Application Manager

This is a newly created, strategically important role responsible for managing the full lifecycle of AI tools and business applications across the organisation. As AI adoption accelerates and programme-led application stacks continue to grow, this role provides the structure, governance, and expertise needed to evaluate, implement, configure, and sustain new tooling responsibly — balancing innovation with due diligence. The AI & Applications Manager will act as the central point of coordination between the business, IT, Legal, Infosec, the DPO, and programme stakeholders including the AI adoption team — ensuring that every tool in the organisation’s portfolio has been properly assessed, approved, adopted in a controlled and compliant manner, and continues to deliver value in service. About the role Monitor and assess feature releases across AI platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini), with a focus on security, data handling, and data leakage risks Maintain a live register of all AI tools in use across the organisation, conducting ongoing reviews for compliance and fitness for purpose Lead proof-of-concept and pilot programmes, defining success criteria and managing the transition of approved tools from evaluation to production Own the evergreening programme for Buy applications, tracking vendor release cycles and coordinating testing, approval, and deployment of updates Act as the internal subject matter expert and first point of contact for all AI tool queries Translate business requirements into structured evaluation and procurement briefs, managing a formal intake process for all requests Lead cross-functional due diligence working with DPO, Infosec, Legal, and IT to ensure tools meet data, security, and contractual standards Monitor regulatory developments including the EU AI Act, UK AI Framework, and GDPR, assessing impact on tooling decisions Define and enforce acceptable use policies for AI tools across the organisation Contribute to the organisation's AI and technology roadmap, reporting to senior leadership on adoption progress, risks, and opportunities Benchmark the organisation's AI maturity against industry peers and best practice Manage the decommissioning of tools that are superseded, fail compliance, or no longer deliver value About you Proven experience managing SaaS applications or a business application portfolio through their full lifecycle Hands-on experience evaluating and implementing AI or automation tools in a business environment Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional due diligence processes involving Legal, Infosec, and Procurement Strong stakeholder management — comfortable engaging at all levels from operational teams to senior leadership Working knowledge of mainstream AI platforms including Claude, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot, with an understanding of their capabilities, data handling practices, and enterprise licensing models Familiarity with AI-powered legal tooling such as Harvey or Luminance, and how these are applied in contract review, due diligence, and legal research workflows Familiarity with data privacy principles and GDPR compliance in a UK/EU context, with exposure to information security frameworks such as ISO 27001 or SOC 2 Knowledge of EU AI Act obligations or UK AI governance guidance Strong analytical and critical thinking skills — able to assess vendor claims and cut through noise Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences Commercially aware — able to assess ROI, total cost of ownership, and contractual risk Naturally curious about technology and proactive in keeping up with the AI landscape, with the confidence to influence decision-making without direct authority