Head of Digital Innovation and AI
JOB_53418144722612Job type
PermanentLocation
SouthamptonWorking Pattern
Full-timeSpecialism
Projects & Change ManagementIndustry
Education & TrainingPay
£74851
Head of Digital Innovation and AI | Southampton | £70,000 - £74,851
Your new company
Are you ready to lead digital transformation at one of the UK’s leading research universities? Our client is looking for a Head of Digital Innovation and AI to spearhead its strategic digital agenda. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of digital innovation, harnessing AI, data, and automation to revolutionise how the University operates and delivers value to staff, students, and partners.
Reporting to the Director of Digital Strategy, you’ll lead a newly formed team of technologists, product specialists, and change managers. Your mission is to embed innovation and AI across the University, driving measurable improvements in experience, efficiency, and outcomes. You’ll work across faculties and professional services, influencing senior stakeholders and external partners to deliver cutting-edge solutions that support the University’s strategic goals.
Your new role
As Head of Digital Innovation and AI, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a bold digital innovation strategy that aligns with the University institutional priorities. This strategic roadmap will guide the transformation of services and experiences across the organisation, ensuring digital initiatives are purposeful, impactful, and future-focused.
You’ll champion a culture of experimentation and agile working, encouraging teams across the University to embrace new technologies and ways of thinking. By fostering an environment that supports innovation, you’ll help unlock early value and drive continuous improvement. Leading a high-performing team of specialists, you’ll cultivate creativity, collaboration, and digital curiosity. Your leadership will be instrumental in building a dynamic team culture that thrives on innovation and delivers measurable outcomes.
You’ll advise university leaders and governance bodies on digital investment and transformation, providing expert insight backed by data and evidence. Your contributions will shape strategic decisions and ensure the University remains at the forefront of digital advancement. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring the impact of digital initiatives, using feedback and performance metrics to refine and enhance delivery. This iterative approach will ensure that innovation efforts remain aligned with stakeholder needs and institutional goals.
Finally, you’ll build and nurture strong partnerships both internally and externally, leveraging expertise and emerging trends to inform and accelerate the University’s digital journey. Your ability to connect with diverse stakeholders will be key to driving collaboration and sustaining momentum.
What you'll need to succeed
We’re looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with deep expertise in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, data, and automation. You’ll bring a strategic mindset and a proven ability to lead transformative initiatives that deliver measurable impact across complex organisations.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in strategic planning and change management, with the confidence to influence and engage senior stakeholders across the University and beyond. Your collaborative approach and passion for developing others will be key to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation.
You’ll have a strong track record of delivering digital transformation programmes that enhance operational efficiency and user experience. Your ability to translate complex ideas into practical solutions will be essential in driving the University’s digital agenda forward.
A relevant postgraduate qualification (Level 7 or 8) is highly desirable, and while experience in higher education is a plus, it’s not essential. What matters most is your ability to lead with vision, inspire change, and make a lasting impact.
What you'll get in return
The University is a global institution with a strong commitment to innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact in a forward-thinking environment that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Head of Digital Innovation and AIJOB_534181447226122025-09-092025-12-07
Talk to Daniel Sharp, the specialist consultant managing this position
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JOB_53418144722612