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- Tasks: Lead AI strategy for VC-backed tech companies and translate complex AI concepts into business strategies.
- Company: Join a leading venture capital investor shaping the future of technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding AI initiatives across multiple high-growth companies.
- Qualifications: Senior AI leadership experience with strong communication and commercial skills.
- Other info: Work at the intersection of founders, investors, and technology teams in a portfolio-level role.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a leading venture capital investor to appoint a Head of AI. This is a senior, portfolio-level role supporting fast-growth, VC-backed technology companies, where the ability to translate artificial intelligence into clear commercial and investor-ready strategy is as important as technical credibility. As such, if you’re known for being the person who can bridge founders, engineers, investors and customers, this role is built for you.
The Opportunity: Head of AI for a VC-Backed Technology Portfolio
As Head of AI, you will operate as the portfolio’s AI translator and trusted advisor, helping leadership teams understand what AI can do, why it matters and how to deploy it responsibly. In practice, this means working across multiple businesses at different stages of growth. In addition, you will work directly with Founders, CEOs, CTOs and Venture Partners. At the same time, you will guide AI conversations from idea to execution, ensuring that initiatives are clearly articulated, well-governed and commercially aligned.
The Role: Translating Artificial Intelligence into Business Strategy
At this level, the role suits an AI leader who enjoys influence without ego, clarity over complexity and shaping decisions at the highest level. Equally, it suits someone comfortable operating without direct ownership of delivery.
What You’ll Be Known For as Head of AI
- Acting as the primary AI voice across a portfolio of VC-backed companies
- Translating complex AI concepts into clear, confident, business-ready narratives
- Leading AI strategy conversations with non-technical stakeholders
- Helping founders and boards make informed AI investment decisions
- Aligning product, engineering, commercial, and investor expectations
- Representing AI initiatives in board meetings, investor updates, and strategic reviews
- Establishing shared language, principles, and guardrails for AI adoption
Key Responsibilities: AI Strategy, Governance and Executive Influence
Specifically, you will:
- Define and communicate the AI vision across multiple high-growth companies
- Facilitate alignment between technical teams and business leadership
- Critically, advise on where AI adds value — and, equally, where it does not
- Support founders in articulating AI strategy to investors, customers and partners
- Influence AI roadmaps without owning day-to-day engineering delivery
- Guide conversations around risk, ethics, governance and responsible AI use
- Contribute to AI-related due diligence and investment discussions
About You: Senior AI Leader with Strong Commercial and Communication Skills
We’re looking for a credible AI leader with exceptional communication skills. Typically, you will have:
- Previously held a senior AI, data or ML leadership role in a technology business
- Regularly presented AI strategy to boards, investors and executive teams
- Enjoyed simplifying complexity without oversimplifying reality
- Consistently built trust with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Importantly, understood the commercial pressures of VC-backed, high-growth environments
- Equally balanced listening and facilitation with clear direction-setting
Why This Head of AI Role Is Different
Importantly, this is not a single-company engineering leadership role. Instead, it is a portfolio-level Head of AI appointment for an AI leader who thrives on influence, clarity and strategic alignment, working at the intersection of founders, investors and technology teams. This portfolio-level appointment reflects the growing demand we see through our Head of AI recruitment work for senior AI leaders who can operate at board and investor level.
Apply for the Head of AI Role
If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.
Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales and commercial.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.
Head of AI – Venture Capital Portfolio | AI Leadership & Strategy Role, London employer: Hanson Search
Contact Detail:
Hanson Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of AI – Venture Capital Portfolio | AI Leadership & Strategy Role, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the AI and venture capital space. Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to talk strategy! When you land that interview, prepare to discuss how you can translate complex AI concepts into actionable business strategies. Show them you can bridge the gap between tech and commercial needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to articulate your vision for AI clearly and confidently. Rehearse how you would present AI initiatives to boards and investors, making sure to highlight your ability to simplify complexity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re here to help you find the right fit. Don’t hesitate to submit your application directly on our platform, where we can connect you with exciting opportunities in the AI landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of AI – Venture Capital Portfolio | AI Leadership & Strategy Role, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of AI. Highlight your experience in translating AI concepts into business strategies and your ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this portfolio-level role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced AI strategy in previous positions and how you can bring that expertise to our VC-backed companies.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires exceptional communication, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see how you simplify complexity without oversimplifying reality.
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 this exciting opportunity as Head of AI.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hanson Search
✨Know Your AI Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the latest AI trends and technologies. Be prepared to discuss how these can be translated into business strategies, especially in a VC-backed environment. Brush up on case studies where AI has driven growth in similar companies.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since you'll be bridging the gap between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, practice simplifying complex AI concepts into clear narratives. Use examples that resonate with business leaders to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across different audiences.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you've previously influenced AI strategy at a high level. Think about specific instances where your insights led to successful outcomes. This will highlight your capability to guide conversations around AI governance and responsible use.
✨Build Trust and Rapport
During the interview, focus on establishing a connection with your interviewers. Share experiences that showcase your ability to build trust with both technical and non-technical teams. This is crucial for a role that requires influencing without direct ownership.
