Head of Business Technology (Automation & AI Focus)

Head of Business Technology (Automation & AI Focus)
Location: London
Reporting to: Director of Technology

The Opportunity

We are seeking a forward-thinking Head of Business Technology to lead a step-change in how automation, AI, and data-driven solutions transform business operations. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on building and scaling an automation-first capability that drives efficiency, enhances decision-making, and unlocks measurable business value.

You will operate at the intersection of strategy and delivery, shaping a modern automation roadmap while remaining hands-on in implementing solutions that simplify, streamline, and optimise core business processes.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Automation Strategy & Transformation

• Define and deliver a business-wide automation and AI strategy aligned to organisational goals
• Identify high-value opportunities to digitise and automate processes across functions such as Finance, HR, Operations, and Business Development
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging automation as a core driver of efficiency and innovation

Building an Automation Capability

• Establish and scale a modern automation and data capability, including tooling, standards, and delivery frameworks
• Design and implement solutions across RPA, workflow automation, AI, and data platforms
• Build internal engineering capability, reducing reliance on third parties while maintaining a pragmatic, value-driven approach

End-to-End Solution Delivery

• Lead the full life cycle of automation initiatives-from process discovery and design through to deployment and optimisation
• Develop and manage a prioritised pipeline of automation projects based on ROI and business impact
• Ensure solutions are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with enterprise architecture

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with senior business leaders to understand challenges and translate them into automation opportunities
• Act as a trusted advisor, clearly articulating the business value of automation and AI
• Facilitate workshops, design sessions, and innovation initiatives to co-create solutions

Technology & Systems Oversight

• Oversee core business systems and ensure seamless integration with automation solutions
• Manage vendor relationships, tooling decisions, and platform evolution
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies in automation, workflow, and AI

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead a high-performing, multidisciplinary team (eg automation engineers, analysts, architects)
• Foster a hands-on, delivery-focused culture with strong engineering discipline
• Develop skills, standards, and best practices to support long-term capability growth

Governance, Value & Adoption

• Define metrics to measure success and track ROI of automation initiatives
• Ensure strong governance, security, and compliance across all solutions
• Drive adoption through effective change management, training, and engagement

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience leading automation and AI transformation at scale, with clear business outcomes
• Strong hands-on expertise in automation technologies (RPA, workflow tools, AI solutions)
• Experience building automation capabilities, including tooling, standards, and teams
• Track record of influencing senior stakeholders and delivering in complex organisations
• Deep understanding of business systems (eg ERP, CRM, HR systems) and integrations
• A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset with the ability to balance innovation and commercial value
• Comfortable operating in lean, fast-paced environments with a high degree of autonomy