At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and build AI capabilities, moving from proof of concept to real-world applications.
- Company: PE backed financial services business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and potential for permanent position.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence the future of AI in a growing organisation.
- Why this job: Lead AI initiatives that drive real value in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in deploying AI solutions and navigating early-stage environments.
Dartmouth Partners are supporting a PE backed financial services business on a search for an AI Director / Head of AI to help shape and build their AI capability from the ground up. Reporting directly to the CAIO, this hire will play a critical role in defining how AI is deployed across the organisation, moving beyond experimentation into real, production‑grade use cases tied to value creation.
This is a hybrid strategy + build role, requiring both technical depth and commercial judgement. It will suit someone comfortable operating without structure, where both the roadmap and operating model are still being defined.
You must have:
- Experience taking AI use cases from POC into production (not purely advisory)
- Strong understanding of modern AI stacks (LLMs, agents, orchestration, data layers)
- Ability to make build vs buy decisions across AI tooling and platforms
- Experience operating in ambiguous, early-stage environments where capability is being built from scratch
What you'll be doing:
- Define and shape the AI stack and architecture
- Identify where business processes can be genuinely automated or agentified, vs where human oversight remains critical
- Move early AI initiatives from proof of concept into scalable production deployments
- Contribute to a 3–5 year AI and data roadmap, aligned to PE value creation objectives
- Act as a thought partner to senior leadership, while remaining close enough to execution to ensure delivery is real, not theoretical
Start: ASAP
Location: London (hybrid, flexible)
Duration: 6 months initially, with a view to extend/go permanent
Executive Chef - English Speaking in City of London employer: Dartmouth Partners
Join a dynamic and innovative financial services business in London, where your expertise as an AI Director will be pivotal in shaping the future of AI deployment. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the unique opportunity to influence real-world applications of AI while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working environment. The company values creativity and initiative, making it an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef - English Speaking in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the financial services and AI sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and commercial judgement. Be ready to discuss how you've taken AI use cases from proof of concept to production, as this will be key for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Highlight experiences where you've thrived in ambiguous environments. Employers want to see that you can build and shape processes from scratch.
✨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 their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef - English Speaking in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with AI use cases and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Share specific examples of how you've taken AI from concept to production, and don't forget to show your enthusiasm for the position.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires a strong understanding of modern AI stacks, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Mention any tools or platforms you’ve worked with, and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dartmouth Partners
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of modern AI stacks, including LLMs and orchestration. Be ready to discuss specific use cases where you've taken AI from proof of concept to production, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Business Side
Since this role requires commercial judgement, be prepared to talk about how AI can drive value creation in a financial services context. Think about examples where you've made build vs buy decisions and how those impacted the business.
✨Embrace Ambiguity
This position is all about operating in early-stage environments. Share experiences where you've thrived without a clear structure, and highlight your ability to define roadmaps and operating models from scratch.
✨Engage with Leadership
As a thought partner to senior leadership, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to balance strategic thinking with execution. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with senior teams to ensure that AI initiatives are not just theoretical but deliver real results.