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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI strategy and drive innovation to enhance services for 30,000 SME customers.
- Company: Focus Group, a rapidly scaling tech services company with a £300m revenue.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity participation, bonuses, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in a dynamic environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strategic problem-solver with experience in AI, automation, and cross-functional change.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with direct executive visibility and growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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.
Desirable:
- 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
AI/ML Director in Shoreham-by-Sea employer: Focus Group
Contact Detail:
Focus Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AI/ML Director in Shoreham-by-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the AI and tech 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 and needs.
✨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 at Focus Group. 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 AI/ML Director in Shoreham-by-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in AI and transformation. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Focus Group, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion for AI: We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely excited about AI! In your application, share examples of how you’ve engaged with AI technologies or projects. Let us know what inspires you about the potential of AI in business.
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 still reflecting your personality.
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 shows you’re keen to join our team at Focus Group!
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. Showing genuine enthusiasm and knowledge will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led AI initiatives or transformations in the past. Highlight your ability to align AI strategies with business objectives, as this role is all about driving measurable outcomes and commercial benefits.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've worked with different teams to implement AI solutions. Be ready to explain how you engaged stakeholders and drove change across various departments, as this role requires strong relationship-building skills.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key metrics and success indicators related to AI initiatives. During the interview, discuss how you’ve used data to guide decisions and measure success in previous roles. This will show that you have a solid analytical approach to problem-solving.