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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Head of AI - **Company:** Hays plc - **Location:** Manchester, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £130,000.0 - £180,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Encodings, Data Governance, Machine Learning, Google Cloud, Large Language Models, Generative AI - **Published:** May 31, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.hays.co.uk/job-detail/head-of-ai-manchester_4801215 ## About the Role * Essential: Proven experience leading and managing an AI or data science team * Strong expertise in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics * Demonstrated experience delivering AI solutions within a commercial or enterprise environment * Experience developing and implementing AI strategies at a senior level * Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills * Ability to translate technical concepts into business value * Experience working with cloud platforms (e.g. Azure, AWS, GCP) Desirable * Experience within, or in collaboration with, a Big 4 consultancy (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) * Background in a consulting or client-facing environment * Experience scaling AI capability within a growing or transforming organisation * Familiarity with AI governance, risk, and regulatory frameworks What Success Looks Like * A clearly defined and executed AI strategy aligned to business goals * Successful delivery of scalable, production-ready AI solutions * A high-performing, engaged AI team * Measurable business impact driven through AI adoption * The organisation is recognised as an innovator within its market. ## Description Overview Our client is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of AI to lead their artificial intelligence function and drive innovation across the organisation. This is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing AI strategy, delivering impactful solutions, and embedding AI capabilities into core business operations. The successful candidate will bring a blend of technical depth, leadership capability, and commercial acumen, with a proven track record of delivering AI initiatives that create measurable value. Key Responsibilities * Define AI Strategy Develop and execute a clear AI roadmap aligned with the organisation's broader business objectives. * Lead AI Delivery Oversee the full life cycle of AI and machine learning solutions, from ideation through to deployment and scaling. * Team Leadership & Development Lead, manage, and grow a high-performing AI team, driving a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. * Stakeholder Engagement Partner with senior stakeholders to translate complex business challenges into effective, scalable AI solutions. * Innovation & Emerging Technologies Identify and leverage advancements in AI, including generative AI, large language models, and automation. * Governance & Ethics Ensure AI initiatives are delivered in line with best practices in ethics, compliance, and data governance. * Commercial Impact Drive tangible business outcomes, including efficiency gains, revenue growth, and enhanced customer experience. Skills & Experience * Essential: Proven experience leading and managing an AI or data science team * Strong expertise in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics * Demonstrated experience delivering AI solutions within a commercial or enterprise environment * Experience developing and implementing AI strategies at a senior level * Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills * Ability to translate technical concepts into business value * Experience working with cloud platforms (e.g. Azure, AWS, GCP) Desirable * Experience within, or in collaboration with, a Big 4 consultancy (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) * Background in a consulting or client-facing environment * Experience scaling AI capability within a growing or transforming organisation * Familiarity with AI governance, risk, and regulatory frameworks What Success Looks Like * A clearly defined and executed AI strategy aligned to business goals * Successful delivery of scalable, production-ready AI solutions * A high-performing, engaged AI team * Measurable business impact driven through AI adoption * The organisation is recognised as an innovator within its market. #4801215 - Ashley ## Related Videos - [A Brief History of Data Storage](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/974-a-brief-history-of-data-storage) - [The Cloud is Calling: Answer with In-Demand Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/945-the-cloud-is-calling-answer-with-in-demand-skills) - [Your imaginations is (no longer) the limit: how Generative AI empowers people to be creative](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/741-your-imaginations-is-no-longer-the-limit-how-generative-ai-empowers-people-to-be-creative) - [AI PowerPlay: Building High-Impact Teams & Transformative Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1005-ai-powerplay-building-high-impact-teams-transformative-solutions) - [JSON and Beyond](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/968-json-and-beyond) - [AI-Enabled Organisations: From Strategy to Practice](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100171-ai-enabled-organisations-from-strategy-to-practice) ## Related Articles - [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) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [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) - [Stephan Gillich - Bringing AI Everywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/489-stephan-gillich-bringing-ai-everywhere) - [Got AI ideas but no money? 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