VP of AI Transformation

London, United Kingdom | Posted on 08/13/2026

My client is a fast-growing, well-funded technology company operating at the forefront of AI, robotics and advanced engineering.

Its mission is to develop highly sophisticated technology that brings AI out of the digital world and into real-world industrial environments.

The business is entering an important stage of its growth and is building a world-class international team across AI, engineering, technology and business operations.

As part of this next phase, it is looking to transform not only the products it creates, but also how the company itself operates through AI.

About the Role

As VP of AI Transformation, you will be responsible for defining and executing my client's enterprise-wide AI transformation strategy.

This leader will establish the vision, operating model, governance framework, and execution roadmap required to enable AI adoption across all business functions.

Working closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Business Transformation, IT, Engineering, and functional leaders, you will drive the organisation's evolution into an AI-native company.

You will lead the AI Transformation Office and oversee a cross-functional team, including AI Leads across Engineering, Business Operations, Back Office Functions, and Executive Operations.

You will ensure that every AI initiative delivers measurable business value while maintaining the highest standards of security, compliance, governance, and operational excellence.

This is a highly strategic leadership role with significant influence over the future operating model of the company.

What You'll Do

• Define and execute the enterprise AI transformation vision and roadmap.
• Develop a company-wide AI strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
• Establish priorities, investment frameworks, and governance structures for AI initiatives.
• Advise executive leadership on emerging AI opportunities, risks, and market developments.
• Build an AI-first culture focused on innovation, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Drive the adoption of AI agents, intelligent automation, and AI-enabled workflows across the organisation.
• Own and evolve the company's AI-Powered Continuous Improvement Flywheel.
• Establish transformation governance, operating cadences, reporting mechanisms, and executive review forums.
• Embed AI initiatives into business planning, capability maturity assessments, and operational reviews.
• Identify, prioritise, and scale high-impact AI use cases across all functions.
• Ensure successful pilots are translated into enterprise-wide capabilities.
• Drive the development of AI-native ways of working across the organisation.
• Establish policies, standards, and controls for responsible AI deployment.

• Define governance frameworks covering

• AI ethics and responsible AI
• Security and cyber risk management
• Data governance and privacy
• Human-in-the-loop controls
• Model evaluation and monitoring
• Compliance and audit readiness
• AI vendor and platform governance
• Ensure all AI solutions align with corporate, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Organisational Transformation & Change Management
• Lead enterprise-wide AI adoption and change management programmes.
• Build AI literacy across leadership teams and employee populations.
• Establish AI Champions networks and communities of practice.
• Drive workforce enablement and behavioural change initiatives.
• Foster a culture where AI augments human capabilities, accelerates decision-making, and improves productivity.
• Business Impact & Value Realisation
• Define KPIs and success metrics for AI transformation initiatives.

• Measure and report

• Automation maturity
• Productivity improvements
• ROI of AI initiatives
• Quality and accuracy outcomes
• Operational performance improvements
• Present transformation progress, outcomes, and strategic recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team and Board.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Lead and mentor AI Leads and transformation teams across the business.

• Partner closely with

• CEO and Executive Leadership Team
• Business Transformation
• IT
• Finance
• HR
• Supply Chain
• Compliance
• Cybersecurity
• Align AI initiatives across functions to avoid duplication and maximise business impact.
• Promote collaboration between technical and business teams.
• Innovation & External Ecosystem
• Continuously evaluate emerging AI technologies, platforms, and market developments.
• Build relationships with AI vendors, research institutions, industry partners, and startups.
• Identify opportunities to create competitive advantage through AI.
• Benchmark the organisation against leading AI-native companies and establish best practices.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in business transformation, digital transformation, enterprise technology, AI strategy, or AI leadership roles.
• Proven track record leading large-scale organisational transformation programmes.
• Deep understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, agentic AI systems, automation, and enterprise AI platforms.
• Experience designing enterprise operating models, governance frameworks, and transformation programmes.
• Strong understanding of business process transformation and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving business, technology, and operations teams.
• Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and systems-thinking capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to translate emerging technologies into measurable business outcomes.
• Experience building AI adoption programmes at enterprise scale.
• Nice to Have
• Experience building AI Centres of Excellence (Co E) or enterprise AI programmes.
• Experience deploying AI agents and intelligent automation solutions at scale.
• Background in robotics, advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, or deep-tech organisations.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, capability maturity frameworks, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience with enterprise knowledge management and AI-driven decision support systems.
• MBA or advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field.
• What Success Looks Like

• Within your first 12 months, you will have

• Established the company's AI Transformation Office and governance framework.
• Embedded AI maturity assessments into business capability reviews.
• Delivered multiple AI initiatives with measurable business impact.
• Built and operationalised an AI-first operating model across engineering and business functions.
• Increased automation maturity across critical value streams.
• Improved productivity through AI-enabled workflows and intelligent automation.
• Created a sustainable AI adoption culture supported by governance, training, and continuous improvement.
• Helped position the business at the forefront of AI-native advanced technology organisations.

What We Offer

• Meaningful time off to rest and recharge: 23 days of annual leave (accrued), separate sick leave, and paid bank holidays and company holidays.
• Fully funded private healthcare for UK employees, with broad provider access, virtual and in-person care, and strong mental health and serious illness support.
• Pension scheme with a total 8% contribution (5% employee, 3% employer) on full earnings.
• Free daily breakfast, catered lunch, and snacks in-office.
• #J-18808-Ljbffr