AI & Innovation Manager (VA820)

Carey Olsen; Southampton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Carey Olsen in Southampton is seeking an AI & Innovation Manager to spearhead the firm's innovation strategy and AI initiatives. The role focuses on delivering AI solutions that enhance legal services and client value, working closely with various teams.

The ideal candidate will be degree educated, have proven experience in legal tech and a strong understanding of AI applications in legal workflows. Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills are essential to drive innovation effectively.

Qualifications

• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Proven track record in delivering AI or legal tech initiatives end-to-end.
• Strong understanding of generative AI and its applications in legal services.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of AI and innovation strategy aligned to business priorities.
• Identify AI use cases that improve efficiency and client service.
• Manage initiatives from idea to adoption and improvement.

Skills

Strong interest in AI & technology

Project management

Stakeholder management

Experience in legal workflows

Education

Degree educated

Tools

Knowledge management tools

Document automation tools

Workflow tools

Job description

Experience: Degree qualified with proven experience delivering innovation, legal technology or AI initiatives from concept through to implementation.

We are seeking an AI & Innovation Manager to help develop and embed the firm’s strategy and plans for innovation and AI and integrating AI capability across the business: working closely with the AI Committee and knowledge, technology and projects teams to identify, design and implement AI solutions that enhance legal delivery, efficiency and client value.

The role combines executing on strategic direction with hands‑on delivery, helping to ensure that new technologies are adopted responsibly, integrated effectively into workflows, and supported by clear guidance, training and measurable outcomes.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Support delivery of the firm’s AI and innovation strategy aligned to business priorities.
• Identify and progress AI and legal tech use cases that improve efficiency and client service.
• Evaluate, pilot and implement new tools and platforms.
• Manage initiatives end‑to‑end, from idea through to adoption and improvement.
• Translate business needs into practical solutions with legal, knowledge and tech teams.
• Drive adoption through training, communication and engagement.
• Develop guidance and best practice for responsible AI use.
• Monitor adoption and impact, using insights to optimise solutions.
• Support change management and embed new ways of working.
• Track market trends and identify new AI opportunities.

Candidate Profile

We’re looking for someone who has a strong interest in how AI and technology can transform legal services and improve the way work is delivered. The ideal candidate brings a commercial awareness, with the ability to balance innovation, risk and value to the firm and its clients.

You should bring:

• Degree educated (essential).
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment, with strong understanding of legal workflows.
• Proven track record delivering AI, legal tech or innovation initiatives end‑to‑end.
• Strong understanding of AI (including generative AI) and its practical application in legal services.
• Project or programme management experience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Experience driving adoption of new tools through training, communications or user engagement.
• Comfortable using data and metrics to track performance and inform decisions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills across legal, operational and technical teams.
• Experience with knowledge management, document automation or workflow tools (desirable).

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate complex or ambiguous requirements into practical solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, able to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach, working effectively across different teams and disciplines.
• Resilience and adaptability, with the ability to operate in a fast‑moving and evolving environment.
• A proactive mindset, with the confidence to identify opportunities and drive initiatives forward.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of developments in AI and legal technology.