Automation & AI Practice Lead

ExamWorks Group; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic technology organization in Bolton is seeking an Automation & AI Practice Lead to drive innovation and lead the adoption of AI and Automation. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, ensuring technology investments deliver measurable results. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of leadership experience in AI or data science, strong knowledge of AI applications, and excellent stakeholder management skills. Join us to shape how AI transforms our business and mentor the next generation of professionals.

Benefits

Level 3 Disability Confident Leader status

Commitment to accessible and inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in AI or data science teams with 2+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of AI/ML concepts and practical applications.
• Experience delivering AI solutions from initiation to deployment.
• Expertise in data governance, security, and compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, GCP.
• Proven strategy-setting ability and building AI adoption roadmaps.
• Commitment to ethical AI practices.

Responsibilities

• Define frameworks and standards for Automation and AI.
• Provide expert guidance in AI solution architecture.
• Support teams in project scoping and planning.
• Mentor developers and foster collaboration.
• Act as a trusted advisor for stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure compliance with governance standards.
• Identify skill gaps and champion cultural change.

Skills

Leadership in AI or data science teams

AI/ML concepts and applications

AI solutions delivery end-to-end

Data governance and compliance

Communication and stakeholder management

Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP)

Strategy setting

Ethical AI practices commitment

Education

2:1 Degree or above

Tools

BluePrism

Job description

Automation & AI Practice Lead

Location: Bolton / Hybrid

Reporting to: Head of Data & Automation

About the Role

Are you ready to shape the future of Automation and AI within a dynamic organisation? We’re seeking an Automation & AI Practice Lead to drive innovation, set the vision, and lead the adoption of cutting‑edge technologies across the business. This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery, guiding a talented team and ensuring that AI and Automation initiatives deliver measurable business impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Practice Development: Define frameworks, standards, and reusable assets to embed Automation and AI across the business.
• Technical Leadership: Provide expert guidance in AI solution architecture, model design, and deployment strategies.
• Project Oversight: Support teams in scoping, planning, and delivering scalable solutions aligned with KPIs.
• Team Enablement: Mentor and manage developers, foster collaboration, and drive continuous learning.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor, translating complex concepts into business‑friendly language.
• Governance & Ethics: Ensure compliance with standards (ISO27001, CE+) and promote responsible AI practices.
• Talent & Change Management: Identify skill gaps, champion cultural change, and align with organisational values.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Proven leadership in AI or data science teams (2+ years).
• Strong knowledge of AI/ML concepts and practical applications.
• Experience delivering AI solutions end‑to‑end.
• Expertise in data governance, security, and compliance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Cloud platform experience (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Track record of setting strategy and building AI adoption roadmaps.
• Commitment to ethical AI practices.

Desirable:

• Hands‑on coding experience.
• Familiarity with MLOps and workflow automation.
• Experience leading RPA teams and using tools like BluePrism.
• Advanced analytics and data engineering background.
• Vendor management and thought leadership experience.

Qualifications

• Required: 2:1 Degree or above.
• Desirable: Degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to shape how AI transforms our business, influence strategic direction, and mentor the next generation of Automation and AI professionals. You’ll be at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that technology investments deliver meaningful results.

We’re proud to share that ExamWorks UK has once again achieved Level 3 Disability Confident Leader status, reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we:

• Promote accessibility and inclusion.
• Ensure inclusive recruitment and development.
• Share best practice across the industry.
• Continue to lead the way in supporting disabled people at work.