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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to develop cutting-edge AI models and drive innovation.
- Company: Join a fast-growing startup in the exciting world of content creation and VFX.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and competitive salary tailored to your experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by applying the latest AI research to commercial challenges.
- Qualifications: Top university degree and experience in AI management or recruitment required.
- Other info: Opportunity for autonomy and collaboration with startup founders.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Do you want to design and lead AI strategy across a PE portfolio?
Have you built and delivered AI/ML systems that directly impacted business outcomes?
Are you ready to work with board-level leaders to define how AI transforms financial services?
A specialist private equity firm is hiring a Principal or Director of Data & AI to lead strategic and technical AI initiatives across its portfolio of financial services and fintech companies. The firm operates internationally and maintains a collaborative, flat-structured team culture with a strong emphasis on innovation, impact, and value creation.
This role sits within their internal innovation and value creation function. You will work closely with investment teams, portfolio executives, and internal stakeholders to deploy LLMs, design AI strategies, and build capabilities that drive measurable impact across the group.
This person needs financial services/banking/capital markets domain expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and deliver AI & data strategies across portfolio companies and internal teams
- Lead technical diligence on AI-readiness and opportunities during deal evaluation
- Build and deploy reusable LLM/AI/ML systems (agents, copilots, etc.) to unlock value
- Define governance frameworks across risk, explainability, audit, and compliance
- Own internal AI transformation—deploying tools, platforms, and training programmes
- Build and manage a small, high-performing AI team (strategists, engineers, architects)
- Act as a thought leader across the portfolio, publishing insights and sharing best practices
Key Details
- Location: London (hybrid, 2 days/week in-office)
- Director: £120,000–£200,000 base + ~20% bonus
- Principal: £120,000–£140,000 base + ~20%+ bonus
- Team: 3–4 person AI team within a 100-person private equity firm
- Tech Stack: Python, LLMs, MLOps, cloud (Azure, AWS, GCP), agentic systems
- Visa Sponsorship: Happy to sponsor
Interested? Please apply below.
Contact Detail:
Harnham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Artificial Intelligence
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the AI field, especially those who have experience in startups. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or even the founders of companies like ours.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your ability to drive innovation and results in AI.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in AI, particularly in Computer Vision and Generative AI. Being knowledgeable about recent advancements will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you can apply cutting-edge research to real-world problems. Think of examples where you've successfully implemented AI solutions in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your practical experience and vision.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Artificial Intelligence
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your management experience in AI and any relevant projects you've led. Emphasise your exposure to newer AI technologies, particularly in Computer Vision and Machine Learning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, especially your experience in team leadership and AI recruitment.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have worked on specific projects related to AI, especially in the areas of GenAI or Computer Vision, be sure to include these in your application. Detail your role and the impact of these projects.
Highlight Academic Achievements: Since impressive academics are required, mention your qualifications from a top university prominently. Include any relevant coursework or research that relates to AI and machine learning.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of AI, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous management experiences, how you motivate your team, and any successful projects you've overseen. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your leadership style and effectiveness.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Make sure to brush up on the latest advancements in AI, particularly in Computer Vision, GenAI, and LLMs. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these technologies in past roles and how you can leverage them to solve commercial problems for the company.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be liaising with startup founders, it's crucial to show that you can think strategically. Prepare to discuss how you would drive innovation and value within the company, and be ready to share your vision for the future of AI in their industry.
✨Highlight Recruitment Experience
Given the emphasis on AI recruitment experience, be ready to talk about your approach to building effective teams. Discuss your strategies for attracting top talent in the AI field and any challenges you've faced in recruitment, along with how you overcame them.
