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- Tasks: Lead digital innovation and AI strategy, driving impactful change across the organisation.
- Company: Join a forward-looking institution focused on transforming education through technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and the chance to influence real change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while collaborating with talented teams in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in digital innovation and AI; strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Other info: This is a high-profile role with significant influence on decision-making and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Head of Digital Innovation and AI
2 Year Fixed Term Contract
Hybrid – once a week in the Southampton Office
£70,000 – £74,500
Are you ready to lead a bold digital future powered by AI, data, and innovation?
We\’re seeking an exceptional Head of Digital Innovation and AI to play a pivotal leadership role in transforming how education, research, and enterprise are delivered. You\’ll shape and implement a forward-thinking strategy that drives measurable impact across the organisation – enhancing experience, boosting performance, and future-proofing operations.
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence senior decision-makers, guide strategic investment, and embed a culture of innovation at scale. If you\’re motivated by purpose, digital transformation, and leading real change through technology, this is the challenge for you.
Your Impact
As Head of Digital Innovation and AI, you will:
- Develop and lead the organisation-wide digital innovation and AI strategy, aligned with long-term goals and outcomes.
- Champion new technologies, introducing agile ways of working that unlock early value and drive continuous improvement.
- Lead a specialist team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative environment that encourages experimentation and digital curiosity.
- Use data and evidence to influence senior leadership, ensuring innovation initiatives are impactful, measurable, and strategically aligned.
- Work cross-functionally with academic and professional teams, ensuring digital initiatives support real-world needs and elevate the staff and student experience.
- Build meaningful partnerships – internally and externally – to stay ahead of emerging trends and seize new opportunities.
What You\’ll Bring
We\’re looking for a strategic, credible leader with:
- Extensive experience in digital innovation, AI, data, and automation, ideally in complex or highly regulated environments.
- A strong understanding of agile methodologies, service design, and emerging technology trends.
- The ability to drive change at scale, aligning technology with organisational goals to deliver value and transformation.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with a proven track record of engaging senior stakeholders.
- A collaborative, inclusive leadership style that motivates teams and builds digital capability across an organisation.
- A relevant postgraduate qualification (or equivalent experience). Understanding of the education sector is desirable, but not essential.
Why Apply?
This is a high-profile, high-impact leadership role in a forward-looking, digitally ambitious institution. You\’ll have the platform, resources, and support to:
- Shape a long-term innovation agenda
- Lead exciting projects in AI, data, and automation
- Influence at the highest levels of decision-making
- Collaborate with talented colleagues across a diverse organisation
- Make a lasting difference to how people work, learn, and innovate
If you have the skills required then please send your CV to
Spectrum IT Recruitment (South) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
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Locations
Head of Innovation and AI employer: Spectrum IT Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Spectrum IT Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Innovation and AI
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the digital innovation and AI space. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or local meetups to connect with like-minded individuals and potential colleagues. Building these relationships can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in AI and digital innovation. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and thought leaders in the field. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven digital transformation in previous roles. Highlight your experience with agile methodologies and how you've successfully led teams through change. This will showcase your leadership capabilities and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's current digital initiatives and challenges. Understanding their goals and how your expertise aligns with their needs will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate your potential impact during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Innovation and AI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in digital innovation, AI, and data. Focus on specific projects where you've driven change and aligned technology with organisational goals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for digital transformation and how your leadership style fosters collaboration and innovation. Mention your understanding of agile methodologies and how you can influence senior stakeholders.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive measurable impact. Use data to back up your claims about past successes in similar roles.
Research the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with the organisation's current digital initiatives and challenges. This will help you tailor your application and show how you can contribute to their long-term innovation agenda.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spectrum IT Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a candidate for the Head of Digital Innovation and AI, it's crucial to articulate your vision for digital transformation. Prepare to discuss how you would align the organisation's long-term goals with innovative strategies, demonstrating your understanding of both technology and educational needs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles, especially in driving digital innovation and managing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and encouraged a culture of experimentation within your teams.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in discussions about strategic investments and the impact of innovation initiatives. Familiarise yourself with current trends in AI and digital technologies, and be prepared to discuss how these can be leveraged to enhance performance and experience.
✨Engage with Data-Driven Insights
Since the role involves using data to influence senior leadership, come prepared with examples of how you've used data and evidence to drive decision-making in past projects. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to deliver measurable outcomes.
