At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI strategy and delivery, driving transformational change through innovative technologies.
- Company: Tarmac, a leader in sustainable building materials and construction solutions in the UK.
- Benefits: Enhanced holiday entitlement, pension scheme, discounts, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with extensive career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of AI in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in AI solutions, data governance, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
CRH is a global leader in building materials solutions, and Tarmac is a leading sustainable building materials and construction solutions business in the UK. This role offers an exciting opportunity to drive transformational change through artificial intelligence and automation technologies.
About the role
Tarmac is seeking a visionary Senior Manager - AI & Automation to lead the strategy, delivery, and governance of Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, and RPA across our UK operations. This is a senior, high-impact role driving measurable value, operational excellence, and industry leadership as we transform how we work through intelligent technologies.
Main responsibilities
- Shape and Deliver the AI Strategy
- Identify, prioritise, and deliver AI opportunities across plant optimisation, predictive maintenance, computer vision, logistics, forecasting, sustainability, and quality.
- Lead end-to-end delivery of AI solutions—from idea and prototyping to production and business-as-usual service.
- Define value metrics and ensure every initiative delivers measurable ROI.
- Maximise enterprise platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Multiply by CRH, SAP Joule, and Salesforce Einstein.
- Track emerging AI technologies and position Tarmac as an industry leader.
- Build Enterprise AI & Automation Capability
- Develop and operate AI delivery frameworks: LLMOps, model evaluation, monitoring, RAG, and integration architecture.
- Create AI reference architectures, quality standards, and assurance processes including red-teaming and model drift detection.
- Oversee secure OT/IT integration to unlock value from plant, quarry, and IoT data.
- Strengthen Data, Governance & Responsible AI
- Own the AI readiness roadmap including data governance, MDM, security, and enterprise knowledge architecture.
- Lead AI FinOps: cost controls, usage telemetry, optimisation, and ROI analysis.
- Implement governance aligned to CRH standards, NIST, Cyber Essentials, SOx, ISO/IEC 42001 and data protection requirements.
- Ensure safe, transparent, explainable AI with robust controls for agentic systems.
- Scale Capability & Adoption
- Build a blended delivery model of internal experts and specialist partners.
- Develop workforce plans for AI product managers, engineers, knowledge engineers, risk specialists, and UX roles.
- Lead change, adoption, training, and enablement—including role-based training and AI champions.
- Manage RPA strategy and delivery, ensuring alignment with AI governance and value measurement.
- Work closely with CRH Group and international partners to leverage global capability.
- Partner across IT, Cyber, Compliance, Data and business functions to deliver integrated, secure solutions.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, innovation networks, and academia.
To be successful in this role you’ll need:
- A proven ability to deliver business value from AI or advanced analytics with measurable ROI.
- Experience leading AI solutions from concept to production and BAU.
- A developed understanding of AI platforms, LLMOps/GenAIOps, governance, cyber security, and regulatory requirements (NIST, Cyber Essentials, SOx).
- To be skilled in data governance, enterprise AI platforms, and scaling innovation into operational services.
- A demonstrated ability to lead blended teams and manage strategic partners.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership abilities.
- Track record of staying current with emerging technologies.
- Experience with RPA (UiPath), industrial/processing environments, OT data, predictive maintenance, or computer vision.
- A familiarity with large multi-site organisations.
- A knowledge of RAG, agentic AI, enterprise AI tools, and ISO/IEC 42001.
Qualifications
- A degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Business or equivalent experience.
- Relevant certifications (AI/ML, data, project management, cyber security) are beneficial.
We offer an extensive range of career development opportunities and industry-leading rewards, incentives and benefits:
- Enhanced holiday entitlement
- Contributory pension scheme
- Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
- Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
- Working Parents Training and development opportunities
Senior Manager - AI & Automation in Solihull employer: Oldcastle Inc.
Tarmac is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability. As a Senior Manager in AI & Automation, you will be at the forefront of transformative change, with access to extensive career development opportunities and industry-leading benefits, including enhanced holiday entitlement and a contributory pension scheme. Our collaborative culture fosters growth and encourages employees to lead impactful projects that drive operational excellence across our UK operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - AI & Automation in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Senior Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with AI and automation projects. We want to see how you’ve driven measurable value in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research Tarmac’s current AI initiatives and come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute. We love candidates who can think strategically and bring fresh insights to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to drive transformational change in our operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - AI & Automation in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Manager - AI & Automation. Highlight your experience with AI strategies, governance, and any relevant technologies that match what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about AI and automation, and how your skills can drive transformational change at Tarmac. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Measurable Impact:When detailing your past experiences, focus on measurable outcomes. We want to see how you've delivered business value through AI or advanced analytics, so include specific metrics wherever possible.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldcastle Inc.
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and automation. Familiarise yourself with platforms like Microsoft Copilot and Salesforce Einstein, as well as concepts like LLMOps and RPA. Being able to discuss these intelligently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your ROI Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've delivered measurable ROI through AI initiatives in the past. Tarmac is looking for someone who can drive value, so be ready to discuss specific projects where your contributions made a significant impact on the bottom line.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities, so think about times when you've successfully led teams or managed strategic partnerships. Be prepared to share your approach to building blended teams and fostering collaboration across departments.
✨Understand Governance and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with relevant governance frameworks and compliance standards like NIST and ISO/IEC 42001. Tarmac values responsible AI, so being able to articulate how you would ensure safe and transparent AI practices will set you apart from other candidates.
