Head of Data and AI

Permanent
Location: London
Hours: Full time, 5 days a week, Monday - Friday
Pay: Up to £75,000 per annum

Driving AI‑Enabled Culture Change Across Wilson James

Are you one of the rare leaders who has actually delivered AI into production - not just talked about it? Have you built AI‑ready data platforms, shifted organisational mindsets, and embedded AI into real workflows at scale? If you're looking for a role where your experience isn't just valued but essential, this is the challenge you've been waiting for.

WJ is searching for a Head of Data & AI Platforms to own the data and AI backbone of our organisation. This is a delivery‑first, impact‑led role for someone who has already navigated the realities of AI adoption, culture change, and enterprise‑grade data engineering.

We're not looking for theorists. We're looking for someone who has done this before — someone who knows what it takes to make AI safe, trusted, scalable, and genuinely transformative.

About the Role:

As the Head of Data and AI you will:

• Design and own WJ's AI‑ready data architecture, ensuring scalable, secure ingestion pipelines for RAG, real‑time and batch AI use cases, and access to structured and unstructured data.
• Build and maintain the AI enablement platform, defining patterns, guardrails, and integration approaches that allow rapid, safe deployment of AI across all departments.
• Embed AI directly into operational workflows, partnering with Product and Automation teams to deliver knowledge retrieval, summarisation, decision support, forecasting, and planning solutions.
• Lead the engineering of robust, monitored data pipelines, eliminating data quality blockers and ensuring lineage, explainability, and auditability for all AI‑consumed data.
• Establish and enforce AI‑appropriate governance, covering access control, data sensitivity, model inputs/outputs, and human‑in‑the‑loop controls to ensure ethical, compliant deployments.
• Act as a senior advisor to Exec and departmental leaders, shaping AI readiness, prioritisation, and organisational adoption strategies.
• Develop and lead a high‑performing data and AI enablement team, coaching teams across the business to understand, trust, and effectively use AI outputs.
• Drive measurable AI impact, ensuring solutions move into production, deliver productivity and cost benefits, and shift WJ from AI‑curious to AI‑enabled.

Why Join Us?

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
• Lifestyle Benefits – Mortgage and financial advice, vouchers for various shopping outlets and food stores, employee referral scheme. 
• Learning & Development – we actively encourage progression and offer various eLearning courses, progression, training whilst on site, apprenticeships, and in-house training courses.  
• Health and Wellbeing – Life assurance scheme, access to mental health support specialists
• Access to an Online GP for you and your dependents. 
• Financial support 
• Discounts on hundreds of retail sites
• Progression opportunities – many of our team go on to senior and site management roles
• A welcoming, respectful team culture
• Cycle to Work scheme

What we are looking for:

You must have proven, lived experience delivering AI into production and driving cultural adoption. We're looking for someone who has:

• Built data platforms specifically for AI and automation
• Strong hands‑on data engineering and architecture expertise
• Implemented RAG, semantic layers, or AI‑centric data access patterns
• Deep experience with cloud data stacks (Azure preferred)
• Governed AI in real operating environments
• Delivery‑led, pragmatic, and fast‑moving
• Credible with engineers and Exec alike
• Calm under pressure, decisive when needed
• Values outcomes over elegance

Interested? Apply now and secure your future with us! 
Please be aware that, on occasion, we may close a vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of strong applications

Wilson James is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position, however each case will be assessed on an individual basis. For information about Wilson James' commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, https://wilsonjames.co.uk/sustainability 
Wilson James have been raising standards in security, construction logistics, aviation services, and technology for over 30 years. With 5,000 employees and a presence across over 300 client sites all over the UK, we are dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and top-tier customer service. As a leading managed service provider, we prioritise safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Joining Wilson James offers the excitement of working with diverse, vibrant clients, making for a dynamic and engaging workplace.   

Internal Applicants
At Wilson James, we support career growth and offer internal mobility to help employees explore new roles and advance within the company. Committed to promoting from within, we provide clear career pathways and continuous skill development. Unlock your potential by applying for exciting internal opportunities and new challenge.