At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI transformation and define strategy across a major global commodities trading organisation.
- Company: Join a leading global commodities trading firm with a strong focus on AI innovation.
- Benefits: Executive-level visibility, greenfield projects, and significant impact on AI initiatives.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on high-value AI use cases and influence senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in a dynamic environment with ample growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strong software engineering background and experience in AI-driven transformation roles.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 180000 £ per year.
We're partnering with a major global commodities trading organisation on a newly created AI leadership opportunity. This isn't a "build another chatbot" role. This is a chance to define and lead how AI reshapes an entire business, from software engineering and developer productivity through to legal, compliance, middle-office and operational workflows. The organisation has strong executive sponsorship, significant appetite for investment, and a growing portfolio of AI initiatives already underway. They are now looking for a senior technology leader to build the roadmap, identify new opportunities, and drive AI adoption at scale.
The Opportunity
- You'll sit at the intersection of technology strategy, software engineering, and applied AI.
- Working closely with senior leadership, you'll help define how AI is embedded across the organisation, leading initiatives focused on:
- Agentic AI and autonomous workflow automation
- AI-enabled software engineering and developer productivity
- Internal AI platforms and enablement capabilities
- Modernisation of existing business processes and applications
- AI transformation across operations, legal, compliance and support functions
- Identifying and prioritising high-value AI use cases across the business
This is a highly visible role with the opportunity to shape a long-term AI transformation programme from the ground up.
What We're Looking For
We're interested in technology leaders who have evolved from strong software engineering foundations into AI-driven transformation roles. You'll bring:
- A strong software engineering background with experience across the full SDLC
- Experience leading engineering teams and influencing senior stakeholders
- Hands-on understanding of modern AI tooling, LLMs, AI agents and agentic workflows
- A track record of delivering technology transformation programmes
- Experience improving developer velocity, engineering effectiveness and platform adoption
- The ability to bridge strategy, architecture and execution
- Experience within commodities, energy trading, financial markets or other complex regulated environments would be highly advantageous.
Why This Role?
- Opportunity to define AI strategy at enterprise scale
- Executive-level visibility and sponsorship
- Greenfield mandate with significant scope for impact
- Blend of technology leadership and hands-on innovation
- Opportunity to build and shape a growing AI function
- Exposure to some of the most commercially valuable AI use cases in the market
If you're currently leading AI adoption, AI engineering enablement, developer productivity, agentic AI initiatives, or enterprise AI transformation programmes and are interested in building something genuinely impactful, we'd love to hear from you.
Director Project Development in London employer: Cititec
As a leading global commodities trading organisation, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to AI transformation is backed by strong executive support and significant investment, providing you with the unique opportunity to shape the future of our business. With a culture that prioritises employee growth and development, you'll have access to cutting-edge projects and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Project Development in London
✨Get Involved in Tech Transfer Events
Tech transfer is all about networking, so make sure you're attending industry conferences and seminars related to technology commercialization. Events like the AUTM Annual Meeting or local innovation workshops are clutch for meeting key players and learning what's trending—plus, you might just bump into someone from Cititec!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio can really make you stand out. Highlight any projects where you successfully brought a technology to market or improved a process. Sharing case studies or insights on platforms like LinkedIn can catch the eye of recruiters at Cititec, showing them you’ve got the chops for the job.
✨Leverage University Connections
Many universities have strong tech transfer offices—connect with them! They often have ties to industry and can help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you might find openings or internship opportunities that lead to this full-time role at places like Cititec.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join forums or online communities focused on tech transfer and commercialization. Platforms like ResearchGate or industry-specific Slack channels are great for connecting with professionals, discussing trends, and possibly learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Remember, your next opportunity could be just a message away!
We think you need these skills to ace Director Project Development in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Transfer Know-How:In the tech transfer and commercialization world, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of intellectual property, patents, and market analysis. Make sure your CV includes relevant projects or experiences where you successfully navigated these areas. Any certifications in commercialisation would also give you a serious edge!
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the position at Cititec, but also your knowledge of current trends in technology-transfer. Discuss specific cases where you've contributed to commercialising innovations or enhancing research outcomes—this will show you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on!
Quantify Your Achievements:In this field, numbers count! Whether it's successful licensing deals, funding acquired for projects, or percentage increases in collaboration outcomes, include these metrics in your CV. They not only make your accomplishments more tangible but also demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Business Acumen:Understanding the business side is just as crucial as the tech side! When writing your application, weave in examples that illustrate your strategic thinking and your role in negotiations or partnerships. This balance of skills is what will set you apart for a full-time role at Cititec.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cititec
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Knowledge
Brush up on key technologies and trends in technology transfer and commercialization. Be ready to showcase your understanding of licensing agreements and the innovation lifecycle, as well as any specific tools or software used in the field.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role isn't just about tech; it's also about understanding the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach bringing a technology to market, including strategies for assessing commercial viability and potential partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you'd approach real-world challenges in technology transfer, like negotiating a deal or handling stakeholder concerns—this can help us get a sense of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in scenarios that involved tech developers and business strategists coming together.
