My client is a fast-growing, well-funded technology company operating at the forefront of AI, robotics and advanced engineering. Its mission is to develop highly sophisticated technology that brings AI out of the digital world and into real-world industrial environments. The business is entering an important stage of its growth and is building a world-class international team across AI, engineering, technology and business operations.
As part of this next phase, it is looking to transform not only the products it creates, but also how the company itself operates through AI.
About the Role
As VP of AI Transformation, you will be responsible for defining and executing my client's enterprise-wide AI transformation strategy. This leader will establish the vision, operating model, governance framework, and execution roadmap required to enable AI adoption across all business functions. Working closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Business Transformation, IT, Engineering, and functional leaders, you will drive the organisation's evolution into an AI-native company.
You will lead the AI Transformation Office and oversee a cross-functional team, including AI Leads across Engineering, Business Operations, Back Office Functions, and Executive Operations. You will ensure that every AI initiative delivers measurable business value while maintaining the highest standards of security, compliance, governance, and operational excellence. This is a highly strategic leadership role with significant influence over the future operating model of the company.
What You'll Do
AI Transformation Strategy Define and execute the enterprise AI transformation vision and roadmap
Develop a company-wide AI strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans
Establish priorities, investment frameworks, and governance structures for AI initiatives
Advise executive leadership on emerging AI opportunities, risks, and market developments
Build an AI-first culture focused on innovation, productivity, and continuous improvement
Drive the adoption of AI agents, intelligent automation, and AI-enabled workflows across the organisation
AI Operating Model & Continuous Improvement Own and evolve the company's AI-Powered Continuous Improvement Flywheel
Embed AI initiatives into business planning, capability maturity assessments, and operational reviews
Identify, prioritise, and scale high-impact AI use cases across all functions
Ensure successful pilots are translated into enterprise-wide capabilities
Drive the development of AI-native ways of working across the organisation
Enterprise AI Governance Establish policies, standards, and controls for responsible AI deployment
Define governance frameworks covering: AI ethics and responsible AI Security and cyber risk management Data governance and privacy Human-in-the-loop controls Model evaluation and monitoring Compliance and audit readiness AI vendor and platform governance Ensure all AI solutions align with corporate, legal, and regulatory requirements
Organisational Transformation & Change Management Lead enterprise-wide AI adoption and change management programmes
Build AI literacy across leadership teams and employee populations
Establish AI Champions networks and communities of practice
Drive workforce enablement and behavioural change initiatives
Foster a culture where AI augments human capabilities, accelerates decision-making, and improves productivity
Business Impact & Value Realisation Define KPIs and success metrics for AI transformation initiatives
Measure and report: Automation maturity Productivity improvements ROI of AI initiatives User adoption Quality and accuracy outcomes Cost efficiencies Operational performance improvements Present transformation progress, outcomes, and strategic recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team and Board
Cross-Functional Leadership Lead and mentor AI Leads and transformation teams across the business
Partner closely with: CEO and Executive Leadership Team Business Transformation Engineering IT Finance HR Supply Chain Compliance Cybersecurity Align AI initiatives across functions to avoid duplication and maximise business impact
Promote collaboration between technical and business teams
Innovation & External Ecosystem Continuously evaluate emerging AI technologies, platforms, and market developments
Build relationships with AI vendors, research institutions, industry partners, and startups
Identify opportunities to create competitive advantage through AI
Benchmark the organisation against leading AI-native companies and establish best practices
What We're Looking For
10+ years of experience in business transformation, digital transformation, enterprise technology, AI strategy, or AI leadership roles
Proven track record leading large-scale organisational transformation programmes
Deep understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, agentic AI systems, automation, and enterprise AI platforms
Experience designing enterprise operating models, governance frameworks, and transformation programmes
Strong understanding of business process transformation and continuous improvement methodologies
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving business, technology, and operations teams
Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management skills
Strong analytical, strategic, and systems-thinking capabilities
Demonstrated ability to translate emerging technologies into measurable business outcomes
Experience building AI adoption programmes at enterprise scale
Nice to Have
Experience building AI Centres of Excellence (CoE) or enterprise AI programmes
Experience deploying AI agents and intelligent automation solutions at scale
Background in robotics, advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, or deep-tech organisations
Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, capability maturity frameworks, and operational excellence methodologies
Experience with enterprise knowledge management and AI-driven decision support systems
MBA or advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field
What Success Looks Like
Within your first 12 months, you will have:
Established the company's AI Transformation Office and governance framework
Embedded AI maturity assessments into business capability reviews
Delivered multiple AI initiatives with measurable business impact
Built and operationalised an AI-first operating model across engineering and business functions
Increased automation maturity across critical value streams
Improved productivity through AI-enabled workflows and intelligent automation
Created a sustainable AI adoption culture supported by governance, training, and continuous improvement
Helped position the business at the forefront of AI-native advanced technology organisations
What We Offer
Meaningful time off to rest and recharge: 23 days of annual leave (accrued), separate sick leave, and paid bank holidays and company holidays
Fully funded private healthcare for UK employees, with broad provider access, virtual and in-person care, and strong mental health and serious illness support
Pension scheme with a total 8% contribution (5% employee, 3% employer) on full earnings
Free daily breakfast, catered lunch, and snacks in-office. <