Join Knovia Group as Head of Data, Automation & AI
Knovia Group, the UK’s leading apprenticeship provider, is on a bold mission to ensure AI leaves no one behind – empowering learners, employers, and society to thrive in an inclusive, AI‑enabled future.
Position
We’re creating a brand‑new leadership role to spearhead our transformation. As Head of Data, Automation & AI, you’ll build and lead a high‑impact team to modernise our data infrastructure, automate business processes, and embed AI into the heart of our learning experience and operations.
Responsibilities
* Lead the development of a modern data platform (data lake, warehouse, pipelines, BI suite)
* Automate and integrate end‑to‑end business processes using tools such as Workato
* Develop and deploy AI agents to enhance operational efficiency and learner/employer experiences
* Enhance analytics capabilities to better understand and serve our customers
* Shape our internal AI capability – from staff skills to leadership development
Requirements
* Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, a related field or equivalent professional training/qualifications
* Strong CPD record keeping, staying abreast of the latest in data architecture, governance, cloud data platforms, advanced analytics, connected systems, and development of AI agents
* Proven experience in data platform strategy, AI/ML enablement, or data transformation at scale
* Experience in a senior data, AI, or digital transformation leadership role
* Track record of delivering enterprise‑scale data infrastructure and AI/automation initiatives
* Strong understanding of data architecture, governance, and cloud data platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks, AWS/GCP, MS Fabric)
* Deep expertise in cloud‑based data architectures, data engineering, and MLOps
* Familiarity with tools such as Databricks, Snowflake, MLflow, Airflow, dbt, and LLM technologies would be advantageous
* Experience working in a learning organisation would be beneficial
* Previous knowledge exposure to AI ethics, regulatory compliance, and responsible AI practices
* Deep experience with platforms like Snowflake, Databricks, AWS/GCP/Azure, and Microsoft Fabric
* Experience leading teams in building scalable data ETL/ELT pipelines and modern data engineering practices
* Strong grasp of dimensional modelling, data lakes, lakehouses, and real‑time streaming architectures
* Familiarity with other automation tools (e.g., Workato, Zapier, Power Automate) for comparison and integration
* Ability to map and optimise business processes for automation, including RPA and rule‑based systems
* Skills in NLP, recommendation systems, forecasting models, and generative AI
Benefits
* Generous annual leave – 21 days, increasing with length of service, plus a holiday purchase scheme
* Holiday benefits – 3 Knovia Days for our operational December closure and 8 public bank holidays
* Extra day off – celebrate your birthday with an additional day off
* Paid volunteering leave – up to 3 days of paid leave for volunteering opportunities and corporate conscience initiatives
* Perkbox – access to a wide range of lifestyle benefits and wellness tools
* Recognition and long‑service awards – celebrating milestones and contributions of colleagues
Other Information
We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a guaranteed interview scheme in place to ensure that nobody is overlooked or discriminated against because of their disability. If you meet the minimum criteria when you apply and have informed us of a disability, you will be guaranteed an interview for that role. To promote and maintain an inclusive working environment, we will ask you to share data on certain characteristics – these answers will not form part of the selection and recruitment process and will not be shared outside of the People Team. Knovia is committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of our learners and colleagues and implements robust safer recruitment practices. Depending on the role, we may undertake checks, such as a Disclosure and Barring Service check, to confirm suitability to work with children and vulnerable adults. We remain committed to promoting equality and inclusion throughout our colleague and learner populations.
Seniority Level
Not applicable
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Education and Information Technology
Industries
Technology, Information and Internet, Technical and Vocational Training, and Internet Publishing
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