> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/46563-director-of-ai-innovation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/46563-director-of-ai-innovation). 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). --- # Director of AI & Innovation - **Company:** Collinson - **Location:** London, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Rapid Prototyping Process, Data Analytics - **Published:** May 15, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=15c78421d31d0565 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Leadership?, * Significant leadership experience in AI, innovation, digital transformation, or emerging technologies * Proven success identifying, incubating, and scaling AI and innovation initiatives within complex organisations * Strong understanding of modern AI technologies, intelligent automation, digital ecosystems, and customer engagement trends * Experience working across business, engineering, analytics, product, and commercial functions * Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on delivery capability * Excellent executive stakeholder management and communication skills * Deep understanding of responsible AI, governance, and risk management principles * The ability to thrive in ambiguity and rapidly evolving environments Success in this role will look like… * AI and innovation initiatives successfully scaled into operational and commercial capabilities * Measurable business value generated through AI adoption and ecosystem partnerships * Faster transition from experimentation to enterprise deployment * Increased adoption of AI-enabled workflows and automation across teams * Strong external innovation partnerships and ecosystem collaboration * Effective governance, compliance, and responsible AI outcomes ## Description We are now seeking an exceptional Director of AI & Innovation to lead and accelerate our enterprise-wide AI and innovation agenda. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology & Data Officer (CTDO) and forming part of the Technology & Data Leadership Team, this is a high-impact leadership role responsible for identifying, incubating, and scaling emerging AI, digital, and innovation opportunities that create measurable business value across the Group. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, technology, commercial innovation, and execution, bridging emerging technologies, external innovation ecosystems, and operational delivery to transform how we work, engage customers, and create competitive advantage. If you are passionate about turning bold ideas into scalable outcomes, building innovation ecosystems, and leading enterprise AI transformation in a complex, fast-moving environment, we'd love to hear from you. The Opportunity As Director of AI & Innovation, you will define and lead the organisation's AI and innovation strategy, identifying opportunities across AI, intelligent automation, customer engagement, digital experiences, and data-driven products and services. You will establish and lead Innovation Labs, drive experimentation and rapid prototyping, and ensure successful ideas are scaled into governed, commercially viable, enterprise-ready capabilities. Working closely with Product, Analytics, Engineering, Commercial, Operations, and Operating Company leadership teams, you will champion a culture of responsible innovation while helping the organisation confidently adopt emerging technologies and new ways of working. You will also build strong partnerships across the travel, loyalty, fintech, and technology ecosystem, bringing external innovation, start-ups, vendors, and strategic partners into the organisation to accelerate growth and transformation. What you will be responsible for: AI Strategy & Innovation Leadership * Define and lead the enterprise AI and innovation strategy aligned to long-term business priorities * Identify and scale high-value AI and digital innovation opportunities across the Group * Drive practical adoption of AI capabilities that improve productivity, operational efficiency, customer experience, and commercial performance * Translate emerging technology trends into scalable business opportunities * Develop innovation roadmaps, pilots, investment cases, and measurable value outcomes * Build strategic partnerships with AI vendors, start-ups, fin-techs, loyalty innovators, and travel ecosystem providers Innovation Labs & Experimentation * Establish and lead a structured Innovation Labs capability * Create environments for experimentation, prototyping, validation, and rapid learning * Accelerate the transition from proof-of-concept to scalable operational solutions * Ensure innovation activity remains commercially focused and strategically aligned Enterprise AI Enablement * Partner with business, product, analytics, and engineering teams to embed AI into products, workflows, and decision-making * Promote AI literacy and responsible innovation practices across the organisation * Support Operating Companies in adopting AI-enabled capabilities aligned to enterprise standards * Champion automation and AI-led efficiency improvements across teams and functions Governance & Responsible Innovation * Establish strong responsible AI principles and governance frameworks * Ensure AI solutions are ethical, explainable, secure, and compliant * Partner with Risk, Security, Legal, Governance, and Assurance teams to manage innovation-related risks * Maintain oversight of third-party AI vendors and innovation partners Leadership & Capability Building * Build and lead a high-performing AI & Innovation team * Foster a culture of experimentation, collaboration, learning, and customer-centric innovation * Develop enterprise capability in AI, innovation, and emerging technologies * Act as a visible innovation leader across the Group What we are looking for: We're looking for a visionary yet pragmatic leader who can connect emerging technology with real commercial and operational outcomes. ## Related Videos - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) - [Edit Your Future: Queerverse Radical AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/909-edit-your-future-queerverse-radical-ai) - [How is AI changing the leadership role?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1101-how-is-ai-changing-the-leadership-role) - [Data Science on Software Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/162-data-science-on-software-data) - [How Data is Shaping our Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/176-how-data-is-shaping-our-games) ## Related Articles - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [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) - [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) - [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) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it)