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- Tasks: Lead the development of data and AI strategies to transform education and employment services.
- Company: Knovia, the UK's leading apprenticeship provider, focused on an inclusive, AI-enabled future.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, CPD opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact using data and AI to empower learners and employers.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in data or AI, with a strong track record in digital transformation.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to safeguarding and wellbeing, with a focus on inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As the UK’s leading apprenticeship provider, Knovia are transforming how education, skills development, and employment services are delivered in a rapidly evolving digital world. Our mission is to empower learners, employers, and society to thrive in an inclusive, AI-enabled future. To help drive this transformation, we are creating a new leadership role: Head of Data, Automation & AI. This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a modern data and AI capability from the ground up, shaping strategy, technology, and culture across the organisation.
In this role you will lead the development of a modern data ecosystem that powers insight, automation, and intelligent decision-making across the group. Working closely with the Chief Transformation Officer and senior leadership, you will define and deliver our data and AI strategy, enabling smarter operations, better learner experiences, and innovative digital services. This is a hands-on leadership role combining strategic vision with technical depth.
Over the next 12 months, you will focus on:
- Designing and implementing a scalable modern data platform (data lake, warehouse, pipelines, BI)
- Automating end-to-end business processes using platforms such as Workato
- Developing and deploying AI agents and AI-enabled workflows
- Enhancing analytics and insight capabilities
- Building internal AI capability, literacy and training across the organisation
- Establishing governance frameworks for data quality, privacy and responsible AI
A selection of the key responsibilities for this role:
- Define and lead Knovia’s data, automation and AI strategy
- Build and deliver a data and AI roadmap aligned with organisational priorities
- Identify and prioritise high-impact AI, analytics and automation use cases
- Design and oversee scalable cloud-based data architecture
- Build and manage data platforms, pipelines and integrations
- Operationalise AI and automation across business processes
- Develop and deploy AI agents and intelligent automation solutions
- Implement ML lifecycle management, model monitoring and MLOps
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection regulations
- Implement ethical and responsible AI practices
- Build and lead a high-performing data, AI and automation team
- Develop internal AI literacy and training programmes
- Partner with departments to identify high-impact transformation opportunities
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders
You’ll be instrumental in redefining our value proposition in an AI world, helping us deliver smarter, more connected, and future-ready services. If you’re passionate about using data and AI as a force for good, and ready to lead meaningful change in education and employment, we’d love to hear from you.
What we need from you:
- Senior leadership experience in data, AI, or digital transformation
- Proven track record delivering enterprise-scale data platforms or AI initiatives
- Strong expertise in cloud data architecture and data engineering
- Experience leading cross-functional teams across data, AI and engineering
- Demonstrated success embedding data-driven decision making
- Experience with modern data and AI ecosystems including: Cloud platforms, Data Platforms, MLOps Tools and Workflow Automation tools
- Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related discipline
- Strong commitment to continuous professional development in AI and data technologies
If you are passionate about using data, automation and artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact at scale, so why not join the Knovia Group, who are on a bold mission to ensure AI leaves no one behind empowering learners, employers, and society to thrive in an inclusive, AI-enabled future.
We are proud to offer a suite of benefits that are handpicked for you:
- 25 days annual leave - increasing with length of service and 8 bank holidays
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Up to 3 days of paid volunteering leave and corporate conscience initiatives
- Recognition and long service awards to celebrate our colleagues’
- Perkbox – a suite of discounts, lifestyle benefits and wellness tool
- 3% matched Employer Pension contribution
- In person team meetings and 1:1s
- Enhanced Maternity leave after 2 years of service
- Income protection and Life Assurance
- Recommend a colleague incentive schemes, where you can benefit £500 for referring great people to work with us
- CPD and training opportunities
- 4pm Friday finish with flexible working opportunities available
- Flexible and supportive team and with a great culture
- Employee Assistance Programme, with a dedicated People Team to support all colleagues
Knovia is committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of our learners and colleagues and we implement robust safer recruitment practices to support this. Dependant on the role you are applying for, we may undertake a number of necessary checks to confirm you are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a guaranteed interview scheme in place to ensure that nobody is overlooked or discriminated against because of their disability. If you meet the minimum criteria when you apply and you have informed us in your application that you have a disability, you will be guaranteed an interview for that role.
Head of Data, Automation and AI in Bristol employer: Knovia
Contact Detail:
Knovia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data, Automation and AI in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around data and AI.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through projects or case studies. Bring examples of how you’ve used data and AI to drive results in previous roles – it’s all about proving your impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data, Automation and AI in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data, AI, and digital transformation. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Knovia!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and projects in the past, especially in data and AI.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain complex concepts, as we value communication skills just as much as technical expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knovia
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in data, automation, and AI. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud data architecture and MLOps tools, as these will likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss specific projects or experiences where you've implemented these technologies will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Data, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams and driven data-driven decision-making in previous roles. Highlight your experience in building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges Knovia might face in implementing their data and AI strategy, and be ready to discuss how you would approach these issues. This shows that you can think critically and strategically.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Simply
You’ll need to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Practice simplifying your explanations without losing the essence of the information. This skill is crucial for ensuring everyone is on the same page and can contribute to the organisation's goals effectively.