Head of AI Automation & Application Strategy

itecopeople; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 102,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in digital transformation is seeking a Programme Director for AI, Automation, and Application Strategy. The role involves leading AI strategies, driving automation initiatives, and developing data governance frameworks within a senior IT leadership team. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in managing large-scale IT change programs and possess a strong understanding of enterprise applications. This position offers a salary of approximately £120,000 per annum along with flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays

Personal and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in digital transformation and AI/automation adoption.
• Track record of leading large-scale IT change programmes.
• Expertise in enterprise system architecture and security frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI strategy and deliver a 5-year roadmap.
• Drive automation and application transformation across various departments.
• Shape data and governance strategies ensuring application interoperability.

Skills

Leadership experience in enterprise applications

Stakeholder engagement skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Understanding of data strategy

Education

Relevant postgraduate qualifications

Tools

Azure platforms

ITIL

ISO 27001

Job description

Overview

AI, Automation and Application Strategy Programme Director
18-Month Fixed Term Contract Full-Time London

Are you ready to shape the digital future of a leading organisation? We are seeking a Programme Director for AI, Automation and Application Strategy to join the senior IT leadership team. This is a pivotal role driving the strategic development and operational delivery of AI-driven automation, enterprise applications, and digital transformation at scale. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to deliver real impact—embedding AI into business processes, optimising enterprise systems, and ensuring technology investments deliver measurable value.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI strategy - create and deliver a 5-year roadmap, champion AI-first principles, and oversee centres of excellence and innovation hubs.
• Drive automation and application transformation - optimise enterprise systems, promote low/no-code solutions, and lead adoption across HR, Finance, Library Services, Research and more.
• Shape data and governance - develop data strategies, oversee Azure-based platforms, and ensure interoperability between applications and AI platforms.
• Deliver integrations at scale - design event-driven architecture, lead adoption of Dell Boomi, and ensure seamless, secure data flow across enterprise systems.
• Provide leadership - direct high-performing teams, manage significant budgets, and influence stakeholders at all levels to ensure technology enables growth and service excellence.
• Create and manage successful partnerships to assist in the delivery of the programme.

About You / Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in enterprise applications, digital transformation, and AI/automation adoption.
• At a senior programme manager/director level you will have a track record of leading large-scale, complex IT change programmes and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Expertise in enterprise system architecture, integration, and security frameworks.
• Strong understanding of data strategy, governance, and interoperability, ideally with Azure platforms.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, able to influence senior decision-makers across technical and non-technical domains at all levels.
• You can see the strategic big picture but have an entrepreneurial mindset and approach to ensure delivery.
• Experience applying ITIL, ISO 27001 or similar frameworks to ensure service quality and compliance.
• Relevant postgraduate qualifications, certifications in project/programme management, enterprise architecture, or AI/automation frameworks will be advantageous.

What’s on Offer?

• Salary c. 120,000 pa.
• Generous pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Inclusive employment policies that support diversity and work-life balance.
• Duration/Type: 18 month Full-Time, Fixed Term Contract.

Why Apply?

• Transform an Organisation and work with a "go ahead" non-hierarchical organisation that has drive and purpose, contributing to society while providing you with a challenge. The CGO, COO, CFO and CTO are all behind this programme and will provide full support to you in your work.
• Shape and deliver cutting-edge AI and automation strategy at an organisational level.
• Lead innovation and transformation hubs that directly support staff, customers, and communities for this truly class-leading inclusive organisation.
• Be part of a senior leadership team driving digital change, efficiency, and growth.
• This is a high-profile opportunity for an ambitious leader who wants to be at the forefront of AI, automation, and application strategy in a complex, fast-evolving environment.

To be a part of this exciting, inclusive organisation and take on this challenge please send your CV and a supporting statement as to why you are interested to Simon Dunscombe (url removed).

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