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 were 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-yearAI 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 youre 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 thats fully committed to innovation. The Role As AI Implementation Manager, youll 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. Youll: 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 Youll 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 Youll Achieve In your first 1224 months, youll: Deliver 23 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.