Head of AI Strategy

Arup; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Income protection

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Arup is seeking a Head of AI Strategy to shape how we leverage artificial intelligence across planning, design, engineering and operations. You will partner with technical experts, project teams and business leaders to identify high‑value AI applications and ensure responsible, scalable deployment.

With deep domain knowledge of AEC workflows and a strategic leadership style, you will translate AI trends into enterprise roadmaps, governance, and change enablement, delivering measurable value in

Qualifications

• Experience leading digital strategy development and roadmaps at a global scale.
• Understanding of ML Ops concepts, AI governance, and responsible AI requirements.
• High emotional intelligence with strong influencing and alignment skills.
• Strategic thinker with deep understanding of AEC business models and digital delivery.
• Solid grounding in AI/ML principles and familiarity with major frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the AI strategy and multi-year roadmap for the enterprise.
• Identify high‑value AI applications across design, planning, and operations.
• Partner with technical teams and business leadership to govern deployments responsibly.

Skills

AI strategy

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Strategic thinking

AI governance

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

AI frameworks

ML platforms

Job description

Joining Arup

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.

The Opportunity

Data Services is a core enabling function that helps the organisation make better, faster, and more confident decisions through data and AI. The team designs, builds, and operates data and AI platforms, analytics, and governance capabilities that support business priorities across the enterprise. Working closely with stakeholders, Data Services turns complex data into trusted insights, scalable solutions, and reusable foundations that drive value, innovation, and performance.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.

The Head of AI Strategy plays a pivotal role in shaping how the organisation leverages artificial intelligence to transform planning, design, engineering and business operations. This leader partners with technical experts, project delivery teams, and business leadership to identify high-value AI applications—ranging from design automation and predictive analytics to project risk management and digital twins—and ensures they are deployed responsibly and effectively. The role requires strong domain understanding of AEC workflows combined with strategic vision, technical fluency, and cross-functional leadership.

Did you know: Our Digital Technology team are proud prior winners of the IT Team of the Year Award at the Chartered Institute of IT’s UK IT Industry Awards.

Is this role right for you?

• Experience leading or contributing to digital strategy development, roadmaps and multi-year transformation programs on a global scale.
• Understanding of ML Ops concepts, AI governance, and responsible AI requirements.
• High emotional intelligence and skilled at influencing, building trust and alignment
• Strategic thinker with strong understanding of AEC business models, design/engineering workflows, construction operations, and digital delivery.
• Strong foundational understanding of AI/ML principles and familiarity with common AI/ML frameworks and ecosystems
• Ability to translate complex technology trends into a clear and actionable enterprise strategy across technical, operational and executive stakeholders.

What We Offer You

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success.

• As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
• We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
• We also provide private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover.
• In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at Careers - Your Life at Arup.

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

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