About the roleAre you an experienced product leader who wants to shape how artificial intelligence is used across a world-leading university?
Imperial College London is seeking a Principal Product Manager to lead the strategic direction and roadmap for our central AI capability. This is a unique opportunity to turn emerging technology into safe, useful and measurable outcomes for students, researchers and colleagues across Education, Research and Professional Services. As a senior individual contributor, you will work closely with the ICT leadership AI lead to set product vision, prioritise demand, shape investment choices and bring together teams across ICT and the wider university. You will lead through influence, expertise and example to turn the university's AI strategy into a coherent portfolio of products and services. What you would be doingAs the Principal Product Manager - AI, you will provide strategic product leadership for Imperial's central AI capability.
You will:
Own and communicate the product vision, multi-year strategy and roadmap for Imperial's central AI capability.
Work closely with the ICT leadership AI lead to translate Imperial's AI strategy into clear product priorities, investment choices and delivery outcomes.
Shape central AI tooling, including dAIsy, Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot and emerging model providers, balancing innovation, value, feasibility and safety.
Lead discovery, user research and option evaluation, working with Architecture, Platform Engineering, delivery teams and specialist roles to move the right solutions into production safely.
Prioritise incoming demand through a transparent intake route, identifying when Imperial should reuse an existing product or licence, build something new, or seek governance review.
Own the value, cost and return-on-investment picture for central AI tooling, using adoption, usage, outcomes and service data to guide decisions and improvement.
Represent ICT as a senior AI product expert in governance and investment forums, presenting evidence-based recommendations and influencing priorities.
Coordinate dependencies across product lines and ICT functions, resolving blockers and keeping work aligned to institutional outcomes.
Mentor product colleagues and help establish practical, reusable patterns for AI applications and agentic workflows.
This is a highly visible role where your decisions will influence Imperial's AI direction, investment choices and the value delivered by central AI services. What we are looking forWe're looking for a credible and pragmatic product leader who can connect user needs, institutional priorities and technical delivery in a complex environment. Essential experience & knowledge: Experience leading AI product strategy and delivery as a shared capability across a large or complex organisation. A strong track record as a senior product practitioner, setting vision, strategy and roadmaps and leading cross-functional work through influence.
Experience delivering AI products, tooling or services at enterprise scale.
Evidence of influencing senior stakeholders and governance bodies to set direction and support investment decisions.
Strong knowledge of AI tooling, model providers, platform integrations and data flows in complex digital environments.
Deep understanding of user research, service design and agile product delivery, with the judgement to apply them proportionately.
Experience managing strategic vendors and delivery partners, with a strong understanding of accessibility, data privacy, information security and responsible AI.Skills & abilities that will make you stand out: Can translate a fast-moving technology landscape into clear choices, priorities and outcomes.
Communicate complex ideas clearly and credibly with delivery teams, academic and professional services colleagues, suppliers and senior leaders.
Build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Challenge constructively, make trade-offs and create momentum without relying on formal authority.
Use evidence, metrics and feedback to judge product health, value and impact. Work confidently across near-term delivery and longer-term strategic planning.
Remain effective in ambiguous, fast-moving or politically sensitive situations.
Develop the product practice around you through mentoring, reusable methods and shared learning.
What we can offer youThe opportunity to shape the responsible adoption of AI at a world-leading institution and support our mission to use science for humanity.
Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days' annual leave and generous pension schemes).Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.staff networkswellbeingFurther informationThis is a permanent, full-time post.
If you require any further details about the role, please contact j.toner@ic.ac.uk
Principal Product Manager - AI in London employer: Imperial College London
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the International Relations Office. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to diversity, and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a global impact, all set in the heart of one of the world's leading academic institutions.
