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AI Lead
London, 3 days in office
£120,000-£150,000
A unique opportunity to step into a first AI leadership role within a global insurance business, with a clear path to Head of AI as the capability grows.
Package includes a great salary, 10% non-contributory pension, 20+% annual bonus and much more.
This role is ideal for a high-performing Senior, Lead or Principal Data Scientist ready to take the next step, moving beyond delivery into shaping how AI is used across a large, complex organisation.
You will be the first dedicated AI hire in the UK, working closely with senior data leadership to build capability, define direction and lay the foundations for a scalable AI function.
If you are looking for a genuine career step, not just a title change, this role offers the chance to accelerate into senior leadership while building something meaningful.
What you’ll do
You’ll shape and deliver the organisation’s AI direction, working closely with leadership to move from experimentation into scalable, real-world AI use cases.
You’ll play a key role in building the foundations of an AI capability, contributing to how models are developed, deployed and governed, while helping define structure, processes and ways of working.
Alongside this, you’ll begin building and leading a small team (2–5 people), while collaborating with a broader group of data scientists and ML specialists across the business.
You’ll also work with stakeholders across data, technology and the wider business, helping translate AI into practical, valuable outcomes.
What you’ll need
- Strong background in Data Science, Machine Learning or AI
- Experience delivering AI/ML solutions in complex or regulated environments
- Exposure to stakeholder engagement and translating technical work into business impact
- Some leadership or mentoring experience (formal or informal)
- Insurance experience
Most importantly, you’ll be someone on an upward trajectory, ready to step into leadership and grow into a Head of AI role over time.
About the company
You’ll be joining a global insurer investing heavily in data, AI and digital capability, with strong backing from senior leadership and a clear focus on long-term growth.
The environment is evolving quickly, offering real opportunity to develop, influence direction, and progress as the AI function expands.
Barclay Simpson, recognised specialists in Data jobs and recruitment: https://www.barclaysimpson.com/specialisms/data-jobs/
An official job listing by Barclay Simpson: https://www.barclaysimpson.com/job/ai-lead/
We seek individuals from a diverse talent pool and encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply to our vacancies. Our commitment to fair recruitment processes means that we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, regardless of their lived experience or personal characteristics. We also invite applicants who meet most of the listed requirements, even if not all, to apply. If you require any adjustments to the application process, please let us know.
Barclay Simpson acts as an Employment Agency for permanent positions and an Employment Business for temporary/contract engagements.
