Director of AI Operations

Global University Systems; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An international education group is looking for a Director of AI Operations to lead the implementation of automation technologies across its institutions. The role focuses on developing and delivering AI strategy, optimizing workflows, and enhancing institutional performance. Candidates should have proven experience in process automation and effective stakeholder management. This full-time position promotes an innovative culture while collaborating with diverse teams to facilitate change and efficiency in operations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering and scaling robotic process automation in complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of operational systems and business process redesign.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver AI and automation strategy focused on scalability.
• Lead implementation of automation platform across GUS’ global institutions.
• Drive process mapping and optimisation initiatives to identify efficiencies.

Skills

Robotic process automation

Workflow automation

Process mapping

Stakeholder management

Leadership

AI automation platforms

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Systems or related field

Job description

Director of AI Operations

Global University Systems (GUS) is a leading international education group dedicated to transforming lives, careers, and society through inclusive and innovative learning. With a network of 31 institutions and over 130 academic partners, GUS empowers more than 122,000 campus students and 20 million digital learners worldwide. Through a broad portfolio of career‑enhancing certificates, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications, GUS champions accessibility, diversity, and digital‑first education to foster lifelong success.

As we enter a new era of AI‑driven transformation, GUS is investing heavily in intelligent automation to enhance every part of our organisation, from admissions and finance to student support and academic delivery. Our mission is to build a brighter, more sustainable future through education and technology.

Role Overview:

The Director of AI Operations will be a key driver of GUS’s AI and automation strategy, focusing on the implementation and adoption of automation technology across our global institutions. This operations‑focused leadership position is for someone passionate about deploying intelligent systems to optimise workflows, enhance productivity, and enable measurable business transformation. The role centres on leading process optimisation, process mapping and change management initiatives to ensure successful deployment, adoption and value realisation within institutional operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Develop and deliver GUS’s AI and automation strategy with a focus on scalability, performance and institutional impact.
• Translate executive AI strategy into practical business process transformation programmes across GUS institutions.
• Provide regular updates on adoption metrics, performance outcomes and return on investment.
• Align implementation roadmaps with GUS’s strategic priorities and global technology standards.

Implementation and Operational Automation

• Lead the implementation of a vendor‑provided automation platform across GUS’ global institutions.
• Act as the primary operational liaison with technology vendors; coordinating changes, resolving issues and ensuring effective deployment.
• Oversee testing, roll‑out and performance monitoring of the automation solution, ensuring integration with existing systems and workflows.
• Establish standards for process documentation, governance and compliance to support sustainable automation practices.

Process Optimisation and Change Management

• Drive process mapping and optimisation initiatives to identify efficiencies and enhance operational performance.
• Act as a change agent to help departments redesign processes that take full advantage of intelligent automation.
• Work closely with institutional stakeholders to ensure engagement, training and adoption of the automation platform.
• Collect feedback and performance data to continually improve process design and system effectiveness.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner closely with UK institutional leaders to guide and support the adoption of AI operations across areas such as admissions, finance, human resources and academic administration.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between institutional teams, the central AI function and the technology vendor.
• Provide ongoing support, troubleshooting and implementation feedback to ensure optimal performance and sustained improvement.

Team Leadership and Culture

• Build and lead a multi‑disciplinary team of automation specialists, business analysts and change managers.
• Foster a culture of innovation, adaptability and continuous improvement across AI‑related programmes.
• Develop partnerships with EdTech and AI industry leaders to remain at the forefront of operational automation practices.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience delivering and scaling robotic process automation, workflow automation or enterprise AI solutions in complex organisations.
• Demonstrated expertise in process mapping, process optimisation and managing organisational change.
• Strong understanding of operational systems, data flows and business process redesign.
• Technical fluency in AI automation platforms, data management and machine learning concepts.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels and promote successful technology adoption.
• Experience working with technology vendors, managing feedback loops and overseeing system performance.
• Strong leadership and programme management skills, with the ability to coordinate across global and cross‑functional teams.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Systems or a related field is desirable but not essential.
• A passion for education, technology and inclusive innovation.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Engineering, Management, and Information Technology

Industries

Technology, Information and Media

Equal Employment Opportunity: GUS is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.