Job Title: Head of Operations - AI Directorate

Location: Nationwide
Department: AI Directorate
Reports To: Director of AI

Grade: G7

About the Role:

The Head of Operations for AI is a crucial role within the directorate, ensuring the seamless and effective execution of all team initiatives, driving strategies to enhance operational efficiency and support the growth of the directorate. The postholder will focus on promoting operational excellence, aligning efforts with strategic goals, optimising workflows, and ensuring the successful delivery of AI projects. The postholder will collaborate closely with senior leadership, project managers, and cross-functional teams to shape business strategy and contribute to the long-term success of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Strategy & Leadership:

  • Lead the operational strategy for the AI directorate, ensuring alignment with the broader business objectives and long-term goals.

  • Drive operational improvements and establish best practices to enhance efficiency across the team.

  • Serve as a key point of contact between the AI team and other departments, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.

• Team Collaboration & Cross-Functional Alignment:

  • Work closely with senior leadership, project managers, technical teams, and other departments to ensure smooth coordination and timely delivery of AI projects.

  • Foster a collaborative work environment by facilitating clear communication and ensuring operational goals are well understood across all levels.

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate operational success and project outcomes.

  • Regularly assess performance data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

• Risk & Change Management:

  • Proactively identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies to minimise disruption to ongoing projects.

  • Lead change management initiatives to integrate new tools, processes, or operational strategies that will support the growth and success of the AI directorate.

• Business Strategy Influence:

  • Influence and shape business strategy by providing insights from an operational perspective, ensuring that decisions are based on data and operational feasibility.

  • Align operational goals with business priorities to ensure the continued success and growth of the organisation.

• Building a World-Class AI Team

  • Lead the creation of a best-in-class AI team within the UK government, focused on driving innovation, excellence, and the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies.

  • Cultivate a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and growth, ensuring the team is recognised as a leader in AI within the public sector.

• Exceptional Onboarding and Integration

  • Ensure a welcoming and seamless onboarding experience for new joiners, supporting their smooth integration into the team and alignment with our mission and values.

  • Foster a positive, inclusive work culture from day one, setting new team members up for long-term success and engagement.

• Developing Effective Ways of Working

  • Establish and implement clear policies around confidentiality, information security, and communication (e.g., non-disclosure agreements, no leaks) to ensure a secure and efficient working environment.

  • Identify and lead improvements to existing processes, including communications, finance, procurement, and tech approvals, to ensure swift, streamlined operations in line with government standards.

  • Regularly review and optimise workflows, removing barriers to execution while maintaining compliance and accountability.

• Centralised Support for Admin and Finance Functions

  • Oversee core administrative and financial tasks, including managing expenses, event requests, and resource allocation for the team.

  • Ensure smooth operations across all aspects of team resource management, balancing priorities and maintaining efficient use of available resources.

Skills:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and align teams.

• Exceptional problem-solving abilities, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex ideas to senior leadership and stakeholders.

• Experience with performance metrics and reporting.

• Experience working in fast-paced, dynamic environments with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Strategic thinker with a solution-focused mindset.

• Adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to leadership.

• Results-driven, with a passion for delivering high-quality outcomes.