At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of AI Services, driving revenue and profitability for Checkatrade.
- Company: Join Checkatrade, the UK's top platform for finding trusted tradespeople.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, share options, and wellness support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in home services and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in building products and commercialising AI solutions.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
As our next General Manager, AI Services, you'll build one of Checkatrade's most strategically significant new revenue streams from the ground up. Reporting directly to our CEO and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, you'll own the full P&L and shape how AI genuinely helps tradespeople and homeowners get more from Checkatrade. This is a builder's role - someone who thrives in ambiguity, moves fast, and can turn AI capability into real commercial value.
Forget long lists, here's what you'll actually spend your time on:
- Defining and owning the AI Services strategy and roadmap, with a clear path to revenue and profitability, and owning the P&L end-to-end — pricing, unit economics, the lot.
- Identifying and prioritising AI-driven revenue opportunities across consumer and trade audiences, and building the business cases that bring them to life for the CEO and Board.
- Partnering closely with our COO and CTO to shape and deliver the AI product roadmap, building products that solve genuine problems for homeowners and tradespeople alike.
- Staying on top of where AI is heading — LLMs, agentic systems, computer vision — and translating that into what's genuinely useful for our customers, managing any third-party AI partners along the way.
- Recruiting and leading a cross-functional team across product, engineering, data science and commercial, and building a culture of innovation and pace that attracts great people.
- Representing AI Services on the OpCo and working closely with Marketing, Sales and Operations to embed AI into how we already work — while keeping a close eye on the regulatory and ethical side of deploying AI products.
It's not about ticking every box. It's about turning up curious, ready to crack on. You'll do well here if you bring:
- A track record of building and scaling a new product line or business unit within consumer tech or a marketplace.
- Experience commercialising B2B software, AI or data products — from concept through to revenue.
- Strong commercial acumen, ideally with P&L ownership, and a genuine understanding of how AI technologies translate into real customer value.
- Outstanding communication skills — able to inspire a room at Board level just as easily as on the ground with your team.
We believe great work deserves great rewards. Here's just a taste:
- Competitive salary + annual bonus
- Employee Share Programme
- Health, well-being and learning support
- Gym membership, Smart Tech Scheme and Cycle Scheme
- Birthday/Special day leave
- Buy & sell holiday scheme
- 1 week's paid charity leave and much more!
How we'll get to know each other:
- Screening call with Laura Scott, Senior Talent Lead
- 1st stage interview with Mathieu Proust, Chief Operating Officer
- Panel interview with Jambu Palaniappan (CEO), Mathieu Proust (COO), Ashley Bartley (CPO) and Gorden Pretorius (CTO)
- Final conversation with Jambu Palaniappan, CEO
If this sounds like the place where you can do your best work, we'd love to hear from you, even if you don't tick every box.
Want to join our Talent Community and be one of the first to know about our vacancies? Register your interest on our Registration Form.
About us: We’re Checkatrade – the UK’s leading platform for finding a tradesperson. With more than 50,000 trades listed and over 6 million reviews, we help homeowners get jobs done right and help tradespeople grow their business. We’re growing fast, with big plans to become the go-to brand for home improvements. If you care about great work, take pride in the details, and want to make an impact, you’ll fit right in.
GM AI Services employer: Checkatrade
As a Trust & Safety Associate at Checkatrade, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating a safe and reliable home improvement marketplace in the UK. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer competitive salaries, annual bonuses, and unique benefits like gym memberships and special day leave, all within a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and fosters professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GM AI Services
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like GM AI Services at Checkatrade!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Checkatrade or be willing to refer you for that GM AI Services position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Checkatrade who’s on the lookout for their next GM AI Services star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time GM AI Services role at Checkatrade!
We think you need these skills to ace GM AI Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Checkatrade. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Checkatrade
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Checkatrade. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
