AI Implementation Manager

AI Implementation Manager – Manufacturing Industry

Location:
Flexible within the UK (occasional travel to multiple sites)

Salary:
Competitive

Contract:
Full-time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

A leading UK manufacturing group is embarking on a bold digital transformation journey — and we're looking for an AI Implementation Manager to help make it happen.

This newly created position offers the chance to shape and deliver an ambitious, multi-year AI and automation strategy across several established manufacturing businesses. The successful candidate will play a hands-on role in embedding artificial intelligence, smart automation, and digital enablement into every part of the organisation — from operations and supply chain through to finance, forecasting, and back-office functions.

If you're passionate about using AI to drive measurable change and thrive at the intersection of strategy and implementation, this is a rare opportunity to leave a lasting mark on a group that's fully committed to innovation.

The Role

As AI Implementation Manager, you'll be responsible for identifying high-value use cases, designing and deploying AI solutions, and managing change across multiple business units. This role blends technical understanding with strong project leadership and stakeholder management.

You'll:

• Develop and execute a group-wide AI and automation roadmap aligned with long-term business goals.
• Identify practical, high-impact AI opportunities across manufacturing, supply chain, finance, sales, and administration.
• Design and implement AI solutions such as predictive maintenance, intelligent forecasting, document automation, and customer analytics.
• Build a library of reusable AI tools and frameworks to accelerate adoption across sites.
• Ensure data readiness, improving data quality and structure to support advanced analytics and automation.
• Lead change management and training programmes, helping teams understand and embrace AI tools.
• Establish governance and ethical frameworks for responsible AI use.
• Track performance through defined KPIs and ROI metrics, demonstrating measurable improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making.

This is a practical, hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys both designing strategy and delivering real outcomes.

About You

You'll be an innovative, forward-thinking professional who thrives on solving complex problems and leading digital change.

Essential experience includes:

• Proven background in AI or digital transformation within manufacturing, FMCG, or a similar operational environment.
• Hands-on use of tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, predictive analytics, and automation platforms.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML frameworks and APIs (e.g. OpenAI API, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Excellent ability to translate business challenges into technical solutions.
• Solid project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated success in delivering measurable improvements through AI and automation.

Desirable:

• Experience working with ERP systems (SAP, Odoo, NetSuite) and RPA or digital twin technologies.
• Proficiency in Power BI or Tableau for analytics and reporting.
• Understanding of AI governance and data ethics.
• Formal qualification in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.

What You'll Achieve

In your first 12–24 months, you'll:

• Deliver 2–3 high-impact AI projects with measurable ROI.
• Improve operational efficiency and forecasting accuracy.
• Launch a group-wide AI training programme (target: 50 staff trained).
• Establish a central AI tool repository and governance framework.
• Help the business become a recognised UK leader in AI-enabled manufacturing.