Director of Artificial Intelligence

Director of Artificial Intelligence (AI)£100,000 per yearLocation: Leeds (with UK-wide flexibility)Full-time | ConsultancyRole OverviewOur client, a leading digital consultancy, is seeking an accomplished Director of Artificial Intelligence to shape, elevate and expand their AI capability. This senior leadership role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic thinking and the ability to influence at executive level.Reporting to the Chief Digital Officer, you will work alongside domain specialists in Cyber, Data, Identity, Technology and Delivery. The role spans internal capability development, operational improvement, market engagement, and the creation of cutting-edge AI propositions for clients across government, healthcare and the private sector.This is an opportunity to define excellence in AI, influence organisational direction, strengthen delivery quality, and represent the organisation as a thought leader in one of the most transformative areas of modern technology.Key ResponsibilitiesInternal Capability Development• Shape and deliver a comprehensive strategy for advancing cross-profession AI expertise.• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and embed AI-enabled efficiencies across the organisation.• Design and deliver internal training, coaching, and upskilling programmes.• Establish best practice, standards, patterns and quality frameworks for AI adoption.• Develop internal resources, documentation and playbooks that enable consistent, high-quality practice.• Identify and mentor emerging talent, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.External Engagement & Business Development• Define the AI proposition and positioning, ensuring solutions meet evolving client needs.• Own the growth model for AI services, collaborating with sector teams to drive revenue.• Act as a recognised subject-matter expert and public representative for the organisation.• Participate in industry events, conferences, webinars and community activities as a speaker or panellist.• Produce high-quality thought leadership including blogs, whitepapers, case studies and presentations.• Build strategic partnerships with key technology providers, supporting joint solutions, go-to-market activity and client engagement.• Monitor emerging AI trends and market developments to guide internal strategy and competitive positioning.• Provide specialist support in pre-sales, shaping solutions, writing proposals, and communicating value to clients.Required Skills & Experience• Director-level experience within professional services, consulting, or a similar environment.• Strong technical grounding in AI and related technologies, such as:– Machine Learning– Deep Learning– Natural Language Processing– Computer Vision– MLOps– Cloud-based AI services• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver technical training, enablement and capability-building programmes.• Excellent public speaking, presentation and communication skills.• Proven ability to engage clients, influence senior stakeholders and act as an advisor at executive level.• Experience developing and managing partnerships with technology providers.• Strong commercial understanding and the ability to align technical capabilities to business outcomes.Candidate ProfileYou will be a confident and collaborative leader with the ambition to shape an organisation’s AI capability at scale. You excel at balancing strategic vision with hands-on technical engagement and are comfortable working in both delivery and advisory contexts. You bring the credibility and empathy needed to influence at C-suite level, as well as the curiosity and drive to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.Salary & Benefits• £100,000 annual salary• Contributory pension scheme• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays• Access to discount platforms and wellbeing initiatives• Life assurance, death-in-service cover and critical illness cover• Volunteer days• Cycle-to-work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes• Season ticket loans• Flexible benefits scheme covering:– private health insurance– dental cover– additional pension contributions– extra annual leave– personal wellbeing allowances– charitable contributions– environmental initiatives such as tree planting• Relocation support available (up to £8k)Commitment to Diversity & InclusionOur client is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. They encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent people and individuals with disabilities. Adjustments to the recruitment process are available on request to ensure an accessible and equitable experience for all applicants.