At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI transformation for mid-market companies, embedding AI across operations and decision-making.
- Company: Join a network of fractional Heads of AI focused on innovative business solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, diverse projects, and the chance to shape AI strategies.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with multiple clients, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding businesses through their AI journey and unlocking potential.
- Qualifications: 10-20+ years in AI, data, or digital transformation with strong leadership skills.
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. Can connect earlier digital or automation expertise with today’s agentic and generative AI capabilities.
- 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. Evolved beyond a purely data science or analytics focus — can bridge data foundations with GenAI strategy, agentic systems, and organisational enablement. Can lead technical reviews and guide delivery teams even if not coding daily.
- 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. Understands human-in-the-loop design and the organisational shifts required for AI success.
- 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. 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 businesses harness AI responsibly and at scale, we’d love to hear from you.
Fractional Head of AI - Martech in Preston employer: Head of AI
As a Fractional Head of AI, you will join a dynamic network dedicated to transforming mid-market companies into AI-enabled organisations. Our culture fosters innovation and collaboration, offering exceptional leaders the opportunity to mentor teams and drive meaningful change while enjoying flexible engagements across diverse clients. With a focus on professional growth and a commitment to responsible AI practices, we provide a unique platform for you to make a significant impact in the evolving landscape of AI.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional Head of AI - Martech in Preston
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry leaders and peers. Attend AI conferences, webinars, and local meetups to build relationships that could lead to opportunities. Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a personal brand that highlights your experience in AI-driven transformation. Share insights on LinkedIn or write articles about your journey in the AI space. This will position you as a thought leader and attract attention from potential employers.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Don’t hesitate to reach out for informational interviews with companies you're interested in. It’s a great way to learn more about their needs and showcase how your skills can help them navigate their AI journey. Plus, it keeps you top of mind when opportunities arise!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are ready to make an impact in the AI space.
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional Head of AI - Martech in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading complex transformation programmes. We want to see how you've reshaped business performance with technology and data, especially in the context of AI.
Keep It Relevant:Tailor your application to focus on your deep technical fluency in modern AI ecosystems. Mention specific tools or frameworks you’ve worked with, like generative AI or orchestration frameworks, to show us you’re up to date with the latest trends.
Communicate Clearly:Remember, we’re looking for C-suite communicators! Simplify complex AI topics in your application to demonstrate your ability to align AI investments with business strategy. Show us you can talk the talk with executives.
Be Yourself:Let your entrepreneurial mindset shine through! Share examples of how you thrive in fast-paced environments and your approach to delivering measurable outcomes. We love seeing candidates who are curious and pragmatic about AI implementation.
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 drive business transformation. 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 guide teams through cultural and operational shifts, and how you’ve successfully aligned technology with business strategy. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can translate ambition into action.
✨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 break down complex topics will show your communication skills and your ability to align AI initiatives with business goals.
✨Embrace the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Be ready to discuss how you thrive in fast-paced environments and your approach to experimentation and iteration. Share examples of how you’ve navigated ambiguity and delivered measurable outcomes for clients. This mindset is crucial for a Fractional Head of AI role, so let it shine through in your responses.
