At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI and application delivery, driving innovation and continuous improvement.
- Company: Waystone, a top asset-servicing solutions provider with 25 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on growth, innovation, and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in finance and make a real impact on client experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in application delivery and applied AI within financial services.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
About Waystone
Waystone is a leading asset‑servicing solutions provider of institutional governance, administration, risk and compliance services to financial institutions.
With over 25 years’ experience and a comprehensive range of specialist services to its name, Waystone helps our clients structure, operate and grow through our expertise, innovation and digitalisation, backed by the operational scale to support global expansion.
Summary
Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Head of AI and Application Delivery is an integral contributor to the team’s and organisation’s success.
We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking leader to own the delivery, ownership and continuous improvement of Waystone’s digital applications and the applied‑AI capabilities that support the Man Co and Administration businesses.
Key Responsibilities
- AI & Application Delivery Strategy
- Own and drive the roadmap for AI‑enablement and the digital application portfolio, aligned to Man Co business strategy and client needs.
- Identify, prioritise and deliver opportunities where AI and applications reduce manual effort, improve data quality, and enhance the client and employee experience.
- Translate business problems into deliverable, well‑governed AI and application solutions.
- Team Leadership, Culture & Development
- Lead, develop and inspire a team of application owners and AI engineers.
- Create a high‑performance, inclusive team culture built on trust, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Invest in team members’ development through coaching, career planning, skills training, and performance feedback.
- Foster psychological safety and open communication, supporting both individual wellbeing and collective achievement.
- Define clear goals and priorities, ensure alignment to business objectives, and remove blockers to delivery.
- Application Ownership & Delivery
- Own the lifecycle of the firm’s digital applications — from discovery and design through build, release, and ongoing support and iteration.
- Ensure applications are reliable, secure, scalable and well‑supported, with clear ownership and accountability.
- Drive engineering quality, a predictable delivery cadence, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Applied AI Engineering
- Lead the design, build and deployment of AI capabilities — such as generative AI, intelligent automation, copilots and document/data extraction — that support Man Co operations.
- Ensure AI capabilities are integrated cleanly into the application estate and into day‑to‑day business workflows.
- Stay current with the evolving AI landscape and evaluate tooling, models and delivery patterns for fit and value.
- AI Governance, Risk & Controls
- Ensure AI and application delivery meets the firm’s regulatory, data protection, security and model‑governance obligations.
- Establish and maintain controls for the responsible and safe use of AI, including model oversight, data handling, explainability and auditability.
- Partner with Compliance, Risk, Legal and Information Security to embed governance into delivery from the outset.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Adoption
- Collaborate with stakeholders across Operations, Compliance, Product, IT and Client Services to align and prioritise AI and application initiatives.
- Champion user‑centric design and the adoption of AI tools and applications across the Man Co business.
- Act as a key liaison between business and technical teams, translating operational needs into clear, deliverable requirements.
- Platform & Systems Oversight
- Work with Product, IT and vendors to deliver and optimise digital applications and AI across the firm’s core platforms (e. g., Salesforce, Appian, the Microsoft / Azure estate, and the client portals).
- Support the integration of systems to create seamless, scalable and secure digital ecosystems.
- Ensure data consistency, integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience leading application delivery and/or applied AI in financial services, ideally in fund administration, asset management, or Man Co services.
- Strong background in software and application delivery, with credible engineering leadership.
- Practical experience taking AI, generative AI or automation solutions into production.
- Demonstrated success in building, leading, and developing high‑performing engineering and delivery teams.
- Ability to shape and sustain a positive, inclusive, and growth‑oriented team culture.
- Strong understanding of business operations and client workflows in a regulated financial environment.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills.
- Awareness of AI governance, data protection and information security obligations.
Desirable
- Experience with platforms such as Salesforce, Appian, Microsoft Azure / M365, client portals, and workflow automation tools.
- Hands‑on familiarity with modern AI tooling — LLMs / generative AI, retrieval‑augmented generation, agentic frameworks, and ML Ops.
- Familiarity with Agile / Lean methodologies and modern delivery frameworks.
- Knowledge of compliance, regulatory and reporting obligations in fund services.
- Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with a focus on long‑term business outcomes.
- Strong problem‑solving abilities and decision‑making skills.
- Comfortable balancing innovation with the control needs of a regulated firm.
- Able to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities.
- Collaborative and able to work effectively across departments.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of AI & Application Delivery employer: Waystone
Waystone is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, where creativity and strategic thinking are highly valued. Located in a vibrant market, employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a collaborative environment that encourages growth and success. Joining Waystone means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in fund administration marketing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of AI & Application Delivery
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Waystone. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of AI & Application Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Waystone.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Waystone's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waystone
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Waystone.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Waystone will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Waystone employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
