Head of AI & Data Strategy

Your new company An established, international technology-led organisation is looking to appoint a senior AI and data leader as part of its continued investment in digital transformation, automation and data-driven decision-making. The business operates across multiple markets and is increasingly focused on using AI, machine learning and modern data platforms to improve productivity, enhance operational performance and support future growth. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity within a commercially focused environment where AI and data are becoming central to the organisation's long-term strategy. Your new role As Head of AI & Data Strategy, you will lead the organisation's internal AI, data science and data engineering capabilities, working closely with senior business and technology stakeholders to turn AI and data initiatives into measurable commercial outcomes. You will be responsible for: • Defining and executing the AI and data strategy, aligned to business priorities including growth, customer retention, operational efficiency and productivity. • Leading a multidisciplinary team across data science, machine learning engineering, data engineering, analytics and AI programme delivery. • Building and prioritising a portfolio of high-impact AI and data initiatives across the business. • Owning the end-to-end lifecycle of AI initiatives, from idea generation and business case development through to delivery, adoption and measurable impact. • Driving internal AI adoption across the organisation, helping teams use AI tools and solutions to improve productivity, workflows and decision-making. • Overseeing the development of scalable, reliable and high-quality data and AI platforms. • Working across multiple business functions including commercial, operational and technology teams. • Acting as the bridge between senior leadership and technical teams, translating complex AI and data topics into clear business language. • Supporting best practice across data architecture, model development, deployment and lifecycle management. • Helping create a data-driven and AI-enabled culture through upskilling, knowledge sharing and practical adoption initiatives. • Reporting into senior commercial leadership and regularly collaborating with wider strategy and business leadership teams. What you'll need to succeed The successful candidate will be a senior AI/data leader with a strong balance of technical credibility, commercial awareness and stakeholder leadership. You will need: • Proven experience leading AI, data science, machine learning, data engineering or data platform teams. • A strong track record of delivering data and AI initiatives that have created clear business impact. • Strong understanding of data platforms, analytics, machine learning and AI technologies. • Experience operating in complex, matrixed organisations. • The ability to define strategy while staying close enough to execution to challenge, guide and support technical teams. • Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to link AI and data initiatives to business value. • Excellent senior stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence commercial, operational and technology leaders. • The ability to translate technical AI/data concepts into clear, practical business language. • Experience leading cross-functional initiatives from ideation through to delivery and adoption. • A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset with a bias for action. • Curiosity, innovation and the confidence to challenge the status quo. • Experience building, developing and inspiring high-performing technical teams. • A technical background across areas such as data science, AI, data platforms, pipelines, ML engineering or data architecture. • Ideally, experience in financial services, payments, fintech, commercial operations, SaaS or another data-rich, innovative environment. • AWS platform knowledge would be beneficial. What you'll get in return This is a senior leadership opportunity with significant visibility, influence and scope to shape how AI is adopted across a large international business. You will receive: • Performance-related bonus and executive benefits package. • Hybrid working pattern, expected to be around 3 days per week in the London office. • 25 days' annual leave plus public holidays. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk