Head of Innovation and AI

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

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Digital Innovation and AI to shape and implement a digital strategy that transforms the organisation. This role requires extensive experience in digital innovation and AI, with a strong focus on driving organizational change through technology. The ideal candidate will have exceptional influencing skills and a track record of engaging senior stakeholders. This is a hybrid role based in Southampton, offering a salary of £70,000 - £74,500.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in digital innovation, AI, data, and automation.
• Strong understanding of agile methodologies and emerging technology trends.
• Proven track record of engaging senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the digital innovation and AI strategy.
• Champion new technologies and agile working.
• Lead a high-performing specialist team.

Skills

Digital innovation

AI and data

Agile methodologies

Exceptional communication

Collaboration

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
70,000 - 74,500

Are you ready to lead a bold digital future powered by AI, data, and innovation? We're seeking an exceptional Head of Digital Innovation and AI to play a pivotal leadership role in transforming how education, research, and enterprise are delivered. You'll shape and implement a forward-thinking strategy that drives measurable impact across the organisation - enhancing experience, boosting performance, and future-proofing operations.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence senior decision-makers, guide strategic investment, and embed a culture of innovation at scale. If you're motivated by purpose, digital transformation, and leading real change through technology, this is the challenge for you.

Your Impact

As Head of Digital Innovation and AI, you will:

• 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

We're looking for a strategic, credible leader with:

• 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 (url removed)

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