Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation to a data-driven culture, embedding AI into decision-making and operations.
- Company: Join Newcastle Building Society, a member-owned mutual committed to community and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data and AI in a collaborative environment that values your input.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in data and AI programmes with strong change-management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78000 £ per year.
About the Role
As Head of Data and AI Adoption, you will lead the organisation’s transformation toward becoming data driven, ensuring data and artificial intelligence is fully embedded into decision making, operations, and customer experiences. This role connects strategy with execution—translating data and AI investments into measurable business value whilst driving cultural change across the enterprise. You will define how data is managed, governed, and used, ensuring it is collected, processed, analysed, and stored in ways that support innovation, operational excellence, and strategic decision making.
Success in this role requires a blend of strategic leadership, technical competence, and a deep understanding of business operations. Collaboration is essential. You will work closely with leaders across the Group, champion our purpose of connecting our communities with a better financial future, and promote a culture that is creative, courageous, collaborative, efficient, and accountable.
About You
As an experienced strategic leader with the vision and capability to shape and deliver an enterprise-wide Data and AI adoption roadmap, you translate complex data and AI concepts into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders and bring proven experience in leading large-scale data, analytics, or AI programmes that drive measurable business outcomes. With strong change-leadership skills, you embed data-driven decision-making and AI-enabled ways of working into operational processes while influencing senior leaders and driving cultural transformation across the organisation.
You excel at engaging a wide range of stakeholders across executive, technology, risk, and business communities, and you bring deep experience operating in governed and regulated environments. You have a strong foundation in data, AI, analytics, or digital transformation and understand both the technical landscape and business operations. Your expertise in responsible AI and governance ensures safe, ethical, and compliant deployment across the enterprise.
You are passionate about building capability at scale, from enhancing data literacy and AI fluency to developing best-practice frameworks and uplift programmes. You’re experienced in overseeing pilots, maturing them into enterprise-ready solutions, and driving adoption of emerging technologies, including AI. Adept at strategic planning and cross-functional leadership, you also bring experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and complex enterprise-level initiatives.
About Us
We are committed to building a resilient, secure, and forward-looking organisation. Operational Resilience is integral to how we protect our customers, our services, and our people. As an inclusive employer and member owned mutual, we aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are; we want colleagues to feel this is a place they belong. A place to be you.
What do you get in return?
- Financial Car Allowance £4,944
- Corporate bonus scheme (on target 20%, up to a maximum 30%)
- Pension scheme (up to 9% employer contribution)
- Annual performance related pay reviews
- Colleague mortgage scheme
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
- Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
- Access to our financial advisers
- Access to a range of high street and online discounts
- A 35-hour weekly contract - We are happy to talk flexible working and welcome discussions
- 30 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
- The option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ holiday
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days’ home based)
- Above statutory family leave entitlement - 3 months full pay, 3 months half pay, regardless of gender or route to parenthood
- Private medical insurance
- Access to a health cash plan through a Medicash scheme
- Access to an employee assistance programme
- Free onsite gym at our Cobalt head office and access to discounted gyms
- Two paid volunteering days each year
- Cycle to work scheme
Recognising there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recruitment, we’re committed to ensuring every candidate has the opportunity to showcase their full potential throughout the recruitment process. We strive to make our processes as accessible as possible; if there are any ways in which we can provide support or make adjustments, we would love to discuss this with you.
Head of Data and AI Adoption employer: Newcastle Building Society
Contact Detail:
Newcastle Building Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data and AI Adoption
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the data and AI space, attend industry events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your previous successes in data and AI projects. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on both technical skills and soft skills. Be ready to discuss how you've driven cultural change and influenced stakeholders in past roles. We want to see your strategic thinking in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data and AI Adoption
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data and AI adoption. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of becoming a data-driven organisation.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As the Head of Data and AI Adoption, you'll need strong change-leadership skills. Use your application to demonstrate past experiences where you've successfully led teams or initiatives that drove cultural transformation.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your insights are easily digestible.
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 Newcastle Building Society
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Head of Data and AI Adoption. Familiarise yourself with how data and AI can transform decision-making and operations. This will help you articulate your vision and how you can drive cultural change effectively.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your experience in leading large-scale data and AI programmes. Be ready to discuss how you've translated complex concepts into actionable insights for stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role. Highlight your ability to influence senior leaders and foster collaboration across teams.
✨Emphasise Change Leadership Experience
Since this role involves embedding data-driven decision-making, share specific instances where you've successfully led cultural transformations. Discuss how you’ve engaged various stakeholders and built capability at scale, particularly in enhancing data literacy and AI fluency within an organisation.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Brush up on your technical knowledge related to data governance, responsible AI, and analytics. Expect questions about how you would ensure safe and ethical deployment of AI technologies. Being well-versed in these areas will show that you have the necessary foundation to lead in a governed environment.