Head of AI & Digital

£65,000 – £75,000 + Benefits | Onsite | Newton Abbot

Company Overview

Our client is an established, growing organisation operating within a regulated, people-focused sector. Technology and digital innovation are central to its ambitious five-year growth strategy, with a strong focus on using AI responsibly to improve systems, processes and the way teams work.

This is a high-profile appointment within the business and offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced technology professional to influence its future digital direction.

Role Overview

As Head of AI & Digital, you will take ownership of the organisation’s digital, AI and technology landscape, combining strategic leadership with practical delivery. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will develop existing AI-powered tools, identify opportunities for new AI solutions and automation, establish robust AI governance and oversee key business systems and external technology partners.

This is not a traditional back-office IT position. You will work closely with senior leaders and operational teams, translating business challenges into effective digital solutions while helping colleagues adopt technology and AI confidently and responsibly.

The position is an instrumental part of the organisation’s five-year plan and longer-term technology leadership succession strategy, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build significant strategic influence.

Responsibilities of the Head of AI & Digital:

• Own and develop the organisation’s AI and digital strategy, identifying and delivering AI tools, automation and technology improvements that provide measurable business value.
• Establish and maintain an effective AI governance framework, ensuring AI is used safely, ethically and in line with regulatory requirements.
• Lead the strategic management of core business systems, including CRM, Microsoft 365 and other operational platforms, alongside third-party technology vendors and managed service providers.
• Champion cybersecurity best practice and provide hands-on guidance to senior leaders and operational teams, supporting confident and responsible adoption of digital tools.

Requirements of the Head of AI & Digital:

• Strong technical literacy, with a confident understanding of APIs, databases, cloud infrastructure, version control and large language models.
• Practical knowledge of cybersecurity principles, alongside the ability to translate operational requirements into system, process and AI-led improvements.
• Experience managing third-party technology vendors and managed service providers, with business systems or CRM experience highly advantageous.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work across senior leadership, operational and non-technical teams. A full driving licence and willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check are required.

Benefits

• Salary of £65,000 – £75,000
• Permanent, full-time senior leadership opportunity
• Key role within an ambitious five-year business strategy
• Significant scope to shape the organisation’s AI and digital roadmap
• Direct exposure to and collaboration with senior leadership
• Long-term opportunity to develop as part of the organisation’s technology leadership succession plans

If you are passionate about AI, digital transformation and using technology to make a meaningful difference, this is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a broad and influential remit. We would love to hear from curious, commercially aware technology leaders who enjoy combining strategy with hands-on problem-solving and working closely with people.

Note on Sponsorship: We regret to inform you that at this time, we are unable to offer sponsorship for work authorisation for this role. Therefore, candidates must possess valid authorisation to work in the UK without requiring visa sponsorship.

Recruitment Consultant: Dan Martin
Ref: 11332