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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI strategy and delivery, driving transformational change through innovative technologies.
- Company: Join Tarmac, a leader in sustainable building materials and construction solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, enhanced holidays, pension schemes, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of AI in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in AI delivery and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Exciting career development opportunities in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
About CRH & Tarmac
CRH is a global leader in building materials solutions, and Tarmac is a leading sustainable building materials and construction solutions business in the UK. This role offers an exciting opportunity to drive transformational change through artificial intelligence and automation technologies.
About the role
Tarmac is seeking a visionary Senior Manager - AI & Automation to lead the strategy, delivery, and governance of Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, and RPA across our UK operations. This is a senior, high-impact role driving measurable value, operational excellence, and industry leadership as we transform how we work through intelligent technologies.
Main responsibilities
- Shape and Deliver the AI Strategy
- Identify, prioritise, and deliver AI opportunities across plant optimisation, predictive maintenance, computer vision, logistics, forecasting, sustainability, and quality.
- Lead end-to-end delivery of AI solutions—from idea and prototyping to production and business-as-usual service.
- Define value metrics and ensure every initiative delivers measurable ROI.
- Maximise enterprise platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Multiply by CRH, SAP Joule, and Salesforce Einstein.
- Track emerging AI technologies and position Tarmac as an industry leader.
Build Enterprise AI & Automation Capability
- Develop and operate AI delivery frameworks: LLMOps, model evaluation, monitoring, RAG, and integration architecture.
- Create AI reference architectures, quality standards, and assurance processes including red-teaming and model drift detection.
- Oversee secure OT/IT integration to unlock value from plant, quarry, and IoT data.
Strengthen Data, Governance & Responsible AI
- Own the AI readiness roadmap including data governance, MDM, security, and enterprise knowledge architecture.
- Lead AI FinOps: cost controls, usage telemetry, optimisation, and ROI analysis.
- Implement governance aligned to CRH standards, NIST, Cyber Essentials, SOx, ISO/IEC 42001 and data protection requirements.
- Ensure safe, transparent, explainable AI with robust controls for agentic systems.
Scale Capability & Adoption
- Build a blended delivery model of internal experts and specialist partners.
- Develop workforce plans for AI product managers, engineers, knowledge engineers, risk specialists, and UX roles.
- Lead change, adoption, training, and enablement—including role-based training and AI champions.
- Manage RPA strategy and delivery, ensuring alignment with AI governance and value measurement.
Lead Collaboration & Partnerships
- Work closely with CRH Group and international partners to leverage global capability.
- Partner across IT, Cyber, Compliance, Data and business functions to deliver integrated, secure solutions.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, innovation networks, and academia.
Experience & qualifications
To be successful in this role you will need:
- A proven ability to deliver business value from AI or advanced analytics with measurable ROI.
- Experience leading AI solutions from concept to production and BAU.
- A developed understanding of AI platforms, LLMOps/GenAIOps, governance, cyber security, and regulatory requirements (NIST, Cyber Essentials, SOx).
- To be skilled in data governance, enterprise AI platforms, and scaling innovation into operational services.
- A demonstrated ability to lead blended teams and manage strategic partners.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership abilities.
- Track record of staying current with emerging technologies.
Desirable
- Experience with RPA (UiPath), industrial/processing environments, OT data, predictive maintenance, or computer vision.
- A familiarity with large multi-site organisations.
- A knowledge of RAG, agentic AI, enterprise AI tools, and ISO/IEC 42001.
Qualifications
- A degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Business or equivalent experience.
- Relevant certifications (AI/ML, data, project management, cyber security) are beneficial.
We offer an extensive range of career development opportunities and industry-leading rewards, incentives and benefits:
- Bonus scheme
- Enhanced holiday entitlement
- Contributory pension scheme
- Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
- Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
- Working Parents Training and development opportunities
Senior Manager - AI & Automation employer: CRH
Contact Detail:
CRH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - AI & Automation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its AI initiatives. We want you to be able to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially in areas like predictive maintenance and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies of your previous AI projects. This will help us demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable ROI and lead innovative solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - AI & Automation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with AI and automation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past roles, focus on the measurable outcomes you’ve achieved through AI initiatives. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your success, it’ll definitely catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRH
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and automation. Familiarise yourself with platforms like Microsoft Copilot and SAP Joule, as well as concepts like LLMOps and Generative AI. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a thought leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your ROI Mindset
Prepare to discuss how you've previously delivered measurable value through AI initiatives. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to define value metrics and ensure ROI. This role is all about driving business value, so demonstrating your past successes will be key.
✨Collaboration is Key
This position requires strong collaboration across various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and how you've built relationships with partners to deliver integrated solutions.
✨Emphasise Change Leadership
As a Senior Manager, you'll need to lead change and adoption of AI technologies. Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams through transitions, including any training or enablement initiatives you've implemented. Show that you can inspire and guide others in embracing new technologies.