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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI transformation for mid-market companies, embedding AI into their operations and decision-making.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking network of fractional Heads of AI focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible work schedule, diverse client engagements, and the chance to shape AI strategies.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding businesses through their AI journey and unlocking new potentials.
- Qualifications: 10-20+ years in AI, digital, or data transformation with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Thriving in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth across multiple clients.
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 mid-market companies (£20m–£500m turnover) evolve into AI-enabled organisations – 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 recognise that few professionals have completed a full AI transformation. Therefore, we seek leaders with proven experience in digital, data, or business 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, and governance shifts needed 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 organisations through the shifts required to become AI-enabled businesses.
- 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 and analytics 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 to business strategy. Confident advising CEOs, CTOs, and Boards on strategic implications, risk, and ROI.
- Change Leaders: Strong stakeholder engagement and ability to drive adoption. Skilled in mentoring internal teams, developing AI literacy, and ensuring responsible AI practice.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Thrives in ambiguity and fast-paced environments. Curious about new AI tooling and pragmatic about implementation. Focused on delivering measurable client outcomes through experimentation and iteration.
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 mid-market organisations (£20m–£500m turnover) 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, or product 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, CAIOs, or AI Strategy Leads — 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.
Self-Scoring Framework
Please self-score your capability in each area from 1 (developing) to 5 (expert). Provide short examples or evidence for each criterion that demonstrate your leadership in technology-driven change and your understanding of how to apply that experience to the new era of AI.
- Strategic Leadership for AI-Driven Change: Has led or architected digital, data, or business transformation programmes and can demonstrate a clear understanding of how to apply that experience to AI-led change.
- Technical Credibility: Deep understanding of modern AI ecosystems – including generative AI, agentic systems, AI copilots, RAG, orchestration tools (LangChain, AutoGen, CrewAI), and vector databases. Able to design AI-enabled solution architectures and guide technical teams.
Fractional Head of AI - Recruitment Sector employer: Head of AI
Contact Detail:
Head of AI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Head of AI - Recruitment Sector
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry leaders, attend AI conferences, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know in the recruitment sector, the better your chances of landing that fractional Head of AI role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your past projects and successes in AI transformation. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your communication skills. You’ll need to simplify complex AI topics for C-suite executives, so practice explaining your ideas clearly and confidently. Remember, it’s all about aligning AI strategies with business goals!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can help mid-market companies embrace AI. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional Head of AI - Recruitment Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading AI-driven transformations. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've successfully guided organisations through complex changes, especially in the recruitment sector.
Speak Their Language: Use the terminology from the job description to show that you understand the role and its requirements. Mention your fluency in modern AI ecosystems and how you've applied that knowledge in real-world scenarios. This will help us see that you're a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your key achievements stand out. We want to see your impact, so use bullet points or short paragraphs to make it easy for us to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Head of AI
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest in generative AI and agentic systems. Be ready to discuss specific tools like LangChain or AutoGen, and how they can drive business transformation. This shows you’re not just familiar with the tech but can also apply it strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples of your past leadership roles in digital or data transformation. Highlight how you’ve guided teams through complex changes and the measurable outcomes that resulted. This will demonstrate your ability to lead organisations into the AI era.
✨Simplify Complex Concepts
Practice explaining intricate AI topics in simple terms. You’ll likely need to communicate with C-suite executives who may not have a technical background. Being able to break down complex ideas will show your communication skills and strategic thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Change Management Skills
Be ready to discuss how you’ve engaged stakeholders and driven adoption of new technologies in previous roles. Share specific strategies you used to mentor teams and foster AI literacy, as this is crucial for successful AI implementation.
