Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI innovation, build prototypes, and explore new technologies to enhance products.
- Company: Forward-thinking organisation investing heavily in AI and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of technology.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI, turning bold ideas into real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Proven innovator with hands-on AI experience and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant autonomy and support from senior leadership.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully. Please make your application promptly.
Recruiting for an organisation investing significantly in AI and innovation as a key driver of their future. In order to achieve their goals, they’re creating an innovation function with the autonomy and sponsorship to challenge the current products and services.
As Head of AI & Innovation, you’ll be entrusted with building and leading this capability from the ground up. You’ll operate with senior-level backing to experiment and explore ideas outside of the existing product or technology roadmaps. This role is for someone who thrives in ambiguity, understands both technology and commercial impact and can turn bold thinking into tangible outcomes.
Key Responsibilities- Define how AI should be applied across the existing products and services, balancing long-term ambition with short-term experimentation and delivery.
- Explore concepts, test assumptions and convert ideas into working prototypes and MVPs that can be validated with real users and stakeholders.
- Investigate emerging technologies and approaches, from LLM driven capabilities to advanced analytics, ultimately resulting in new ways of differentiating the existing offerings.
- Improve how the business operates through identifying opportunities where AI can remove friction, automate workflows and improve decision-making across internal teams.
- Embed AI practices around data usage, model behaviour, transparency and compliance, ensuring innovation is matched with trust.
- Work closely with executive leadership to shape priorities, communicate progress and ensure AI initiatives remain aligned with business strategy.
- Recruit, mentor and lead a small group of highly capable Principal Software Engineers, creating an environment that rewards curiosity, pace, and quality.
- Proven Innovator who has successfully introduced new technologies and approaches into an established technology organisation and understands how to navigate both opportunity and resistance.
- Hands-on experience designing, building and deploying AI-powered solutions, including LLM based systems.
- Have clear judgement and ability to communicate where AI adds value.
- A solid background in cloud platforms such as AWS and Azure with experience delivering scalable, production grade solutions.
- Commercially minded individual who is comfortable translating complex technical ideas into clear business outcomes for senior, non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience leading technical teams and influencing across product, engineering and operations without relying on formal authority.
- A track record of delivery, moving from ideation to real-world impact, including how new AI features will be utilised by customers.
- Must possess experience working with innovative or disruptive technologies.
Head of AI and Innovation employer: The Bridge IT Recruitment
Contact Detail:
The Bridge IT Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of AI and Innovation
✨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
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or showcase projects that highlight your experience with AI and innovation. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can turn bold ideas into real-world impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s current AI initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals and bring fresh ideas to the table. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of AI and Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a moment to really digest the job description. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in a Head of AI and Innovation, so make sure you highlight relevant experiences that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Innovative Spirit: This role is all about innovation, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've introduced new technologies or approaches in your past roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn bold ideas into real-world outcomes, so let your creativity shine through!
Tailor Your Application: Generic applications just won’t cut it. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match our requirements. We’re looking for someone who can balance long-term ambition with short-term experimentation, so show us how you fit the bill!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Bridge IT Recruitment
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and innovation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied AI in previous roles and how it can be leveraged in this new position. Show them you’re not just familiar with the tech, but that you can also think strategically about its commercial impact.
✨Showcase Your Innovation Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've successfully introduced new technologies or innovative approaches in your past roles. They want to see that you can thrive in ambiguity and turn bold ideas into tangible outcomes, so have a few stories ready that highlight your creativity and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be working with senior, non-technical stakeholders, practice translating complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes. Use simple language to explain how AI can add value and improve decision-making, ensuring everyone understands your vision.
✨Be a Team Player
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you mentor others. Share your experiences in building collaborative environments that encourage curiosity and quality. They’ll want to know how you can inspire and guide a team of Principal Software Engineers.
