Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

United Kingdom | Senior Leadership Role

Automotive Retail & Technology

Full-Time | Permanent

No Sponsorship Available

About the Role

XYZ is looking for an exceptional Head of AI to lead the next phase of our AI transformation journey.

This is a rare opportunity to build and shape AI strategy within one of the UK’s most recognised automotive retail businesses. We are seeking a commercially minded AI leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery capability to drive real operational and customer impact across the organisation.

You will own the AI roadmap end-to-end — identifying opportunities, leading implementation, managing partners, and embedding AI capabilities across multiple business functions including vehicle operations, customer experience, recruitment, training, and data services.

This is a highly visible leadership role with direct influence on business innovation and future growth.

What You’ll Be Responsible ForAI Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute a company-wide AI strategy aligned with commercial objectives
• Identify high-impact AI opportunities across operational, customer, and back-office functions
• Present AI roadmaps, business cases, and delivery plans to senior leadership
• Drive adoption of AI technologies and foster a culture of innovation across the organisation
• Stay ahead of emerging AI trends, tools, and technologies relevant to automotive and retail sectors

Key AI Initiatives You Will Lead

You will oversee and deliver several strategic AI programmes already underway, including:

• AI-assisted engine diagnostics and assessment
• AI-powered OBDII scanner interpretation (including EV readiness)
• Computer vision for cosmetic vehicle inspection
• AI identification of vehicle specifications and optional extras
• AI dashboard warning light interpretation
• AI-driven customer communication and engagement tools
• Intelligent data extraction and retrieval systems
• OCR and AI document processing solutions
• AI agents within customer service operations
• AI-enhanced recruitment workflows
• AI-powered learning and training systems

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Own relationships with AI vendors, technology providers, and strategic partners
• Manage third-party delivery, contracts, SLAs, and technical partnerships
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, IT, Customer Service, HR, and Commercial teams
• Act as the internal AI subject matter expert and trusted advisor to leadership

Governance, Delivery & Performance

• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks to measure AI impact and ROI
• Ensure AI deployments comply with GDPR, UK data protection, and governance standards
• Manage delivery timelines, implementation risks, and ethical AI considerations
• Oversee multiple concurrent AI workstreams from concept through to deployment

What We’re Looking ForEssential Experience

• Proven experience in a senior AI, Machine Learning, or Technology leadership role
• Strong track record delivering AI/ML solutions in live commercial environments
• Deep understanding of:
• Machine Learning
• NLP / LLMs
• Computer Vision
• AI Agents / Automation
• Data & AI Infrastructure
• Experience managing external AI vendors and technical partnerships
• Strong stakeholder communication skills — able to translate technical concepts into commercial outcomes
• Commercial mindset with clear focus on ROI, scalability, and operational value

Desirable Experience

• Automotive, retail, marketplace, or operational AI experience
• Exposure to vehicle diagnostics, OBDII systems, or EV technologies
• OCR, document processing, or intelligent automation experience
• AI implementation within customer service or CRM functions
• Knowledge of AI-assisted recruitment or HR systems
• Understanding of UK/EU AI governance and regulatory frameworks

Why Join This Company?

• Opportunity to build and shape an AI function from the ground up
• Direct influence on company-wide transformation initiatives
• High-visibility leadership position with executive exposure
• Forward-thinking and innovation-focused environment
• Competitive salary and package based on experience
• Flexible start date for the right candidate

Apply

• If you are passionate about building commercially impactful AI solutions at scale and want to lead transformational projects within a major UK business, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay: £70,000.00-£150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Manchester (Greater Manchester)