AI Project Manager -Outside IR35

ZigZag Global; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative eCommerce returns company is seeking an AI Project Manager to lead an AI-focused project. This remote role based in the UK requires strong project management experience and familiarity with AI concepts. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to prioritize tasks, manage stakeholder engagement, and ensure compliance. If you're passionate about technology and collaboration, we encourage you to apply!

Qualifications

• Strong experience in project management related to technology or AI.
• Familiarity with AI and machine learning concepts.
• Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a defined AI project.
• Identify and prioritize AI applications.
• Research and assess emerging AI tools.
• Manage lightweight testing and PoC projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements.
• Ensure compliance and security standards are met.

Skills

Project management

AI and machine learning concepts

Interpersonal skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Tools

SaaS platforms

Job description

Overview

Job Title: AI Project Manager

Engagement: This assignment will be undertaken on an outside IR35 basis. The project is anticipated to require a commitment of around 3–5 days per week, with flexibility. The initial project scope is expected to run for 3 months, with the potential for extension subject to project needs.

IR35 Status: Outside IR35 – This role has been assessed as Outside IR35 in line with HMRC’s CEST tool.

Location: This is a remote role based in the UK. You need to be based in the UK and have the rights to work without visa sponsorship. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

About ZigZag Global: We are Returns! We’re an award-winning eCommerce returns business founded in 2015 by our CEO, Al Gerrie. We live to push boundaries of smarter returns, and we want a thriving retail world where every customer experience is both delightful and considered, everything we buy can be loved and re-loved and preserving our planet is part of the fabric of how we shop. Today, more than 200 companies across 130 countries use our SaaS platform to help reduce the cost, friction, and impact of returns. Part of our leading enterprise retail clients include Zara, Superdry, New Look, Boden, Selfridges, Sports Direct, The Hut Group, Swarovski, not to forget the Whitelabel partnership with the world’s biggest logistics businesses like DHL, Evri, and FedEx. In March 2021, ZigZag was acquired by Global Blue, an industry leader in tax free shopping. Strengthening our reach across the global retail industry and allowing us to continue to do what we do best, help retailers manage and re-sell their returns. At ZigZag, we embody a set of values that lies at the core of our workplace culture. Our dedication to the Start-up Spirit, Human Heart and Grown-up Mindset defines our collaborative spirit and shapes our collective success.

Passionate and Collaborative Minds Wanted:

You’ll join a brilliantly diverse group across Europe. We believe a business is strongest when its teams are both inclusive and diverse. We recognise and aim to challenge everyday biases, remove obstacles to inclusion and ensure all our people can thrive and be themselves.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact, caring for both colleagues and clients, and embracing a collaborative mindset, we invite you to apply. Join us in building a workplace where every contribution matters, and each team member feels a profound sense of belonging and value.

The Role

The Role - We are seeking an experienced AI Project Manager to take ownership of delivering a defined AI project.

What you’ll be doing

• Use Case Analysis & Prioritisation: Work with teams across functions to identify, evaluate, and prioritise potential AI applications based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with organisational goals.
• Technology Exploration: Research and assess emerging AI tools, SaaS platforms, and vendors, making recommendations for adoption or testing.
• Proof of Concept Delivery: Manage lightweight testing and PoC projects, typically operating within modest budgets.
• Project Management: Develop and manage project plans, ensuring timelines, resources, and outputs are effectively coordinated.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather requirements, clarify expectations, and communicate progress.
• Governance & Reporting: Provide structured updates on use case assessments, project outcomes, and lessons learned, feeding into broader AI strategy.
• Change Enablement: Support knowledge-sharing across the organisation, helping staff understand new AI tools and their potential applications.
• Risk & Compliance Awareness: Ensure testing and adoption of tools meet security, compliance, and ethical standards.

What you’ll need to be successful

• Strong experience in project management within technology, digital transformation, or data/AI-focused initiatives.
• Proven ability to analyse and prioritise business opportunities across functions.
• Familiarity with AI, machine learning, or automation concepts, sufficient to evaluate tools and communicate requirements.
• Excellent research and evaluation skills for assessing SaaS and technology platforms.
• Comfortable managing small-scale PoCs with lean budgets and rapid timelines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with experience engaging technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborative Mindset: Embrace a collaborative approach to work, actively participating in team discussions and contributing ideas to foster a supportive and innovative environment.
• Strategic Thinking: Apply a "Grown-up Mindset" by approaching tasks with a strategic perspective, making well-informed decisions that contribute to the overall success of the team and the organization.
• Passion for Continuous Improvement: Embody a commitment to continuous improvement, actively seeking opportunities to learn and grow both personally and professionally.
• Tenacious Problem-Solving: Exhibit tenacity in addressing challenges, embodying the value of "Be Tenacious" by persistently seeking solutions and overcoming obstacles.

If you are interested, please send your CV in English.

Your application will be reviewed with strict confidentiality. Only the short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Providing your personal data, you explicitly agree that it will be processed for the purpose of recruiting and for the purpose of the possible signing of a labour contract and will be stored and operated by “ZigZag Global” EOOD in their capacity of the personal data controller and personal data processor in accordance with the effective legislation. Please have in mind that with this you give permission for your resume to be shared with other parties of the ZigZag Global Group.