Director of Applied AI

Director of Applied AI | Advanced Manufacturing | UK

We're partnering with a fast-scaling deep-tech manufacturer that is investing heavily in AI as a core driver of business performance. Having recently secured significant growth funding, the organisation is looking for a hands-on Director of Applied AI to build and execute an AI strategy that delivers measurable operational impact across engineering, design, manufacturing, and quality.

This is a rare opportunity to establish an AI capability from the ground up within a highly technical environment. You'll work directly with senior leadership, own the AI roadmap, and deploy production-ready solutions that improve throughput, reduce defects, automate engineering workflows, and unlock new efficiencies across the business.

We're looking for a builder rather than a strategist alone, someone with experience deploying machine learning and AI systems in industrial, manufacturing, robotics, or other complex engineering environments. You should be comfortable moving between executive conversations, data architecture decisions, and hands-on technical delivery.

Key experience includes:

• Applied AI / Machine Learning in production environments
• MLOps and model deployment at scale
• Data strategy and AI roadmap ownership
• Cross-functional leadership across engineering and operations
• Demonstrable delivery of measurable business outcomes

Experience within advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defence, robotics, or industrial technology would be highly advantageous.

This is a high-impact leadership role with significant visibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to shape the future of AI within a rapidly growing technology business.

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