At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of enterprise AI capabilities and drive innovation across M&S.
- Company: Join M&S, a dynamic leader in retail innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and generous pension schemes.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in retail and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in AI, cloud platforms, and data ecosystems required.
We are seeking a senior, visionary Head of AI Engineering to own and lead the development of M&S’s enterprise AI engineering capability within the Data & AI function. This role is accountable for setting the technical direction, building the core AI engineering foundations, and enabling scalable access to AI services across M&S technology teams.
The role combines strategic leadership with strong technical authority, holding responsibility for the design, build, scaling, and operational excellence of AI systems that underpin intelligent automation, advanced analytics, and data‑driven decision‑making across the organisation. You will shape and govern the AI engineering roadmap, ensuring AI capabilities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with enterprise architecture, security, and data standards.
Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible
What You’ll do
- Define and execute M&S’s AI engineering strategy, roadmap, and technical vision to enable scalable, enterprise-wide AI adoption.
- Lead the build, deployment, and operation of secure, resilient, and reusable AI solutions that deliver measurable business value.
- Establish AI engineering standards, and frameworks that accelerate delivery, maximise reuse, and reduce total cost of ownership.
- Build and develop high-performing AI engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation, engineering excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with Product, Architecture, Data, and Technology leaders to translate business ambition into industrialised AI capabilities delivered safely at scale.
Who you are
- A proven AI and technology leader with deep expertise across data / AI, cloud platforms, and enterprise data ecosystems.
- A strategic thinker who can combine technical depth with commercial awareness to shape long‑term investment and technology decisions.
- An inspirational people leader with a track record of building, mentoring, and scaling high‑performing engineering organisations.
- A transformational leader who thrives in complex environments, embraces change, and drives innovation while maintaining strong governance and control.
- A highly credible communicator who can influence executive stakeholders, align cross‑functional teams, and translate complex technology into business outcomes.
What's in it for you
Being a part of M&S is exactly that – playing your part to bring the magic of M&S to our customers every day. We’re an inclusive, dynamic, exciting, and ever evolving business built on doing the right thing and bringing exceptional quality, value, service to every customer, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us.
Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special…
- After completing your probationary period, you’ll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third‑party brands for you and a member of your household.
- Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days!
- Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
- A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
- A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills.
- Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing.
- Industry‑leading parental, adoption and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family.
- Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues including access to our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist to support you and your family.
- A charity volunteer day to support a charity or cause you're passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.
Everyone's welcome
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen.
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.
If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Head of AI Engineering in City of Westminster employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer Plc is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Salford. Employees benefit from a competitive package, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead cutting-edge HR technology initiatives, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
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