Head of AI Services

About Manchester Met

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivering outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals.

Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met Proud. Let's transform lives together.

The role

This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead Manchester Met's first dedicated AI Services capability. Reporting to the Deputy CIO and central to our ambitious AI Adoption Programme, you'll shape how Artificial Intelligence is adopted, governed, integrated and operated across the University - building a specialist team and defining the standards, governance and operating model for AI at Manchester Met from the ground up.

Working across Professional Services, academic faculties and research communities, you'll turn emerging AI opportunities into secure, scalable and sustainable services that improve student experience, colleague productivity, research capability and institutional effectiveness - using a modern Microsoft AI stack including Copilot, Copilot Studio and Azure AI. As our advocate for responsible, effective AI, you'll help position Manchester Met as a sector leader in the practical application of AI in Higher Education.

In return, we offer a generous employer pension contribution, hybrid working, and the chance to build something genuinely new at one of the UK's most ambitious universities.

What you'll lead and deliver

As Head of AI Services, you will:

• Establish, build and lead Manchester Met's new specialist AI Services team, setting its standards, practices and ways of working.
• Own and deliver the roadmap for AI-enabled services, identifying and prioritising high-value opportunities across education, research and operations.
• Lead the design and delivery of secure, scalable and sustainable AI services, platforms and integrations.
• Establish the governance, standards and responsible-AI practices that underpin safe and ethical adoption - working closely with Information Security, Data, Legal and Architecture colleagues.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, presenting options, recommendations and investment proposals to governance groups.
• Build relationships with strategic suppliers and partners, and represent the University in sector forums and communities.

About you

You'll be an experienced technology leader who pairs strategic vision with genuine technical credibility. You'll bring:

• A track record of leading the delivery of complex digital, platform or technology-enabled services, and of leading and developing technical teams.
• Experience of introducing or scaling emerging-technology capabilities - ideally AI within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of AI technologies and their practical application, alongside enterprise architecture, cloud services, integration and security.
• A sound grasp of information security, data protection, technology governance and responsible-AI principles.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders, build consensus and lead change across organisational boundaries.
• Confidence operating in ambiguous, evolving environments, balancing innovation with governance and operational needs.
• A degree or equivalent experience, and evidence of ongoing professional development in digital, AI or leadership disciplines.

Experience of Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio and Azure AI, or of working within Higher Education or the public sector, would be an advantage.

The closing date for applications is 16 August 2026.

Further information and how to apply:

**Please do not apply for this vacancy on the university website**

Manchester Metropolitan University has appointed Osmium Partners to manage this search on an exclusive and retained basis.

For a confidential discussion, or to apply via email, please contact Emily Stapley at Osmium Partners via emily.stapley@osmium-partners.co.uk

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Supporting Statement (no more than 2 pages, in 12 font)

Interviews will be held in Manchester on 18 or 19 August 2026

In addition to an attractive and competitive salary, we also offer a high-quality guaranteed pension (Greater Manchester Pension Fund), plus 35 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus discretionary Christmas closure days.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.