AI Programme Manager

Wates Group; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Group in Leatherhead seeks an AI Programme Manager to shape the AI agenda, influence senior stakeholders and deliver measurable enterprise value across AI assistants, agents, core platforms and development capabilities.

This role will define the future AI roadmap, build the business case for investment and oversee cross-functional delivery with security, legal and compliance considerations to ensure secure, scalable adoption.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in IT, Digital, Technology, Transformation or enterprise change delivery.
• Shaped strategy and led transformation, innovation, emerging technology or AI-enabled change at enterprise level.
• Strong understanding of governance, operating models, risk management and delivery in complex organisations.
• Commercially minded, able to convert opportunity into investable propositions and prioritised delivery plans.
• Confident operating close to senior leadership, simplifying complexity and creating buy-in.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve Wates' AI strategy, translating business ambition and technology opportunity into a clear, investable roadmap.
• Lead senior forums, shape decisions and act as a trusted advisor on where AI can create value, accelerate change and manage risk.
• Identify and shape high-value opportunities, build credible business cases and ensure benefits are defined, tracked and realised.
• Take accountability for the AI portfolio, moving priority opportunities into governed, prioritised and measurable delivery.
• Set the delivery model, governance, standards and operating rhythm needed to scale AI safely without losing pace.
• Own the enterprise approach for M365 Copilot adoption, optimisation, training and benefits realisation.
• Drive establishment of a sustainable AI agent capability, including development standards, governance and production readiness.
• Work with platform owners, Architecture, Security, Legal, Communications and business teams to ensure AI is secure, compliant, supportable and well adopted.

Skills

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Delivery leadership

Commercial judgement

Education

MSP/PRINCE2/Agile certification

Job description

The Opportunity

Wates has set a clear ambition to use AI as a material lever for productivity, decision-making and business performance. We are looking for an experienced, energetic and driven

Programme Manager

The Opportunity

Wates has set a clear ambition to use AI as a material lever for productivity, decision-making and business performance. We are looking for an experienced, energetic and driven AI Programme Manager to shape this agenda, influence senior stakeholders and deliver the ambition into measurable enterprise value.

This role will define the future AI roadmap, build the case for investment and oversee delivery across AI assistants, agents, core platforms and emerging development capabilities — ensuring solutions are adopted responsibly, securely and with lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and evolve Wates' AI strategy, translating business ambition and technology opportunity into a clear, investable roadmap.
• Lead senior forums, shape decisions and act as a trusted advisor on where AI can create value, accelerate change and manage risk.
• Identify and shape high-value opportunities, build credible business cases and ensure benefits are defined, tracked and realised.
• Take accountability for the AI portfolio, moving priority opportunities into governed, prioritised and measurable delivery.
• Set the delivery model, governance, standards and operating rhythm needed to scale AI safely without losing pace.
• Own the enterprise approach for M365 Copilot adoption, optimisation, training and benefits realisation.
• Drive establishment of a sustainable AI agent capability, including development standards, governance and production readiness.
• Work with platform owners, Architecture, Security, Legal, Communications and business teams to ensure AI is secure, compliant, supportable and well adopted.

Experience & Knowledge

• Significant senior-level experience in IT, Digital, Technology, Transformation or enterprise change delivery.
• Proven ability to shape strategy and lead transformation, innovation, emerging technology or AI-enabled change at enterprise level.
• Strong understanding of governance, operating models, risk management and delivery in complex organisations.
• Commercially minded, able to convert opportunity into investable propositions and prioritised delivery plans.
• Confident operating close to senior leadership, simplifying complexity, creating buy-in and knowing when to escape.

Qualifications & Skills

• Relevant programme, project or change delivery certification such as MSP, PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent experience.
• AI-related qualifications, certifications or demonstrable expertise in AI delivery and governance.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, storytelling, influencing and executive communication skills.
• Strong strategic planning, prioritisation, commercial judgement and delivery leadership skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity, build relationships and deliver high-quality outcomes through collaboration.

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.

To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Our Commitments

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.

We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at [e-mail]