Head of AI

We began in 1878, making beehives. Nearly 150 years on, we're the UK's longest serving garden buildings manufacturer and we've never stopped making things ourselves. From our factory here in the UK come the sheds, log cabins, summerhouses and garden play that our customers treasure for years. We're now entering the most ambitious chapter in our storied history. We've broadened our range as more people look to make something special of the space outside their back door, and we're investing in the growth to match. To get there, we're building a team of best in class people, those who bring vision, raise the standard, and want to help shape what we become next.

About the Role:

Like most established manufacturers, we run on data that lives in a lot of different places — our e-commerce and marketing platforms, our ERP and finance systems, manufacturing and stock, logistics and delivery, customer service and reviews. Individually, each system works. Together, they hold an enormous amount of untapped value that is hard to see and harder to act on.

We are not looking for an AI strategy in isolation. We are looking for someone to build the capability and put it to work to connect our data, embed AI into how every part of the business actually operates, and turn day-to-day decisions into faster, better informed ones. From demand forecasting and stock, to customer service and returns, to marketing, pricing and the quality issues that shape our reviews if AI can make it measurably better, this role makes that happen.

What you will bring:

• Essential
• A track record of building AI and data capability from concept through to production — things you have shipped and that are in real use, not pilots and strategy decks.
• Strong, hands‑on understanding of RAG, vector search, knowledge systems and modern AI architecture.
• Proven ability to translate complex business workflows into practical AI use cases that deliver measurable value.
• Comfortable operating without a predefined roadmap — you find the problems worth solving and you start.
• Confident working within Microsoft ecosystems and data platforms such as Databricks (or directly comparable tooling).
• The credibility and communication to work with a leadership team and to win adoption across non‑technical functions.
• Desirable
• Experience embedding AI in a manufacturing, retail, e‑commerce or consumer business.
• Familiarity with a modern commerce and data stack (e.g. Shopify, Klaviyo, Microsoft 365 / Business Central, or similar).
• Awareness of AI governance, data protection and responsible‑AI practice.
• Experience standing up capability as a first hire and growing it over time.

If you're a driven individual who wants to be part of a business on an ambitious growth journey, this role offers real opportunity to develop and progress as we do. Apply now!

This role is full time role working Monday - Friday 08:30am-5pm.

Mercia Garden Products Ltd is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. You and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation ('Protected Characteristics').

Please note due to high volume of applicants, it may not always be possible to respond to each person. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of applying, please assume to be unsuccessful.

Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Employee discount
• Flexitime
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On‑site parking
• Private medical insurance

Ability to commute/relocate: Newark-on-Trent NG23 6QN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: In person