Head Of Innovation And AI

Spectrum IT Recruitment; Eastleigh; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Digital Innovation and AI to develop a strategic roadmap for digital initiatives. This high-impact role requires extensive experience in digital innovation and AI, strong communication skills, and a collaborative leadership style. The position is hybrid, with weekly attendance at the office in Southampton, offering a competitive salary range of £70,000 - £74,500.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in digital innovation and AI in complex environments.
• Strong understanding of agile methodologies and service design.
• Proven track record of engaging senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an organisation-wide digital innovation strategy.
• Champion new technologies to drive continuous improvement.
• Influence senior leadership with data-supported initiatives.

Skills

Digital innovation expertise

AI proficiency

Agile methodologies

Exceptional communication

Collaborative leadership

Education

Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Head of Digital Innovation and AI — 2 Year Fixed Term Contract. Hybrid - once a week in the Southampton Office. Salary: £70,000 - £74,500.

Your Impact

• Develop and lead the organisation-wide digital innovation and AI strategy, aligned with long-term goals and outcomes.
• Champion new technologies, introducing agile ways of working that unlock early value and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead a specialist team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative environment that encourages experimentation and digital curiosity.
• Use data and evidence to influence senior leadership, ensuring innovation initiatives are impactful, measurable, and strategically aligned.
• Work cross-functionally with academic and professional teams, ensuring digital initiatives support real-world needs and elevate the staff and student experience.
• Build meaningful partnerships - internally and externally - to stay ahead of emerging trends and seize new opportunities.

What You\'ll Bring

• Extensive experience in digital innovation, AI, data, and automation, ideally in complex or highly regulated environments.
• A strong understanding of agile methodologies, service design, and emerging technology trends.
• The ability to drive change at scale, aligning technology with organisational goals to deliver value and transformation.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with a proven track record of engaging senior stakeholders.
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style that motivates teams and builds digital capability across an organisation.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience). Understanding of the education sector is desirable, but not essential.

Why Apply?

This is a high-profile, high-impact leadership role in a forward-looking, digitally ambitious institution. You\'ll have the platform, resources, and support to:

• Shape a long-term innovation agenda
• Lead exciting projects in AI, data, and automation
• Influence at the highest levels of decision-making
• Collaborate with talented colleagues across a diverse organisation
• Make a lasting difference to how people work, learn, and innovate

If you have the skills required then please send your CV to

Spectrum IT Recruitment (South) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy