AI Practice & Innovation Lead

Prudential Plc; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in the UK is looking for an AI Practice & Innovation Lead. This pivotal role involves driving AI strategy, managing stakeholder engagement, and overseeing governance across AI initiatives. The position requires strong leadership skills, experience in AI deployment, and a solid grounding in Data Science and Machine Learning. Benefits include extensive annual leave and comprehensive health cover, offering a supportive work environment focused on innovation.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Comprehensive parental leave

Private healthcare

Qualifications

• Experience in AI strategy, innovation, and deployment.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of AI technologies (e.g., LLMs, agentic AI).

Responsibilities

• Lead governance and standards for the AI & Innovation function.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Oversee delivery roadmaps and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Data Science or related field

Tools

Agile/Scrum

Data platforms

Job description

Overview

The Role: The M&G Life business has an ambitious strategy for growth that encompasses the creation of a broader range of investment solutions, enhances customer access to our products, and expands our distribution capability while delivering value through advice. The AI Practice & Innovation Lead is an important role working closely with and reporting directly into the Head of AI and Innovation, acting as an operational deputy, empowered to make day-to-day operational and design decisions. The role will be responsible for orchestrating cross-pod governance, work intake prioritisation, and standards across the AI & Innovation function. Other responsibilities include managing the workflow, leading engagement with stakeholders and technical resources, and acting as the primary point of contact for day-to-day engagement with the technology community. This role will also play a vital part in supporting the AI and Innovation strategy. This strategy will support the overall digital, data & AI objectives, cover all aspects of the Life business, and drive business transformation through innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead crosspod governance, work intake, prioritisation, and standards to ensure coherent and efficient operation of the AI & Innovation function.
• Oversee dayto-day workflow, ensuring highquality delivery and smooth coordination across all AI pods.
• Act as the primary escalation point and operational deputy to the Head of AI & Innovation, maintaining continuity of leadership.
• Develop and maintain delivery roadmaps, driving continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

AI Architecture and Strategy

• Provide architectural leadership across AI initiatives, establishing and maintaining standards, patterns, and platforms.
• Guide solution design and technical decisions, ensuring alignment to enterprise technology strategy and value creation.
• Oversee strategic technology areas, including LLMs, agentic AI, AIpowered decision systems, and responsible AI practices.

People, Community & Practice Leadership

• Mentor and support Product Managers, Product Owners, and AI Leads to build a highperforming, consistent practice across teams.
• Champion capability development, embedding best practices and fostering a strong professional community.
• Drive engagement, adoption, and cultural uplift across the organisation through communication and enablement.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for the technology community, building strong relationships with Group Technology, business stakeholders, and external partners.
• Facilitate crossfunctional collaboration to identify opportunities, shape solutions, and ensure clear alignment on priorities.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure robust governance of all AI initiatives, upholding regulatory, ethical, risk management, and quality assurance standards.
• Support the development of business cases and ensure alignment with digital, data & AI strategies and Life business priorities.

Key Work Level Accountabilities (Manager/Expert)

• Act as the front door to the Life AI & Innovation team, shaping engagement with stakeholders and managing the flow of work.
• Lead engagement with Technology and AI delivery teams, providing technical oversight and driving effective execution.
• Support AI Leads in delivery, embedding best practice, assuring quality, and contributing to roadmap development.
• Provide subject matter leadership across key AI domains, including LLMs, agentic AI, decision intelligence systems, and responsible AI.
• Ensure technology alignment, robust business cases, and clear value realisation across AI initiatives.
• Support longterm strategy development, driving adoption, communication, and crossbusiness engagement.
• Build strong relationships across operational business units, marketing, sales, distribution, and Group Technology.

Diversity, Inclusion & Culture

We have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture at M&G, underpinned by our policies and our employee-led networks who provide networking opportunities, advice and support for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or long term condition, we are looking to attract, promote and retain exceptional people. We also welcome those who take part in military service and those returning from career breaks.

Action and impact oriented, able to move at pace and bring people along effectively. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders. Proven ability to work across crossfunctional teams and manage multiple priorities. Strategic thinker with strong problemsolving, analytical, and data interpretation skills. Excellent organisational and delivery skills, with experience driving AI initiatives in complex environments. Experience in AI strategy, innovation, and deployment, with a solid grounding in Data Science, Machine Learning, and data platforms. Knowledge of AI technologies and their application in business contexts (e.g., LLMs, agentic AI, decisionintelligence systems). Experience in data strategy, governance, and responsible AI. Familiarity with product and service design, Agile/Scrum, and digital transformation. Experience within Life or wider Financial Services and operating in regulated environments.

Benefits

• Enjoy 38 days annual leave including bank holidays, with the opportunity to purchase up to 5 extra days and additional flexibility through our Time Off When You Need It policy - to balance your work and personal commitments.
• Our market leading Inspiring Families policy includes comprehensive support and paid parental leave covering maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and paternity leave - as supporting families is a core aspect of our inclusive culture.
• Health & Protection cover including Private Healthcare, Critical Illness cover and Life Assurance for you, with family options - for peace of mind.