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- Tasks: Lead AI transformation in financial services, embedding AI across operations and decision-making.
- Company: Join a network of fractional Heads of AI driving innovation in financial institutions.
- Benefits: Flexible engagements, competitive compensation, and the chance to shape the future of finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding organisations through their AI journey in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10-20+ years in AI, data, or digital transformation with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Ideal for entrepreneurial leaders ready to embrace the AI era and drive measurable outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Head of AI is seeking exceptional leaders to join our network of fractional Heads of AI. Our mission is to help Financial Services organisations evolve into AI-enabled institutions — embedding AI strategically across their operations, products, and decision-making. We are looking for individuals who combine deep technical fluency with board-level leadership, capable of guiding organisations as they adopt and scale the new era of generative and agentic AI.
We work with organisations across banking, asset management, investment management, fintech, and insurance, typically ranging from £20m–£500m+ in revenue. These institutions face increasing pressure to innovate while maintaining strong governance, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Our fractional Heads of AI support leadership teams in embedding AI capabilities that improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making, and unlock new sources of value.
We recognise that few professionals have completed a full AI transformation. Therefore, we seek leaders with proven experience in digital, data, analytics, or operational transformation who are now applying that expertise to AI-led change. You understand how to translate ambition into action — guiding organisations through the cultural, operational, governance, and regulatory shifts required to unlock AI’s potential.
What We Are Looking For:
- AI-Driven Business Transformation Leaders: Proven experience leading complex transformation programmes where technology, data, and innovation reshaped business performance. Able to apply that experience to the generative AI era — guiding financial institutions through the shifts required to become AI-enabled organisations.
- Deep Technical Fluency: Fluent in modern AI ecosystems including generative AI, agentic systems, AI copilots, and orchestration frameworks (e.g. LangChain, AutoGen, CrewAI). Understands how to combine traditional ML, analytics, and financial data systems with emerging AI architectures to deliver measurable commercial value.
- C-Suite and Board-Level Communicators: Able to simplify complex AI topics for executives and align AI investments with organisational strategy. Confident advising CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, and Boards on strategic implications, risk, governance, and ROI.
- Change Leaders: Strong stakeholder engagement and ability to drive adoption. Skilled in mentoring internal teams, developing AI literacy, and ensuring responsible AI practices.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Thrives in ambiguity and fast-paced environments. Curious about new AI tooling and pragmatic about implementation.
What we are not Looking For:
- Legacy executives (e.g. ex-CTO/CDO/CIO) without hands-on AI or GenAI understanding.
- Academic or research-focused professionals without applied business outcomes.
- Technologists who lack leadership or transformation delivery experience.
- Consultants who only advise but have not led execution or implementation teams.
- Corporate-only leaders reliant on large structures to operate effectively.
Desired Profile Summary
The ideal candidate will serve as a Fractional Head of AI / AI-Driven Transformation Leader, focused on helping financial services organisations design and execute end-to-end AI strategies, roadmaps, execution plans, and governance frameworks. They will bring 10–20+ years of experience across AI, data, digital transformation, analytics, or fintech innovation, demonstrating a proven ability to translate technology into measurable business outcomes.
They are experienced AI, digital, or data transformation leaders — such as former Heads of Data Science, Chief AI Officers, AI Strategy Leads, or Digital Transformation Leaders — who have evolved beyond model development into organisational change and value delivery. Candidates with a data science foundation are welcome, provided they exhibit fluency in modern AI technologies (LLMs, copilots, orchestration frameworks) and possess strategic influence at the executive level.
They embody an entrepreneurial, adaptable, outcome-oriented, and collaborative mindset, thriving in fractional engagements typically spanning 1–5 days per week across multiple clients. We welcome applications from professionals who have led significant transformation initiatives and are ready to bring that expertise into the AI era. If you are passionate about helping financial institutions harness AI responsibly and at scale, we’d love to hear from you.
Industry: Financial Services
Related LinkedIn sectors: Investment Management, Wealth Management, Asset Management, FinTech, Banking, Insurance, Capital Markets, Payments
Fractional Chief AI Officer / Head of AI - Financial Services employer: Head of AI
Contact Detail:
Head of AI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Chief AI Officer / Head of AI - Financial Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with industry leaders on LinkedIn and attend relevant events. The more people you know in the financial services and AI space, the better your chances of landing that fractional Head of AI role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create content that highlights your experience in AI transformation and how you've driven change in previous roles. This will position you as a thought leader and attract attention from potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire and express your interest in helping them with their AI strategies. A personal touch can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for exceptional talent. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to joining our network of fractional Heads of AI.
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional Chief AI Officer / Head of AI - Financial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your experience in AI-driven transformation and how it aligns with our mission at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can help financial services evolve into AI-enabled institutions!
Showcase Your Technical Fluency: Don’t shy away from detailing your technical skills! Mention your familiarity with generative AI, agentic systems, and any relevant frameworks. We’re looking for leaders who can bridge the gap between tech and strategy, so let us know how you do that.
Communicate Clearly: Remember, we need C-suite communicators! Simplify complex AI concepts in your application. Show us how you’ve successfully advised executives in the past and how you can align AI investments with organisational strategy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Head of AI
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you’re up to speed with the latest in generative AI and agentic systems. Brush up on frameworks like LangChain and AutoGen, and be ready to discuss how these can transform financial services. The more fluent you are in modern AI ecosystems, the better you'll connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've led complex transformation programmes. Highlight your ability to bridge technology and business strategy, especially in financial contexts. They want to see that you can guide organisations through cultural and operational shifts, so have those stories ready!
✨Simplify the Complex
Practice explaining intricate AI concepts in simple terms. You’ll likely be talking to C-suite executives who need to understand the strategic implications of AI investments. Being able to communicate effectively at this level will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Your Change Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've engaged stakeholders and driven adoption of new technologies. Share your strategies for developing AI literacy within teams and ensuring responsible AI practices. This role is all about leading change, so show them you’ve got what it takes!