What does a head of AI do?
The head of AI leads the development and deployment of AI technologies across an organisation. They define strategic priorities, manage teams of machine learning and data science specialists, and ensure AI supports long-term business goals.
Core responsibilities include overseeing research and experimentation, aligning AI use cases with product and commercial strategy, guiding model governance, and reporting to executive stakeholders. They also work across engineering, legal, and operations to manage risk and compliance.
In scale-ups, they may build the AI function from the ground up. In established organisations, they manage large teams, oversee partnerships, and shape how AI integrates into digital transformation efforts.
Key responsibilities of a head of AI.
The head of AI leads the strategy, development, and governance of AI systems across the business. Responsibilities typically include:
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Setting vision and roadmap for AI use cases and platform capabilities
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Managing teams across research, engineering, and MLOps functions
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Overseeing deployment of AI models into production environments
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Aligning AI initiatives with product and business goals
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Ensuring ethical and compliant use of AI and data
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Evaluating and selecting AI tooling, vendors, and infrastructure
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Driving innovation through partnerships, pilots, and emerging tech
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Reporting AI outcomes and ROI to executive leadership
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Leading recruitment and capability development across AI functions
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Collaborating with stakeholders across product, data, legal, and engineering
This role blends leadership, strategy, and technical depth in enterprise AI.
Skills and requirements for a head of AI.
Heads of AI lead applied artificial intelligence strategy and innovation. Employers typically look for:
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8–12 years of experience in AI, machine learning, or data science
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Proven leadership of research and engineering teams
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Track record delivering AI capabilities into production
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Strong understanding of LLMs, computer vision, NLP, and real-time inference
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Experience setting technical direction and metrics for success
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Skilled in stakeholder communication and cross-team delivery
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Familiarity with ethical AI and regulatory frameworks
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Confidence working with product and engineering leadership
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Experience managing budgets, vendors, and platforms
Most heads of AI report to CTOs or heads of data, driving AI innovation strategically.
Average salary for a head of AI.
In the UK, the average salary for a head of AI typically ranges from £120,000 to £180,000, reflecting executive ownership of AI strategy, deployment, and innovation.
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Mid-level heads of AI tend to earn between £120,000 and £150,000
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Senior heads working in global organisations or AI product teams may earn between £151,000 and £180,000
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Compensation often includes share options and bonuses linked to product or research outcomes
Top-tier salaries are paid in big tech, AI scale-ups, and AI-driven SaaS ventures.
Career progression for a head of AI.
A head of AI is responsible for shaping and executing a company’s artificial intelligence strategy. This senior leadership role spans innovation, delivery, and risk management. A typical path includes:
ML engineer
Builds and trains models, supports research, and collaborates on early-stage AI experiments.
AI team lead
Manages specific AI projects, from prototyping to production, across NLP, vision, or recommendation systems.
Head of AI
Leads the AI function. Sets team structure, strategy, model governance, and business alignment.
Chief AI officer
Oversees enterprise AI investment, partnerships, and AI policy.
CTO
In some organisations, transitions into tech executive leadership with a strong AI remit.
salary guide
Our UK data salary guide.
Heads of AI lead strategic deployment of intelligent systems, manage research teams, and guide enterprise adoption. Salary should reflect innovation and leadership scope.
Use our UK data salary guide to benchmark AI leadership roles, compare 2024 trends, and prepare for long-term hiring needs through to 2026.
FAQS
Head of AI FAQs.
They set the strategic direction for AI across R&D, product integration, and ethical use. The role blends technical leadership with stakeholder education — helping execs understand where AI creates value and where it’s unnecessary or risky.
Typically reporting to the CTO or CDO, the Head of AI works alongside product, data, and engineering leaders. They often own AI experimentation budgets, partnerships (e.g. with cloud providers or research labs), and team structure.
Not just research pedigree — but experience delivering applied AI in production. The best leaders have shipped models, handled post-deployment failure, and understand what makes AI trustworthy, measurable, and iterative.
Managing exec expectations, overcoming fear around model explainability, and balancing innovation with regulatory alignment (especially post-EU AI Act and UK ICO guidance).
Chief AI officer (CAIO), VP of data science, or cross-functional CTO roles. In some firms, the head of AI evolves into a strategic advisor across AI governance and ethics globally.
