[Hiring] Director of Artificial Intelligence @Version 1

Role Description

Version 1 has built one of the most credible internal AI transformation programmes in the UK and Ireland IT services market - with adoption, productivity, and business impact that rank among the best evidenced in the sector. We are now creating a new AI Director position to consolidate that momentum under a single leader and accelerate the next phase of AI growth. The role reports directly to the CTO.

The Director of AI operates as an enterprise-wide leadership role across OCTO, Commercial, Delivery Practices and Group Operations. The role is accountable for defining Version 1’s AI strategy, technical standards, delivery accelerators, commercial AI propositions, and internal AI transformation roadmap.

• AI Financial Target / KPI’s
  • Own the attainment of AI Solution and Intelligent Application TCV and revenue target KPIs.
  • Be an executive sponsor on major AI pursuits across various sectors.
• Internal AI Transformation
  • Own Version 1’s “Customer Zero” position.
  • Drive continued progress against the adoption roadmap.
  • Oversee the AI CoE and ensure efficiency savings and metrics are measured rigorously.
• AI Technical Standards & Architecture
  • Set the AI architecture and technology standards.
  • Ensure coherence in propositions shaped in OCTO and enabled in commercial.
  • Maintain consistency in Version 1’s approach to agentic AI and responsible AI.
• Team Leadership & Capability
  • Direct leadership of the AI CoE.
  • Support shared functions in strategic initiatives.
• External Presence
  • Represent Version 1 at industry events and in executive client conversations.
  • Shape how Version 1 is positioned as the AI landscape evolves.

Qualifications

• Strong technical foundation, likely an engineering or computer science degree.
• Proven track record in a senior AI or technology leadership role.
• Deep technical knowledge of enterprise AI, including generative AI and LLM-based systems.
• Experience leading AI adoption programmes inside large organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical pre-sales engagements at enterprise level.
• Experience working with enterprise customers in regulated industries.
• Track record of building and scaling high-performing technical teams.
• Credibility in working alongside commercial sales leaders.
• Credibility as an external thought leader.

Requirements

• Familiarity with UK and EU AI regulatory frameworks.
• Experience with outcome-based commercial models and enterprise AI ROI methodologies.
• Existing relationships with hyper scaler or AI vendor partner ecosystems.

Benefits

• Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme.
• Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching.
• Flexible/remote working options.
• Financial Wellbeing initiatives including Pension and Private Healthcare Cover.
• Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts and Mindfulness Workshops.
• Educational assistance and incentivised certifications.
• Reward schemes including Version 1’s Annual Excellence Awards.
• Environment, Social and Community First initiatives.
• And many more exciting benefits.