Global Digital AI Lead

Akzonobel; Slough; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AkzoNobel in the United Kingdom is seeking a Global AI Lead to define and accelerate the AI agenda across Decorative Paints worldwide. You will identify high-value opportunities, build partnerships, and drive AI initiatives that deliver measurable impact across marketing, sales, operations, and customer experience.

This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution, embedding AI as a growth driver.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong experience leading AI, analytics, digital transformation, or innovation programs.
• Solid understanding of Generative AI, Machine Learning, NLP, and AI applications.
• Experience translating business challenges into scalable AI solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a global environment.
• Passion for emerging technologies and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the global AI strategy and roadmap.
• Identify opportunities where AI can unlock growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
• Lead the AI Accelerator Program from ideation through implementation.
• Drive execution of AI initiatives across the business.
• Build and maintain a strong external AI ecosystem with partners, vendors, and startups.
• Ensure AI projects deliver measurable business value.
• Promote responsible AI practices, governance, and compliance.
• Increase AI literacy and adoption throughout the organization.

Skills

AI leadership

Analytics

Digital transformation

Innovation programs

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Cross-functional leadership

Global environment

Education

Business

Data Science

Computer Science

Engineering

Job description

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

As Global AI Lead, you will define and accelerate the Artificial Intelligence agenda for Decorative Paints worldwide. You will identify high-value opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and drive AI initiatives that create measurable impact across marketing, sales, operations, and customer experience.

This role combines strategic leadership with innovation and execution, positioning AI as a key growth driver across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and own the global AI strategy and roadmap.
• Identify opportunities where AI can unlock growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
• Lead the AI Accelerator Program from ideation through implementation.
• Drive execution of AI initiatives across the business.
• Build and maintain a strong external AI ecosystem with partners, vendors, and startups.
• Ensure AI projects deliver measurable business value.
• Promote responsible AI practices, governance, and compliance.
• Increase AI literacy and adoption throughout the organization.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong experience leading AI, analytics, digital transformation, or innovation programs.
• Solid understanding of Generative AI, Machine Learning, NLP, and AI applications.
• Experience translating business challenges into scalable AI solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a global environment.
• Passion for emerging technologies and innovation.

Why This Role Matters

You will help shape the future of Decorative Paints by embedding AI into the way we work, make decisions, and serve customers, creating sustainable competitive advantage for AkzoNobel.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.