AI Implementation Manager – Manufacturing Industry
Location: Flexible within the UK (occasional travel to multiple sites)
Salary: Competitive benefits
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About the Opportunity
A leading UK manufacturing group is embarking on a bold digital transformation journey — and we’re looking for an AI Implementation Manager to help make it happen.
This newly created position offers the chance to shape and deliver an ambitious, multi-year AI and automation strategy across several established manufacturing businesses. The successful candidate will play a hands-on role in embedding artificial intelligence, smart automation, and digital enablement into every part of the organisation — from operations and supply chain through to finance, forecasting, and back-office functions.
If you’re passionate about using AI to drive measurable change and thrive at the intersection of strategy and implementation, this is a rare opportunity to leave a lasting mark on a group that’s fully committed to innovation.
The Role
As AI Implementation Manager, you’ll be responsible for identifying high-value use cases, designing and deploying AI solutions, and managing change across multiple business units. This role blends technical understanding with strong project leadership and stakeholder management.
You’ll:
* Develop and execute a group-wide AI and automation roadmap aligned with long-term business goals.
* Identify practical, high-impact AI opportunities across manufacturing, supply chain, finance, sales, and administration.
* Design and implement AI solutions such as predictive maintenance, intelligent forecasting, document automation, and customer analytics.
* Build a library of reusable AI tools and frameworks to accelerate adoption across sites.
* Ensure data readiness, improving data quality and structure to support advanced analytics and automation.
* Lead change management and training programmes, helping teams understand and embrace AI tools.
* Establish governance and ethical frameworks for responsible AI use.
* Track performance through defined KPIs and ROI metrics, demonstrating measurable improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making.
This is a practical, hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys both designing strategy and delivering real outcomes.
About You
You’ll be an innovative, forward-thinking professional who thrives on solving complex problems and leading digital change.
Essential experience includes:
* Proven background in AI or digital transformation within manufacturing, FMCG, or a similar operational environment.
* Hands-on use of tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, predictive analytics, and automation platforms.
* Strong understanding of AI/ML frameworks and APIs (e.g. OpenAI API, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
* Excellent ability to translate business challenges into technical solutions.
* Solid project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Demonstrated success in delivering measurable improvements through AI and automation.
Desirable:
* Experience working with ERP systems (SAP, Odoo, NetSuite) and RPA or digital twin technologies.
* Proficiency in Power BI or Tableau for analytics and reporting.
* Understanding of AI governance and data ethics.
* Formal qualification in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field.
What You’ll Achieve
In your first 12–24 months, you’ll:
* Deliver 2–3 high-impact AI projects with measurable ROI.
* Improve operational efficiency and forecasting accuracy.
* Launch a group-wide AI training programme (target: 50 staff trained).
* Establish a central AI tool repository and governance framework.
* Help the business become a recognised UK leader in AI-enabled manufacturing.