Head of Data & AI – Enterprise Capability & Risk

Talensa; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Talensa is seeking a Head of Data & AI in England to drive AI strategy, enterprise transformation, and responsible AI governance. The role requires expertise in AI and machine learning strategies, governance frameworks, and leadership within financial services. The ideal candidate should have experience scaling AI platforms, defining enterprise strategies, and partnering with executive leadership for long-term investments. This role presents a unique opportunity to influence AI capabilities across organizations and contribute to the maturity of AI deployment.

Qualifications

• Experience in defining enterprise AI strategies and operating models.
• Proven ability to scale AI platforms within organizations.
• Leadership in generative AI product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of AI strategy and enterprise transformation.
• Ensure robust governance and responsible AI frameworks.
• Partner with leadership on long-term AI investments.

Skills

Enterprise AI and machine learning strategy

AI platform engineering and infrastructure

AI governance, risk and regulatory frameworks

Financial services AI use cases

Generative AI deployment

Building and scaling AI teams

Job description

Head of Data & AI – Enterprise Capability & Risk

Location: England

Contract Type: Permanent

We’re currently speaking with a number of investment firms, financial services, fintechs and technology companies about senior AI & Data capability & AI risk leadership hires, and I’m keen to connect with individuals operating in this space or looking to step into their next leadership role.

Across the organisations we work with, there is growing demand for senior leaders who can sit at the intersection or take lead on implementation of AI strategy, enterprise transformation and responsible AI risk governance.

Many firms are now moving beyond AI experimentation and into larger-scale deployment, which is creating a new generation of leadership mandates focused on building AI capability across the enterprise.

Typical roles we’re discussing with clients include:

• Head of AI / Director of AI Strategy

The insights requests and conversations with clients centre on:

• Defining enterprise AI strategy and operating models – “What are we doing with it and How!”
• Scaling AI and machine learning platforms – “Make AI work!”
• Leading generative AI adoption and product development
• Ensuring robust governance, regulatory alignment and responsible AI frameworks
• Partnering with executive leadership on long‑term AI investment and capability building

We’re particularly interested in connecting with leaders who bring experience across areas such as:

• Enterprise AI and machine learning strategy
• AI platform engineering and infrastructure
• AI governance, risk and regulatory frameworks
• Financial services AI use cases (fraud, risk, trading, automation)
• Generative AI and LLM deployment within large organisations
• Building and scaling high‑performing AI teams

If you are currently leading AI initiatives, building AI platforms, or working on responsible AI and governance frameworks, I would be very interested to connect and exchange perspectives on how the market is evolving.

Equally, if you’re considering your next leadership move in this space over the next 12–18 months, feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation.