AI Programme Manager: Strategy, Governance & Delivery

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

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.