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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI strategy and delivery, driving innovation in automation and intelligent technologies.
- Company: Join Tarmac, a leader in sustainable building materials and construction solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, enhanced holidays, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming operations with cutting-edge AI and automation technologies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in AI solutions, data governance, and leading blended teams.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values your growth and well-being.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
About CRH and Tarmac
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. 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.
About the Role
- 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.
- Lead Collaboration & Partnerships: 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.
Experience & qualifications
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.
- Demonstrated ability to lead blended teams and manage strategic partners.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership abilities.
- A track record of staying current with emerging technologies.
Desirable
- Experience with RPA (UiPath), industrial/processing environments, OT data, predictive maintenance, or computer vision.
- Familiarity with CRH or large multi-site organisations.
- 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.
Why Tarmac
We don't just offer a job, we offer a career. Alongside this role, you'll have access to industry-leading rewards, development opportunities, and a culture that puts people first, including:
- Bonus scheme
- 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
- Access to join our Employee Communities (employee networks) we currently have nine communities inc.(REACH) Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause
- Training and development opportunities
We’re proud to be part of CRH, and even prouder to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to support you.
Ready to build your future? Click ‘Apply’ to get started. Please note: we sometimes close roles early due to high interest, so don’t wait too long!
Senior Manager AI & Automation employer: Tarmac
Contact Detail:
Tarmac Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager AI & Automation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their AI and automation strategies, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work with AI and automation to the table. Whether it's a project or a case study, having tangible evidence of your success can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager AI & Automation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with AI and automation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past roles, focus on the measurable outcomes you’ve achieved. Use specific examples of how you’ve driven value through AI solutions, as we’re all about delivering results at Tarmac.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the Senior Manager role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Tarmac.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tarmac
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and automation technologies. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've delivered measurable ROI from AI solutions in the past. This role is all about driving value, so showcasing your expertise will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead blended teams and manage strategic partners. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects from concept to production, and be ready to talk about your change management strategies.
✨Understand Governance and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the governance frameworks and regulatory requirements mentioned in the job description, like NIST and Cyber Essentials. Being able to discuss how you've implemented these standards in previous roles will show that you're serious about responsible AI.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Tarmac's current AI initiatives and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the company but also gives you a chance to assess if their vision aligns with yours. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your collaborative mindset!
