Head of Applied AI

Innovate UK; England; Remote; GBP 58,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovation agency is seeking a Head of Applied AI to drive the development of innovation strategies focusing on AI growth. You will lead a team, manage relationships across business and academia, and oversee funding programs. Candidates with a degree in a relevant field and strong leadership abilities are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

10.5 public and privilege days

Flexible working hours

Defined benefit pension scheme

Qualifications

• Strong programme management and leadership required.
• Deep understanding of the AI sector essential.
• Ability to lead diverse stakeholders and large programmes.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical and innovation specialists within your team.
• Support creation and execution of strategies for AI sector growth.
• Ensure overall performance and funding process adherence.

Skills

Leadership skills

Influencing skills

Management skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Degree or post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject

Job description

This is the Internal Only Recruitment Site for UK Research and Innovation Staff for roles within Innovate UK (UKRI).

Please apply for jobs via this site only if you are employed by UK Research and Innovation (employees with access to Innovate UK's Workday system may apply via the "Careers" application within the system).

If you are not a current UKRI employee, you can view vacancies at the externally advertised stage at the links given in the "About Us information on the right". If you wish to apply for the position below, please ensure that you comply with the requirements of the recruitment process by submitting both a full CV and application letter. Ideally, you should also advise your manager of your application.

Applications must be submitted by 17-10-2025.

Head of Applied AI

As Head of Applied AI, you will have responsibility for the development and delivery of innovation strategies for Innovate UK with a specific focus on the growth of the AI sector and adoption of AI to deliver economic growth and societal impact and help deliver against the Governments AI Opportunities Action Plan and Industrial Strategy.

Please note this advert will close on the 16th of October 2025 at 23.59pm.

Job Details

Title: Head of Applied AI
Band: UKRI Band G (UKRI Ts & Cs)
Salary: £68,525 gross per annum
Reports to: Director of AI & Digital, Digital & Technologies Domain
Location: Field based
Contract: Permanent

Innovate UK recognises the importance of work-life balance and we will be happy to discuss any requests for flexible working arrangements.

Context

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is recognised as one of the six frontier technologies. AI is playing an increasingly crucial role in driving technological advancements and economic growth, transforming entire industries by enhancing efficiencies, enabling innovation and creating new opportunities for businesses and society.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan sets out an ambitious roadmap for the UK to strengthen its global leadership in AI. The main aims are to strengthen the UK's position as a global hub for AI R&D, to maximise the UK's stake in frontier AI, to promote AI adoption in both the public and private sector across the UK with targeted initiatives and to accelerate AI-enabled scientific breakthroughs.

Job Purpose

As Head of Applied AI, you will have responsibility for the development and delivery of innovation strategies for Innovate UK with a specific focus on the growth of the AI sector and adoption of AI to deliver economic growth and societal impact and help deliver against the Governments AI Opportunities Action Plan. The role is responsible for the initiation, monitoring, forecasting and day to day management of a complex portfolio of technology.

You will work with colleagues across UKRI and a wide range of external stakeholders across business, academia and government. You will also work closely with Business Connect, Business Growth and the Catapult Network.

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Line management of technical and innovation specialists, managing their development and enabling them to deliver to a high standard
• Work collaboratively to support the creation and execution of Innovate UK/DSIT strategies and interventions related to the growth of the AI sector and adoption of AI, promoting responsible practices, methodologies and technologies that support digital transformation with the private and public sector
• Support the wider organisation to meet strategic objectives as appropriate
• Be a strong advocate of the core values of UKRI and Innovate UK, representing the team and organisation at meetings, workshops and conferences
• Responsible for delivery of programmes funding against budgets, ensuring value for money at all times
• Responsible for overall performance (cost and outcomes) of all projects in line with UKRI objectives and delivery plan
• Accountable for ensuring the end-to-end funding process is followed, including evaluating outputs, outcomes and impact
• Develop and exploit appropriate international links to ensure the programmes maximise the potential of international engagement and global markets.
• The post holder will be expected to work closely with the other Heads of Function across the organisation, particularly within Products and Services, Domains and Place teams
• Work closely with relevant bodies across business, academia, Government, trade associations, standards and regulatory bodies etc. in the sector, to inform and influence programme development and delivery
• Deputise for the Director of AI & Digital when required

Person Specification

This position requires a person with strong programme management, leadership and influencing skills, a deep understanding of the sector and technology area, and a passion to see the UK achieve further success in the area.

The successful candidate will be capable of leading large programmes with diverse stakeholders and influencing the creation and implementation of organizational improvements. A proven ability to lead, work with and develop a team, and be equally comfortable and confident to work on your own initiative is essential.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Degree or post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject, or substantial equivalent experience
• Good knowledge of AI, Machine Learning and digital technologies, the major trends and applications in the wider UK economy
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a high-performance team across multiple locations within a matrix organisation to deliver exceptional results
• Shaping and leading large, multi-year programmes of work including managing budgets, exercising financial controls and tracking related impacts
• Good knowledge of the innovation landscape in Government, business and academia
• Knowledge of policy relating to innovation, research and technology
• Experience in creating, leading and maintaining productive relationships between organisations where there is a high degree of ambiguity in the boundaries between them
• Experience of achieving results through influencing skills rather than direct control
• Ability to absorb, evaluate and communicate complex information in language appropriate to the audience both orally and in writing

Skills

• Excellent management and relationship-building skills
• Resilient with the ability to manage difficult situations in a professional manner
• Annual work programme planning and team objective setting
• Proven ability to think strategically and deliver operationally
• Capable of delivering in a field working environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including influencing, tact, discretion and experience of liaising with stakeholders and staff

Equality, Diversity And Inclusion

Innovate UK is a diverse workforce of people. We believe that encouraging these differences and drawing the best from them will build a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, where talents are fully utilised and in which organisational goals are met. Underpinning this is a belief that it is a fundamental right for everyone to be treated equally, with fairness, respect and dignity. We will act directly and use our influence to ensure that this right is promoted and upheld; we encourage applications from all those who meet the criteria set-out in our role profiles.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to employing any person who meets the criteria for our roles. When undertaking recruitment we may require applicants to undertake certain tests or assessments, some of which will be online and others may be in-person. If you have a disability, health condition or specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia then you may be entitled to support with undertaking this type of assessment exercise. Where you feel that reasonable adjustments are required to support you, we ask that you advise your recruitment point of contact in a timely fashion, providing further information. In confidence, Innovate UK will then review your application for adjustments and provide support as required.

Employee Benefits

We offer a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance. This includes 30 days annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, flexible working hours, an exceptional defined benefit pension scheme, and access to a variety of support networks and discount schemes.