Head of AI

As Head of AI for Spotlight Sports Group you will be at the forefront of driving AI adoption, strategy and implementation across our organisation, ensuring we capitalise on opportunities created by generative AI technology to reshape the way we work.

Working with senior leaders across the organisation, you will identify and scope opportunities for AI-driven innovation, set the roadmap and lead on delivery. You'll also take the lead on creating a strategy for internal implementation of generative AI, and serve as a visible, confident voice for impactful and responsible AI use across the organisation. 

Core responsibilities:

Strategic AI leadership

• Develop, implement and lead the organisation's AI adoption strategy, identifying the biggest opportunities for adoption, supporting the embedding of AI skills, and knowledge across the organisation.
• Act as the internal champion for AI adoption and innovation across the organisation.
• Serve as Chair of the AI Steering Committee and report progress directly to the COO.

AI Tooling

• Identify, evaluate, and implement scalable AI solutions across the workforce to boost productivity, creativity, and more efficient ways of working.
• Define AI tooling standards, manage a central register of approved AI tools, and support safe, approved AI usage.
• Oversee the rollout and adoption of AI tools, guide teams through the transition, and ensure they have the skills and confidence to make AI part of their everyday work.
• Track adoption via scorecards, dashboards, and KPIs. Run regular delivery reviews with the SteerCo.

Training, communication & culture

• Support team-level experimentation, champion capability-building, and foster a culture of curiosity and confidence.
• Design and lead internal AI training programmes to build understanding and create confidence around AI across diverse teams.
• Establish and nurture an AI-literate culture that promotes experimentation, collaboration, and responsible innovation.

Governance, risk & IP management

• Collaborate with data governance to develop ethical and secure AI usage frameworks.
• With other senior leaders, define and enforce governance frameworks, ethical use policies, and data/IP protection standards for AI deployment.
• Ensure all AI initiatives comply with regulatory, privacy, and IP requirements, particularly in high-risk or high-impact use cases.

Delivery & vendor management

• Partner with external partners to pilot use cases and deliver working solutions, especially in high-impact areas.
• Identify and manage external AI consultants, vendors, and technology partners to deliver high-impact AI projects.
• Ensure the right mix of in-house capabilities and external expertise for rapid, responsible delivery.

Operational excellence & budget oversight

• Own and manage the AI operating budget, ensuring investment decisions reflect strategic priorities and measurable ROI.
• Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies as needed to drive continuous improvement and business value.

Requirements

Required skills & experience:

Technical & strategic acumen

• Proven track record of working in a senior AI or data science leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of current AI trends (including generative AI), emerging technologies, and ethical considerations.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to translate AI concepts into actionable business strategies.
• Ability to balance strategic direction with fast, practical execution
• Hands on experience with prompt design, AI product management, and training and evaluating LLM models.
• Advanced Beginner - Intermediate programming and engineering skills
• Familiarity with use cases in media, publishing, or betting would be preferable

Leadership

• Experience in leading cross-functional initiatives and engaging senior stakeholders across an organisation.
• Strong capability in influencing change, effective communication, and supporting behavioural and cultural change at scale.
• Confident communicator and cross-functional influencer

Operational rigour

• Demonstrated experience in budget ownership, vendor management, and scalable tech deployment.
• Experience building governance frameworks and navigating legal and compliance implications of AI use.
• Committed to responsible, ethical AI adoption
• Exposure to procurement and vendor management for AI solution