Cyber & AI Innovation Lead

Plexal; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary: £65,000 - £80,000 depending on

Annual bonus scheme

Pension up to 10%

Private healthcare

Volunteering day

Job summary

Plexal in London is seeking an Innovation Lead to guide cyber security and AI-focused research for clients across sectors. You will translate complex concepts into strategic insights for senior leaders and shape how organisations respond to evolving threats and opportunities.

This hands-off, non-coding role demands strong analytical ability, deep cybersecurity grounding, and an interest in AI's impact on security.

Qualifications

• Background in cyber security, research, academia, innovation or emerging technology.
• Experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research and producing analytical outputs.
• Evidence of building trust-based relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Experience contributing to collaborative delivery teams.
• Ability to provide an outside-in perspective on emerging cyber and AI trends.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects focused on cyber security and AI-enabled technologies.
• Scope research questions, select methodologies, analyse findings, and produce reports and presentations.
• Act as a subject-matter expert on cyber security and AI for clients.
• Monitor emerging cyber and AI trends, shaping Plexal's innovation strategy.
• Assess technology robustness, interrogate vendor claims, evaluate risks and opportunities.
• Support clients to engage with the cyber innovation ecosystem (startups, academia, industry).
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders across sectors.
• Contribute to horizon-scanning activities to identify future cyber and AI developments.
• Mentor and upskill team members through knowledge sharing and demonstrations.
• Manage project budgets and ensure spend aligns with delivery requirements.

Skills

Strong research

Cyber security concepts

AI in cyber security

Interrogate vendor claims

Translate complex concepts

Written communication

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder management

Independent working

Education

Higher Education degree

Job description

Plexal in London is seeking an Innovation Lead to guide cyber security and AI-focused research for clients across sectors. You will translate complex concepts into strategic insights for senior leaders and shape how organisations respond to evolving threats and opportunities.

This hands-off, non-coding role demands strong analytical ability, deep cybersecurity grounding, and an interest in AI's impact on security.