University Director of AI Innovation

Are you ready to lead transformative AI innovation in one of the most forward-thinking universities?

At The University of Manchester, we are on the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionise teaching, learning, research, and operations. As we continue to shape the future of higher education, we’re seeking a strategic and visionary Director of AI Innovation to spearhead groundbreaking AI-driven projects across our institution.

In this exciting role accountable to the University Executive (UE), you will lead our Skunkworks team—an elite group of AI specialists committed to accelerating high-impact AI projects. You’ll collaborate with key stakeholders, develop sustainable AI initiatives, and drive AI adoption to enhance the University’s performance and global standing.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead and Inspire a High-Performing Team: Manage and inspire a talented, agile Skunkworks team to innovate and deliver transformative AI solutions.
• Engage with Key Stakeholders: Work closely with internal partners to identify challenges and co-design AI projects that drive real-world impact across teaching, learning, research, and operations.
• Scale AI Solutions: Create compelling business cases, track ROI, and oversee the growth of AI initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Drive AI Strategy: Monitor emerging AI trends, evaluate their potential for higher education, and ensure our University remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Champion Ethical AI: Lead responsible AI adoption, ensuring compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.

What we’re looking for:

• Expertise in AI Technologies: Deep understanding of AI technologies and their transformative potential for higher education.
• Proven Leadership: Experience in leading innovative teams, driving complex AI projects, and delivering measurable institutional impact.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to craft and execute long-term AI strategies, building partnerships across disciplines to achieve common goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication skills to engage, influence, and partner with a diverse range of stakeholders across the institution.
• Ethical and Risk Management: A solid grasp of the ethical, regulatory, and risk considerations of AI, ensuring responsible deployment.

Why join us?

• Shape the Future: Lead AI projects that will transform the University and higher education at large.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside experts and leaders across multiple disciplines to push the boundaries of innovation.
• Commitment to Excellence: A university culture focused on sustainability, social responsibility, inclusion, and people leadership.
• Cutting-Edge Resources: Access to a substantial software licensing budget and support for sandbox projects.

Essential requirements:

• A higher degree in AI, computer science, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience).
• Demonstrable experience in delivering AI projects with substantial institutional impact.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative team culture.

If you’re a visionary AI leader ready to make an extraordinary impact in higher education, we want to hear from you!

Apply now and be part of our journey to innovate, inspire, and lead AI transformation.

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Michael Platt, Talent Partner

Email: Michael.Platt@manchester.ac.uk

Please note, we anticipate that interviews will be held on the 17^th June 2025, though this date is subject to change.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the published closing date.