka - Ewa Szyszka](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2161-ai-vector-search-at-scale-ewa-szyszka-ewa-szyszka) - [AI is dead, long live AK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1093-ai-is-dead-long-live-ak) ## Related Articles - [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) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Panel Discussion: Responsible AI in Practice - Real-World Examples and Challenges](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/488-panel-discussion-responsible-ai-in-practice-real-world-examples-and-challenges)