At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI strategy and delivery, driving innovation and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Tarmac, a leader in sustainable building materials and construction solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, enhanced holidays, pension schemes, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Exciting career development opportunities in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming operations with cutting-edge AI technologies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in AI delivery and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About CRH & Tarmac
CRH is a global leader in building materials solutions, and Tarmac is a leading sustainable building materials and construction solutions business in the UK. This role offers an exciting opportunity to drive transformational change through artificial intelligence and automation technologies.
About The Role
Tarmac is seeking a visionary Senior Manager - AI & Automation to lead the strategy, delivery, and governance of Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, and RPA across our UK operations. This is a senior, high-impact role driving measurable value, operational excellence, and industry leadership as we transform how we work through intelligent technologies.
Main responsibilities In This Role You’ll Shape and Deliver the AI Strategy
- Identify, prioritise, and deliver AI opportunities across plant optimisation, predictive maintenance, computer vision, logistics, forecasting, sustainability, and quality.
- Lead end-to-end delivery of AI solutions—from idea and prototyping to production and business-as-usual service.
- Define value metrics and ensure every initiative delivers measurable ROI.
- Maximise enterprise platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Multiply by CRH, SAP Joule, and Salesforce Einstein.
- Track emerging AI technologies and position Tarmac as an industry leader.
Build Enterprise AI & Automation Capability
- Develop and operate AI delivery frameworks: LLMOps, model evaluation, monitoring, RAG, and integration architecture.
- Create AI reference architectures, quality standards, and assurance processes including red-teaming and model drift detection.
- Oversee secure OT/IT integration to unlock value from plant, quarry, and IoT data.
Strengthen Data, Governance & Responsible AI
- Own the AI readiness roadmap including data governance, MDM, security, and enterprise knowledge architecture.
- Lead AI FinOps: cost controls, usage telemetry, optimisation, and ROI analysis.
- Implement governance aligned to CRH standards, NIST, Cyber Essentials, SOx, ISO/IEC 42001 and data protection requirements.
- Ensure safe, transparent, explainable AI with robust controls for agentic systems.
Scale Capability & Adoption
- Build a blended delivery model of internal experts and specialist partners.
- Develop workforce plans for AI product managers, engineers, knowledge engineers, risk specialists, and UX roles.
- Lead change, adoption, training, and enablement—including role-based training and AI champions.
- Manage RPA strategy and delivery, ensuring alignment with AI governance and value measurement.
Lead Collaboration & Partnerships
- Work closely with CRH Group and international partners to leverage global capability.
- Partner across IT, Cyber, Compliance, Data and business functions to deliver integrated, secure solutions.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, innovation networks, and academia.
Experience & Qualifications
To be successful in this role you’ll need:
- A proven ability to deliver business value from AI or advanced analytics with measurable ROI.
- Experience leading AI solutions from concept to production and BAU.
- A developed understanding of AI platforms, LLMOps/GenAIOps, governance, cyber security, and regulatory requirements (NIST, Cyber Essentials, SOx).
- To be skilled in data governance, enterprise AI platforms, and scaling innovation into operational services.
- A demonstrated ability to lead blended teams and manage strategic partners.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership abilities.
- Track record of staying current with emerging technologies.
Desirable
- Experience with RPA (UiPath), industrial/processing environments, OT data, predictive maintenance, or computer vision.
- A familiarity with large multi-site organisations.
- A knowledge of RAG, agentic AI, enterprise AI tools, and ISO/IEC 42001.
Qualifications
- A degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Business or equivalent experience.
- Relevant certifications (AI/ML, data, project management, cyber security) are beneficial.
Benefits
We offer an extensive range of career development opportunities and industry-leading rewards, incentives and benefits:
- Bonus scheme
- Enhanced holiday entitlement
- Contributory pension scheme
- Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
- Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
- Working Parents Training and development opportunities
Senior Manager - AI & Automation in Solihull employer: Hydro International
At Tarmac, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and sustainability in the construction industry. As a Senior Manager - AI & Automation, you will be at the forefront of transformative change, supported by a collaborative work culture that values employee growth and development. With extensive career advancement opportunities, competitive benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance, Tarmac is an exceptional place to build a meaningful and rewarding career in the heart of the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - AI & Automation in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Senior Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with AI and automation. We want to see how you’ve driven measurable ROI in past roles—make it pop!
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research Tarmac and come armed with insights about their AI strategy. We love candidates who can discuss how they’d tackle challenges and drive transformational change.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to lead the charge in AI and automation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - AI & Automation in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Manager - AI & Automation role. Highlight your achievements in AI and automation, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your ability to deliver measurable ROI.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about AI and automation, and how your vision aligns with Tarmac’s goals. Be specific about how you can drive transformational change and add value to our operations.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving change, so make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed blended teams or partnerships, and how you’ve navigated challenges in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hydro International
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and automation. Familiarise yourself with platforms like Microsoft Copilot and Salesforce Einstein, as well as concepts like LLMOps and RPA. Being able to discuss these intelligently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your ROI Mindset
Tarmac is all about delivering measurable value, so be prepared to discuss how you've driven ROI in past projects. Bring specific examples of how your AI initiatives have led to tangible business outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to align with their goals and make a real impact.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Given the emphasis on data governance and responsible AI, expect questions around compliance and security standards. Brush up on NIST, Cyber Essentials, and ISO/IEC 42001. Showing that you understand these frameworks will highlight your readiness to lead in a regulated environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and collaboration skills. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully led teams or managed strategic partnerships. Highlight your communication style and how you foster collaboration across different functions, as this will resonate well with Tarmac's vision.
