Head of AI

Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing; Reading; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of software solutions is seeking a Head of AI to spearhead their AI strategy in Reading. This senior leadership role involves defining and executing an AI strategy that integrates intelligent capabilities across procurement and financial workflows. Candidates should possess substantial experience in AI/Machine Learning, particularly in a B2B SaaS context, along with strong programming skills and a passion for innovation. A competitive salary of £120,000 to £150,000 plus bonuses is offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading AI / Machine Learning strategy within a B2B SaaS or enterprise software environment.
• Strong experience working with large language models and modern AI technologies.
• Experience building and deploying production-grade AI systems at scale.

Responsibilities

• Defining and delivering the company’s AI strategy aligned to overall business and product objectives.
• Embedding AI capabilities across the platform, including procurement and finance workflows.
• Leading the design and implementation of scalable AI architecture.

Skills

Leading AI / Machine Learning strategy

Working with large language models

Strong programming (Python)

Building production-grade AI systems

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Influencing senior stakeholders

Education

Degree in Computer Science, AI, ML, Mathematics or similar

Tools

Modern ML frameworks

Job description

SALARY‑ £120,000 to £150,000 per annum (plus bonus and benefits)

My client is a leading provider of software, delivering cloud-based solutions that help organisations manage procurement, supplier relationships, and financial processes end-to-end. As part of a major strategic transformation, they are investing heavily in artificial intelligence to enhance their platform capabilities and are now looking to appoint a Head of AI to lead this initiative from their Reading office.

The Head of AI will define and execute the company-wide AI strategy, embedding intelligent capabilities across procurement, finance, and supplier workflows. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO, with significant influence over product direction, technology strategy, and long-term growth.

The Head of AI will ideally have the following attributes:

• Proven experience leading AI / Machine Learning strategy within a B2B SaaS or enterprise software environment
• Strong experience working with large language models (LLMs) and modern AI technologies (e.g. Claude, GPT, etc.)
• A degree qualification (BSc, MSc, PhD etc.) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Mathematics or similar
• Strong programming and technical background (ideally Python and modern ML frameworks)
• Experience building and deploying production-grade AI systems at scale
• Strong understanding of data platforms, ML pipelines, and AI system architecture
• Experience applying AI within finance, procurement, ERP, or workflow automation systems would be highly beneficial
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to translate AI into tangible product and revenue outcomes
• Experience leading and growing high-performing AI / Data Science teams
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, including CEO and board
• A passion for driving innovation and staying at the forefront of AI developments

The Head of AI role will involve

• Defining and delivering the company’s AI strategy aligned to overall business and product objectives
• Embedding AI capabilities across the platform, including procurement, supplier management, and finance workflows
• Driving the development of AI-powered features such as predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and decision-support tools
• Leading the design and implementation of scalable AI architecture and data infrastructure
• Building and managing a high-performing AI / Data Science function
• Collaboration closely with Product, Engineering, and Commercial teams to deliver AI-driven innovation
• Identifying and delivering new revenue opportunities through AI-enabled product offerings
• Establishing AI governance, ensuring compliance, security, and ethical use of AI technologies
• Acting as a key advisor to the executive team on AI trends, opportunities, and risks

If you are interested in this position, please apply with an up-to-date CV as soon as possible, along with your availability and salary expectations.