Automation and AI Practice Lead

Premex Group; Horwich; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the UK is looking for an Automation & AI Practice Lead to drive innovation and lead a talented team in shaping AI initiatives. The role involves defining frameworks, providing technical guidance, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. Candidates should have over 2 years of leadership experience in AI and strong communication skills. This position supports hybrid work and emphasizes a commitment to inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.

Benefits

Promotion of accessibility and inclusion

Inclusive recruitment and development

Support for disabled people at work

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in AI or data science teams (2+ years).
• Strong knowledge of AI / ML concepts and practical applications.
• Experience delivering AI solutions end-to-end.
• Expertise in data governance, security, and compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Cloud platform experience (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Track record of setting strategy and building AI adoption roadmaps.
• Commitment to ethical AI practices.
• Hands-on coding experience is desirable.
• Familiarity with MLOps and workflow automation is preferred.
• Experience leading RPA teams and using tools like BluePrism is a plus.
• Advanced analytics and data engineering background is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Define frameworks, standards, and reusable assets for Automation and AI.
• Provide guidance in AI solution architecture and deployment strategies.
• Support teams in scoping and delivering scalable solutions.
• Mentor and manage developers, fostering collaboration.
• Engage stakeholders and translate complex concepts.
• Ensure compliance with standards and promote responsible AI.
• Identify skill gaps and champion cultural change.

Skills

Leadership in AI or data science teams

Knowledge of AI / ML concepts

Delivery of AI solutions end-to-end

Data governance and security

Excellent communication skills

Cloud platform experience

Strategic planning for AI adoption

Commitment to ethical AI practices

Education

2 : 1 Degree or above

Tools

Azure

AWS

GCP

BluePrism

Job description

Automation & AI Practice Lead

Location : Bolton / Hybrid

Reporting to : Head of Data & Automation

About the Role

Are you ready to shape the future of Automation and AI within a dynamic organisation? We’re seeking an Automation & AI Practice Lead to drive innovation, set the vision, and lead the adoption of cutting‑edge technologies across the business.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery, guiding a talented team and ensuring that AI and Automation initiatives deliver measurable business impact.

• Key Responsibilities Practice Development : Define frameworks, standards, and reusable assets to embed Automation and AI across the business.
• Technical Leadership : Provide expert guidance in AI solution architecture, model design, and deployment strategies.
• Project Oversight : Support teams in scoping, planning, and delivering scalable solutions aligned with KPIs.
• Team Enablement : Mentor and manage developers, foster collaboration, and drive continuous learning.
• Stakeholder Engagement : Act as a trusted advisor, translating complex concepts into business‑friendly language.
• Governance & Ethics : Ensure compliance with standards (ISO27001, CE+) and promote responsible AI practices.
• Talent & Change Management : Identify skill gaps, champion cultural change, and align with organisational values.

Skills & Experience

• Essential : Proven leadership in AI or data science teams (2+ years).
• Strong knowledge of AI / ML concepts and practical applications.
• Experience delivering AI solutions end‑to‑end.
• Expertise in data governance, security, and compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Cloud platform experience (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Track record of setting strategy and building AI adoption roadmaps.
• Commitment to ethical AI practices.
• Desirable : Hands‑on coding experience.
• Familiarity with MLOps and workflow automation.
• Experience leading RPA teams and using tools like BluePrism.
• Advanced analytics and data engineering background.
• Vendor management and thought leadership experience.
• Qualifications Required : 2 : 1 Degree or above.
• Desirable : Degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to shape how AI transforms our business , influence strategic direction, and mentor the next generation of Automation and AI professionals. You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that technology investments deliver meaningful results.

We’re proud to share that ExamWorks UK has once again achieved Level 3 Disability Confident Leader status , reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we :

Promote accessibility and inclusion

Ensure inclusive recruitment and development

Share best practice across the industry

Continue to lead the way in supporting disabled people at work.