At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI strategy, drive innovation, and enhance customer value through AI initiatives.
- Company: Fast-growing tech services company with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity participation, bonuses, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for executive visibility and access to industry-leading AI resources.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in a dynamic environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong strategic mindset, commercial acumen, and passion for AI.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid – HQ in Shoreham-by-Sea
Reports to: Chief Strategy Transformation Officer
The Opportunity
Focus Group is a £300m-revenue, 1,300-person technology services company backed by Hg Capital. Following our $1bn valuation in 2024, we’re scaling rapidly and investing in AI to transform how we operate and how we serve our 30,000 SME customers. We’re seeking a Director of AI to lead the development and delivery of Focus Group’s AI strategy — shaping how artificial intelligence enhances our services, drives efficiency, and creates new customer-facing value propositions. This is a pivotal role for someone with strong commercial and transformation experience who is passionate about the potential of AI and eager to turn that enthusiasm into measurable business impact.
The Role
- Lead Focus Group’s AI strategy and roadmap, aligning initiatives to our growth objectives
- Partner with business and technology leaders to embed AI and automation across service delivery, customer experience, and internal operations
- Build and lead a small, high-impact AI team
- Evaluate and implement AI-driven tools and partnerships that deliver clear commercial and operational benefits
- Help design and launch new customer-facing value propositions powered by AI
- Define success metrics, governance, and value tracking for all AI initiatives
- Report progress and outcomes directly to the CSTO and executive leadership team
What You’ll Bring
Essential:- Strategic and commercially minded problem-solver with a track record of turning ideas into delivered outcomes.
- Blend of consulting discipline and operational delivery – able to move seamlessly between boardroom strategy and frontline execution.
- Proven ability to drive cross-functional change and adoption, turning plans into measurable outcomes.
- Excellent commercial acumen, with a sharp understanding of how AI and automation create business value.
- High emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills – able to engage and influence both senior stakeholders and operational teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable using data and insight to guide decisions.
- Genuine interest in and working knowledge of AI – you stay curious, follow developments, and actively explore how emerging tools can be applied in real businesses.
- Experience working in B2B and technology-driven businesses
- Exposure to private-equity-backed or scaling organisations
- Prior experience in data, analytics, or automation programmes
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary, equity participation, bonus, and benefits package
- Opportunity to shape and own the AI agenda within an Hg-backed growth business
- Access to Hg’s AI thought leadership, ecosystem partnerships, and portfolio network, providing unique insight and support to accelerate impact
- Direct executive sponsorship and visibility across the organisation
- Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture focused on delivery and innovation
- Hybrid working – typically one or two days per week in our Shoreham HQ
Director of AI in Shoreham-by-Sea employer: Focus Group
Focus Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and growth. As a Director of AI, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the AI strategy within a rapidly scaling technology services company, backed by Hg Capital, while enjoying competitive compensation, equity participation, and access to a wealth of resources and thought leadership. With a hybrid working model based in Shoreham-by-Sea, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional development and impactful contributions to the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of AI in Shoreham-by-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the AI space. Attend industry 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
Show off your passion for AI! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to share your enthusiasm for AI and how it can transform businesses. Bring examples of how you've used AI in past roles or projects to back up your claims.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s AI initiatives. Understand their current projects and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their vision for AI.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can help us shape the future of AI. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest opportunities and make sure your application stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of AI in Shoreham-by-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of AI role. Highlight your experience in AI strategy and how it aligns with our goals at Focus Group. We want to see how your skills can directly contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Passion for AI:We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely excited about AI! Share examples of how you’ve engaged with AI technologies in the past, whether through projects, research, or personal interests. Let us know what drives your enthusiasm!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes tracking your application super easy for both of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Group
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and developments in AI. Be ready to discuss how these can be applied to enhance services and create value propositions for customers. Show your genuine interest and curiosity about AI – it’ll impress them!
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've turned strategic ideas into tangible outcomes in previous roles. Focus on your experience in driving cross-functional change and how you’ve successfully aligned initiatives with business objectives. They want to see that you can think big while executing effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged with senior stakeholders and operational teams in the past. This role requires collaboration, so showing you can connect with others is key!
✨Metrics Matter
Be ready to talk about how you define success metrics and track value for AI initiatives. Share specific examples of how you've measured outcomes in previous projects. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and understanding of how to drive measurable business impact.
