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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI strategy and drive innovation to enhance services and customer value.
- Company: Fast-growing tech company with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture.
- 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: Strong strategic mindset, commercial acumen, and passion for AI.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and direct visibility with executive leadership.
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 Southend-on-Sea employer: Focus Group
Contact Detail:
Focus Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of AI in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend AI meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Director of AI role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for AI! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your insights on the latest AI trends and how they can impact businesses. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you've driven cross-functional change in the past and be ready to share specific examples. We want to see how you turn strategy into action, so have those stories at the ready.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and shaping the future of AI at Focus Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of AI in Southend-on-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 any projects or experiences that demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge in the field. Let us know how you stay updated on AI trends and innovations.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the Director of AI role.
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 on joining 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. Show your passion for AI and how it can drive efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've successfully aligned AI initiatives with business objectives in the past. Think about specific outcomes you've delivered and how you can translate that experience into measurable impact for Focus Group.
✨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 to drive cross-functional change and adoption of AI solutions.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to tackle hypothetical scenarios or case studies related to AI strategy and implementation. Use data and insights to guide your decisions, demonstrating your analytical skills and ability to turn ideas into actionable plans.
