Head of AI and Automation in Professional Services

Head of AI and Automation in Professional Services

Digital and Information Services, Central Oxford

Shape how artificial intelligence and workflow automation are used across the University’s professional services, turning emerging technology into scalable solutions that improve how services are delivered.

As Head of AI and Automation in Professional Services , you will combine strategic leadership, technical expertise and organisational influence to build capability, accelerate adoption and deliver measurable benefits across a complex institution.

Location

Dartington House, Central Oxford. We support hybrid working, with an expectation that staff attend the office for a minimum of two days per week.

Contract

Full Time, Fixed Term Contract until 31 July 2029, with the expectation of extension, subject to funding

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.

The Digital Governance Unit (DGU) helps the University realise its digital ambitions by supporting effective, coordinated, secure and innovative digital services across teaching, research, administration and student support. Bringing together expertise in areas including digital architecture and innovation, assurance, strategic partnerships, digital capabilities and transformation, the DGU works across the University to strengthen digital governance and enable technology to deliver lasting organisational value.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full‑pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full‑pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
• A Rental Deposit Loan Scheme for eligible new employees to access an interest‑free loan to help cover the cost of a rental deposit in Oxford.

About the Role

The Head of AI and Automation in Professional Services will provide strategic leadership for the use of artificial intelligence and workflow automation within the Professional Services Programme, a three‑year University‑wide transformation programme. You will shape the operating model, governance and delivery approach that takes promising ideas from definition and experimentation through to sustainable services, ensuring investment is focused on opportunities capable of delivering significant value at scale.

Working across professional functions, technology teams and governance structures, you will help senior leaders understand what AI and automation can achieve in their areas and translate institutional priorities into a focused roadmap. You will lead a team currently comprising five members, build productive relationships with internal specialists and external suppliers, and ensure solutions are developed with clear ownership, appropriate governance and a strong focus on adoption, benefits and user needs.

This is a distinctive opportunity to influence how an internationally renowned university approaches AI and automation at an important stage in its digital transformation. Your leadership will help the University consolidate demand, reduce duplication, develop organisational capability and establish sustainable ways of turning rapidly evolving technologies into measurable improvements for academics, students and staff.

As this role supports ongoing strategic priorities, we are keen to appoint someone who can begin contributing within a relatively short timeframe and would welcome applications from candidates who are available to start promptly.

About You

• A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, or equivalent experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of workflow automation and artificial intelligence solutions.
• Proven experience of leading the development and deployment of digital solutions that improve business processes and organisational outcomes.
• Outstanding people management skills, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate teams and maximise performance.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and complexity in a highly distributed organisation.
• The ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across business, technology and governance environments.
• The ability to set strategic direction and translate organisational priorities into scalable approaches to AI and automation delivery.
• Strong judgement in prioritising demand, balancing feasibility, cost, benefits and institutional needs.
• The ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, concisely and persuasively to varied audiences.
• High levels of drive and personal effectiveness, with the ability to lead delivery and continuous improvement.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 19 October 2026 .

Interviews will take place during the week commencing 2 November 2026, and will be held face‑to‑face.

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