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What does a Head of AI do at a company that isn't an AI company?

Last updated 23 Oct 2026 · 5 live roles

A Head of AI at a company that isn't an AI company owns the AI strategy: where to use AI, which tools to buy, how to govern them and how to get staff ready. They set priorities, manage the budget and suppliers, put rules for responsible use in place and report results to the executive team. It is a business leadership role, closer to a transformation director than to a chief scientist.

Common job titles

Head of AIDirector of AIAI LeadHead of AI AdoptionAI Strategy LeadChief AI Officer

See the glossary for titles that mean the same job.

Typical responsibilities

Write and own the AI strategy and roadmap.
Choose tools and suppliers and manage the budget.
Set up governance: policies, risk checks and responsible-use rules.
Build a small team, often covering enablement, delivery and governance.
Prioritise use cases with business leaders and track the value delivered.
Report progress and risks to the executive team and board.

Skills employers ask for

Strategy and prioritisation
Leadership and team building
Budget and supplier management
AI governance and risk
Executive communication
Sound understanding of current AI tools

Where the role sits in a company

Reports to the CEO, COO, CIO or Chief Digital Officer. In smaller organisations it may be the first AI hire and combine strategy with hands-on delivery.

Questions

Does a Head of AI need a technical background?

At companies that aren't AI companies, not usually. Common backgrounds include transformation, operations, data and innovation leadership. Evidence of leading a company-wide AI rollout matters more.

Is 'AI Lead' the same as 'Head of AI'?

Sometimes. In smaller organisations an AI Lead is the most senior AI role. In larger ones it can be a hands-on role reporting to a Head of AI. Check the reporting line in the ad.

How much does a Head of AI role pay in the UK?

Of the 5 live Head of AI listings on this site, 3 state an annual salary, ranging from £45,000 to £110,000; 1 states a day rate of £800 to £1,000 (checked 23 Oct 2026).

How to hire an AI enablement lead

Live roles

5 live roles on this site match this guide, checked on 23 Oct 2026.

AI in titleHead of AI · 5 days ago

Head of AI (contract)

UK investment firm (via Harnham) · London

Commercial six-month contract defining and delivering AI strategy across an investment firm and its portfolio companies.

£800–£1,000 a dayApply on Reed

AI in titleHead of AI · 18 days ago

Director of AI

Brighton College · Brighton

Leads a school's AI programme across curriculum and staff, open to teaching and non-teaching candidates.

Pay not listedApply on Reed

AI in titleHead of AI · 18 days ago

Head of AI

Local Pensions Partnership · Preston (hybrid or remote)

Sets how AI is introduced, governed and scaled across a large pensions administrator, working with the CTO and executive team.

£90,000–£100,000Apply on Reed

AI in titleHead of AI · 26 days ago

Head of AI Adoption

techUK · London

Leads techUK's work helping its 1,200-plus member organisations, mostly SMEs, adopt AI.

£45,000–£65,000Apply on Reed

AI in titleHead of AI · 36 days ago

AI Strategy Lead

Workforce solutions business (via Tenth Revolution Group) · Remote (UK)

The first dedicated AI leader in a global workforce solutions business, shaping AI strategy and governance with the executive team.

£75,000–£110,000Apply on Reed

See all live jobs