Lead AI & Innovation Manager

London Gatwick; Gatwick; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual bonus

Free staff parking

Discounted rail travel

Share matching scheme

Job summary

London Gatwick is seeking a visionary AI leader to define and deliver the next generation of technology-enabled transformation across our airport operations. You will shape strategy, roadmaps and a portfolio of AI initiatives, driving adoption and measurable outcomes in a complex, regulated environment.

Reporting to the Head of Business Technology, you will influence executive decisions, manage partnerships with technology partners and start-ups, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading AI, digital transformation, innovation or emerging technology programmes.
• Experience developing AI strategies, roadmaps and investment cases.
• Strong knowledge of Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Automation and Data Analytics.
• Track record of moving ideas from concept and PoC to scaled implementation.
• Experience delivering measurable customer, operational or commercial outcomes through technology.
• Knowledge of AI governance, risk management, information security, privacy and responsible AI principles.
• Strong people leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Defining and delivering Gatwick's AI and Innovation strategy and roadmap.
• Creating and managing a portfolio of innovation initiatives and AI use cases.
• Driving workforce productivity through growth and adoption of Generative AI, Agentic AI and automation solutions.
• Leading innovation programmes that improve the passenger journey and commercial performance.
• Developing AI-powered solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, resilience and asset performance.
• Establishing governance frameworks for the responsible and ethical use of AI.
• Building AI capability, adoption and confidence across the organisation.
• Managing relationships with technology partners, start-ups, aviation stakeholders and industry experts.

Skills

AI leadership

Digital transformation

Generative AI

Machine Learning

Data Analytics

Governance & risk

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Permanent Role

Salary from £86,401+ £7,500 flex allowance + Up to 30% Bonus + Benefits

Great journeys happen at London Gatwick. Where will your career take you?

What is the role?

London Gatwick is embarking on an exciting journey to unlock the power of Artificial Intelligence and innovation across our airport operation. We are looking for a visionary and commercially minded AI leader to help define, drive and deliver the next generation of technology-enabled transformation. This is a unique opportunity to influence how AI enhances workforce productivity, transforms the passenger experience, and optimises operational performance across one of the UK's most complex and dynamic environments. From Generative AI and intelligent automation through to machine learning, computer vision and emerging technologies, you will play a key role in determining how innovation creates measurable value for our business, our people and our passengers.

London Gatwick is embarking on an exciting journey to unlock the power of Artificial Intelligence and innovation across our airport operation. We are looking for a visionary and commercially minded AI leader to help define, drive and deliver the next generation of technology-enabled transformation. This is a unique opportunity to influence how AI enhances workforce productivity, transforms the passenger experience, and optimises operational performance across one of the UK's most complex and dynamic environments. From Generative AI and intelligent automation through to machine learning, computer vision and emerging technologies, you will play a key role in determining how innovation creates measurable value for our business, our people and our passengers.

What will you do?

Reporting to the Head of Business Technology, you will lead Gatwick's AI and Innovation agenda, developing a strategic roadmap that aligns emerging technologies with business priorities, operational resilience, customer experience and sustainable growth.

You'll build and manage a portfolio of AI and innovation opportunities, taking ideas from concept through pilot and into scalable business solutions. Working across technology, operations and commercial functions, you'll identify opportunities where AI can deliver meaningful and measurable outcomes.

• Defining and delivering Gatwick's AI and Innovation strategy and roadmap.
• Creating and managing a portfolio of innovation initiatives and AI use cases.
• Driving workforce productivity through growth and adoption of Generative AI, Agentic AI and automation solutions.
• Leading innovation programmes that improve the passenger journey and commercial performance.
• Developing AI-powered solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, resilience and asset performance.
• Establishing governance frameworks for the responsible and ethical use of AI.
• Building AI capability, adoption and confidence across the organisation.
• Managing relationships with technology partners, start-ups, aviation stakeholders and industry experts.

Do you have what we're looking for?

We're seeking a strategic and forward-thinking technology leader who combines AI expertise with strong commercial awareness and exceptional stakeholder management skills. You will be comfortable operating in a complex, highly regulated environment, influencing senior leaders and translating emerging technology into practical business outcomes.

• Significant experience leading AI, digital transformation, innovation or emerging technology programmes.
• Experience developing AI strategies, roadmaps and investment cases.
• Strong knowledge of Generative AI, Agentic AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Automation and Data Analytics.
• A track record of taking ideas from concept and proof-of-concept through to scaled implementation.
• Experience delivering measurable customer, operational or commercial outcomes through technology.
• Knowledge of AI governance, risk management, information security, privacy and responsible AI principles.
• Strong people leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

What's in it for you?

We value our people and reward every employee fairly with a highly competitive package, enhanced by a discretionary annual bonus, free staff parking, discounted rail travel to work, share matching scheme and more. We offer a rewarding world of flexible benefits you can tailor to the things that matter to you most.

There's also plenty of opportunities for career progression, as well as training to support your personal and professional development.

At London Gatwick we're also very well connected, just 30 minutes from central London and directly linked to over 100 towns and cities. Whether you prefer to travel by cycle, electric car, or train, we aim to make your journey to work as convenient and cost-effective as possible.

What's it like to work at London Gatwick?

At London Gatwick, our people are our biggest asset. We want our people to thrive and have the best experience while working with us. We know we are all at our best when we feel comfortable and included.

We are an organisation that places diversity, equity and inclusion at its heart. Our aim: to create a place where everyone belongs and has a voice, and we recognise we all play an important role in our success.

London Gatwick supports an inclusive recruitment process, enabling you to perform at your best. Please make us aware as part of your application should you require any reasonable adjustments. We welcome disabled applicants.