AI Transformation Lead

Audit and Risk Recruitment are currently working with a long standing client in the search for an AI Transformation Lead.

Our client is an iconic, national-scale data and technology organisation operating at the forefront of spatial and environmental data. Holding vast datasets relied upon by central government, national infrastructure, and commercial sectors, they are launching a greenfield internal AI capability to transform how complex geospatial data is processed, analyzed, and commercialised.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an AI Lead to design, launch, and direct a new enterprise-wide AI incubator and prototyping hub. This role combines high-level programme leadership with hands-on AI engineering.

Working alongside multidisciplinary data science and engineering teams, you will investigate bleeding-edge techniques—including spatial foundation models, autonomous agentic workflows, and LLM orchestration—turning concepts into production-grade prototypes that solve high-value operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Incubator & Programme Leadership: Build and run a structured internal AI accelerator focused on rapid experimentation, technical capability building, and driving AI adoption across the organisation.
• Hands-on Technical Delivery: Design and build functional AI prototypes, write robust production-grade code, conduct peer reviews, and guide successful concepts through to enterprise deployment.
• Emerging Tech Exploration: Identify high-impact commercial and operational applications for advanced AI/ML, assessing technical risks, ROI, and feasibility.
• Capability & Community Building: Champion responsible AI practices across the business, mentor junior engineers, and lead technical learning groups and guilds.
• Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with Product, Data, and Engineering leaders to align AI initiatives with long-term strategic roadmaps and regulatory/ethical guardrails.

Key Requirements

• Technical Depth: Proven background in AI/ML engineering, advanced software development, and technical project leadership.
• Modern AI Toolkit: Strong practical knowledge of modern AI frameworks (LLMs, multi-agent architectures, orchestration tools, and domain-specific foundation models).
• Engineering Rigour: Ability to write clean, scalable, production-ready code while championing best practices in software architecture.
• Programme & Stakeholder Management: Track record of driving innovation initiatives, managing cross-functional technical teams, and presenting outcomes to executive stakeholders.
• Governance & Ethics: Deep commitment to responsible AI, including human-in-the-loop workflows, data privacy, governance, and secure software development.

What’s on Offer

• Highly competitive salary package with a market-leading public sector/statutory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contribution).
• 28 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (with service increments).
• True hybrid working flexibility (based out of modern South Coast headquarters).
• Generous learning, development, and professional mentorship budget.
• Enhanced family leave and comprehensive wellness packages.

(Note: Applicants must have existing Right to Work in the UK as sponsorship is unavailable for this position. Standard pre-employment background screening applies.)