AD AI AUtomation Application Strategy

Assistant Director – AI, Automation and Application Strategy
18-Month Fixed Term Contract | Full-Time | London

Are you ready to shape the digital future of a leading organisation?
We are seeking an Assistant Director for AI, Automation and Application Strategy to join the senior IT leadership team. This is a pivotal role driving the strategic development and operational delivery of AI-driven automation, enterprise applications, and digital transformation at scale.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to deliver real impact—embedding AI into business processes, optimising enterprise systems, and ensuring technology investments deliver measurable value.

The Role

As Assistant Director, you will:

• Lead AI strategy – create and deliver a 5-year roadmap, champion AI-first principles, and oversee centres of excellence and innovation hubs.

• Drive automation and application transformation – optimise enterprise systems, promote low/no-code solutions, and lead adoption across HR, Finance, Library Services, Research and more.

• Shape data and governance – develop data strategies, oversee Azure-based platforms, and ensure interoperability between applications and AI platforms.

• Deliver integrations at scale – design event-driven architecture, lead adoption of Dell Boomi, and ensure seamless, secure data flow across enterprise systems.

• Provide leadership – direct high-performing teams, manage significant budgets, and influence stakeholders at all levels to ensure technology enables growth and service excellence.

About You

We're looking for a senior leader who can bring together people, process, and technology to deliver transformation. You will have:

• Significant leadership experience in enterprise applications, digital transformation, and AI/automation adoption.

• A track record of leading large-scale, complex IT change programmes and delivering measurable outcomes.

• Expertise in enterprise system architecture, integration, and security frameworks.

• Strong understanding of data strategy, governance, and interoperability, ideally with Azure platforms.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, able to influence senior decision-makers across technical and non-technical domains.

• Experience applying ITIL, ISO 27001 or similar frameworks to ensure service quality and compliance.

Relevant postgraduate qualifications, certifications in project/programme management, enterprise architecture, or AI/automation frameworks will be advantageous.

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to:

• Shape and deliver cutting-edge AI and automation strategy at an organisational level.

• Lead innovation and transformation hubs that directly support staff, students, and communities.

• Be part of a senior leadership team driving digital change, efficiency, and growth.

This is a high-profile opportunity for an ambitious leader who wants to be at the forefront of AI, automation, and application strategy in a complex, fast-evolving environment.