At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI and innovation strategy, driving impactful projects across the organisation.
- Company: Join Collinson, a leader in tech solutions for global brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous parental leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to responsible innovation and community success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming how we engage customers with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in AI and innovation with strong strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
At Collinson, we don’t just build technology — we power the experiences behind some of the world’s most recognised travel, financial services, and retail brands. Our solutions help global brands acquire, engage, and retain millions of customers worldwide. Our flagship product is Priority Pass, the world’s leading airport experiences programme, trusted by travellers across more than 170 countries. Key clients include Mastercard, American Express, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, LATAM, Flying Blue, Accor, EasyJet, HSBC, Chase, HDFC.
Our mission is focused on doing good beyond profit, which for us means we seek out opportunities for our people to share in our success and that we give back to the communities and people within which we work. Never short of ambition, the success of our business is delivered through the diverse and talented team of over 2,200 global colleagues.
We are now seeking an exceptional Director of AI & Innovation to lead and accelerate our enterprise-wide AI and innovation agenda. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology & Data Officer (CTDO) and forming part of the Technology & Data Leadership Team, this is a high-impact leadership role responsible for identifying, incubating, and scaling emerging AI, digital, and innovation opportunities that create measurable business value across the Group. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, technology, commercial innovation, and execution, bridging emerging technologies, external innovation ecosystems, and operational delivery to transform how we work, engage customers, and create competitive advantage.
If you are passionate about turning bold ideas into scalable outcomes, building innovation ecosystems, and leading enterprise AI transformation in a complex, fast-moving environment, we’d love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
As Director of AI & Innovation, you will define and lead the organisation’s AI and innovation strategy, identifying opportunities across AI, intelligent automation, customer engagement, digital experiences, and data-driven products and services. You will establish and lead Innovation Labs, drive experimentation and rapid prototyping, and ensure successful ideas are scaled into governed, commercially viable, enterprise-ready capabilities. Working closely with Product, Analytics, Engineering, Commercial, Operations, and Operating Company leadership teams, you will champion a culture of responsible innovation while helping the organisation confidently adopt emerging technologies and new ways of working. You will also build strong partnerships across the travel, loyalty, fintech, and technology ecosystem, bringing external innovation, start-ups, vendors, and strategic partners into the organisation to accelerate growth and transformation.
Responsibilities
- AI Strategy & Innovation Leadership
- Define and lead the enterprise AI and innovation strategy aligned to long-term business priorities
- Identify and scale high-value AI and digital innovation opportunities across the Group
- Drive practical adoption of AI capabilities that improve productivity, operational efficiency, customer experience, and commercial performance
- Translate emerging technology trends into scalable business opportunities
- Develop innovation roadmaps, pilots, investment cases, and measurable value outcomes
- Build strategic partnerships with AI vendors, start-ups, fin-techs, loyalty innovators, and travel ecosystem providers
- Innovation Labs & Experimentation
- Establish and lead a structured Innovation Labs capability
- Create environments for experimentation, prototyping, validation, and rapid learning
- Accelerate the transition from proof-of-concept to scalable operational solutions
- Ensure innovation activity remains commercially focused and strategically aligned
- Enterprise AI Enablement
- Partner with business, product, analytics, and engineering teams to embed AI into products, workflows, and decision-making
- Promote AI literacy and responsible innovation practices across the organisation
- Support Operating Companies in adopting AI-enabled capabilities aligned to enterprise standards
- Champion automation and AI‑led efficiency improvements across teams and functions
- Governance & Responsible Innovation
- Establish strong responsible AI principles and governance frameworks
- Ensure AI solutions are ethical, explainable, secure, and compliant
- Partner with Risk, Security, Legal, Governance, and Assurance teams to manage innovation-related risks
- Maintain oversight of third-party AI vendors and innovation partners
- Leadership & Capability Building
- Build and lead a high-performing AI & Innovation team
- Foster a culture of experimentation, collaboration, learning, and customer‑centric innovation
- Develop enterprise capability in AI, innovation, and emerging technologies
- Act as a visible innovation leader across the Group
Qualifications
We’re looking for a visionary yet pragmatic leader who can connect emerging technology with real commercial and operational outcomes. You’ll bring:
- Significant leadership experience in AI, innovation, digital transformation, or emerging technologies
- Proven success identifying, incubating, and scaling AI and innovation initiatives within complex organisations
- Strong understanding of modern AI technologies, intelligent automation, digital ecosystems, and customer engagement trends
- Experience working across business, engineering, analytics, product, and commercial functions
- Strong strategic thinking combined with hands‑on delivery capability
- Excellent executive stakeholder management and communication skills
- Deep understanding of responsible AI, governance, and risk management principles
- The ability to thrive in ambiguity and rapidly evolving environments
Success in this role will look like …
- AI and innovation initiatives successfully scaled into operational and commercial capabilities
- Measurable business value generated through AI adoption and ecosystem partnerships
- Faster transition from experimentation to enterprise deployment
- Increased adoption of AI‑enabled workflows and automation across teams
- Strong external innovation partnerships and ecosystem collaboration
- Effective governance, compliance, and responsible AI outcomes
What Collinson Offers
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Work from anywhere – 8 weeks a year
- Generous parental leave and family‑friendly policies
- Career development, mentorship, and training
- A supportive, inclusive culture with employee resource groups and diversity initiatives
Collinson is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes differences in all their forms including colour, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, family status, age, individuals with disabilities and people from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences as we strongly believe this contributes to our on‑going success.
Director of AI & Innovation Technology & Data · London · employer: Collinson Group
Collinson is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and inclusivity, offering a dynamic work culture where creativity thrives. With flexible working options, generous parental leave, and a commitment to employee development, we empower our team to grow alongside our mission of delivering impactful technology solutions. Located in London, our collaborative environment fosters strong partnerships across diverse sectors, making it an exciting place for those passionate about AI and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of AI & Innovation Technology & Data · London ·
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and services, especially how they relate to AI and innovation. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Director of AI & Innovation. Highlight your past successes in leading AI initiatives and how you can bring value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Collinson and contributing to their mission of doing good beyond profit.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of AI & Innovation Technology & Data · London ·
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in AI and innovation. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Collinson, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Director of AI & Innovation, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully driven innovation in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people and you’ll be part of our streamlined process. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collinson Group
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and innovation. Collinson is looking for someone who can connect emerging technologies with real business outcomes, so be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare to share stories about how you've built and led high-performing teams, fostered a culture of innovation, and successfully scaled initiatives within complex organisations.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Collinson's key clients and their industries. Being able to speak knowledgeably about how AI can enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency for brands like Mastercard or British Airways will show that you're aligned with their mission.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
Expect to engage in discussions about strategic thinking and hands-on delivery. Be ready to outline your approach to developing innovation roadmaps and how you would champion responsible AI practices while managing risks associated with new technologies.
