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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI strategy and build innovative solutions for clients.
- Company: Join Columbus, a global digital consultancy with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI while collaborating with top professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in AI consultancy and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your ideas and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Home-based with travel to client site or Columbus offices as required
Salary: Negotiable (We aim to improve your current package)
Bonus: Yes
Holiday: 25 Days, Plus Bank Holidays (Increasing with Service)
Medical Insurance: Yes (terms apply) plus additional Health Cashback Plan
Hours: Full time (36.5 hpw)
Travel/Expenses: A car is required for travel to client sites — expensed at 45p per mile from home address (excluding travel to any Columbus Office within 35mi)
THRIVE, GROW and SHAPE THE FUTURE
People always come first at Columbus. We’re a global digital consultancy with a local presence, helping businesses transform and thrive through technology, data, and human insight. Just as importantly, we’re a workplace where careers are nurtured, and development is supported through clear, structured career paths.
Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to delivering customer success. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll find the freedom to explore ideas, challenge convention, and shape your own path.
Data & AI team
By joining our team, you will be part of a supportive network that values your voice, respects your ideas, and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Our average length of service in the UK is 8 years, as we are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates and supports career growth and advancement in becoming a Trusted Advisor.
Diversity and Inclusion are close to our hearts. We provide equal opportunities for everyone, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply for positions across our organisation, and in return, we will give you the tools and support to Thrive with us, Grow your Skillsets, and be empowered to Shape the Future.
The role of Automation & AI Lead
We’re looking for an Automation & AI Lead to shape and grow our AI capability in the UK. You’ll work across sales, delivery and strategy, partnering with customers to design and implement AI solutions and helping position Columbus as a trusted Automation & AI consultancy in the UK.
- Define and lead the Automation & AI strategy and go-to-market approach
- Build and develop a diverse and growing AI team
- Act as a trusted advisor to customers, leading AI transformation programmes
- Support and lead sales and pre-sales activity
- Collaborate with Microsoft and global Columbus teams to deliver innovative solutions.
Travel and Hybrid Working
We have an environment that gives you the flexibility to achieve an effective work-life balance for you and your family, whether you want to work from home or at one of our luxury Cubo offices around the UK. We continue to offer our customers onsite consultancy time if requested, so flexibility around travel and overnight stays is expected, dependent on the project requirements. On-site time is planned ahead of time, within 2-week blocks, so you know well in advance where you will be working.
We encourage those in customer-facing roles to aim to come into the office at least once a month, and also team meetings and client meetings; however, you can work from Nottingham HQ or any Cubo office regularly if you prefer, whichever suits you.
About You (The Essentials)
- Consultancy experience, ideally within a partner environment
- Experience across both AI/Data solution sales and delivery
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft AI technologies (Azure AI, Copilot, automation and modern data platforms)
- Experience engaging senior stakeholders and leading transformation initiatives
- Full driver’s licence and access to a vehicle
- Curious, looking to challenge the status quo and improve
- Collaborates well with both internal and external colleagues
- Committed to personal development and becoming a Trusted Advisor in your field.
What we can offer
You will be a part of both a local and global team, where you not only share knowledge but also a laugh or two. We value our employees and leave room for flexibility so that you can enjoy a work-life balance.
At Columbus you will get:
- 25 Days Annual Leave (Increasing with Service)
- Columbus Benefits Hub – Discounts on Tickets, Shopping, Car leasing, Holidays, Food and More
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Access to Free Training Courses Delivered by Columbus Academy
- Free Microsoft Certifications and access to Microsoft Learn
- Modern Air-conditioned Office Spaces fully managed by Cubo (multiple UK locations)
- Free Barista Coffee and hot drinks made in-house
- Free Beer and Fizz every day (2 - 5pm)
- Casual Dress Code in our Offices
- Personal Pension Plan
- Life Assurance x4 Salary
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme
- ÂŁ2,500 payment for successful candidate referrals
- Flexi-phone upgrade scheme (if eligible)
- Plus many many more (check out our careers pages for details)
- Employee Wellbeing Program (terms apply)
- Free 24/7 Access to Cubo Gym(s)
- Vitality Medical Insurance
- Westfield Health Cash plan (includes an Employee Assistance Lines)
- Mental health first aiders
- Virtual suggestion boxes
Next Steps
If this sounds like the role for you, then please drop a copy of your CV over today via our website and “Apply for this job” or CV not up-to-date? then apply using your LinkedIn profile in seconds.
You may also be prompted to "Connect with us", but please don’t worry if you don’t have the time; it does not impact your application.
In the meantime, check us out on Instagram or LinkedIn
STAY CURIOUS, COLLABORATE, BUILD TRUST, and DELIVER CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Suitable for candidates working with/as: Data & AI Lead, Head of AI/Automation, AI Practice Lead, Principal AI Consultant
Gold Partner and Inner Circle
As a Microsoft Gold Partner for over 20 years, Columbus has access to a range of market-leading resources, training and certifications. As well as a host of awards, Columbus has twice been named partner of the year by Microsoft.
As Microsoft Inner Circle members, Columbus has been recognised as part of an elite category of partners. This honour is only awarded to the very best in the industry for thought leadership, innovation and dedication, with Inner Circle partners representing only the Top 1% of the Microsoft ecosystem.
With over 1,500 colleagues across more than 10 countries, we bring global perspectives and local understanding. What unites us is our belief in creating meaningful impact — for our people, our customers, and the journey ahead.
Automation & AI Lead employer: Columbus UK
Contact Detail:
Columbus UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation & AI Lead
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that Automation & AI Lead role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; demonstrate it! Create a portfolio showcasing your AI projects or share insights on LinkedIn. This will help us see your expertise in action and make you stand out.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Research Columbus and our approach to AI solutions. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our team and culture. We love candidates who are curious and can challenge the status quo!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your CV gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Columbus!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation & AI Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Automation & AI Lead role. Highlight your consultancy experience and any relevant AI technologies you've worked with to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about AI and automation. Share specific examples of how you've led transformation initiatives or collaborated with teams to deliver successful projects.
Showcase Your Curiosity: We love candidates who are curious and eager to challenge the status quo. In your application, mention any innovative ideas or projects you've been involved in that demonstrate your forward-thinking mindset.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Columbus.
How to prepare for a job interview at Columbus UK
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft AI technologies, especially Azure AI and automation tools. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past projects and how they can benefit the company.
✨Showcase Your Consultancy Experience
Prepare examples from your previous consultancy roles where you successfully led transformation initiatives. Highlight your ability to engage with senior stakeholders and how you’ve built trust with clients.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills
Think about times when you've built or developed a team. Be ready to share your approach to leadership and how you foster collaboration and growth within your team.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your curiosity about the role and the company culture. Inquire about their current AI projects or how they envision the future of AI at Columbus. This shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.
