Head of Data & AI

Head of Data & AI in Ipswich (IP1), IP1 | Fruition Group Search Search Head of Data & AI Fruition Group Ipswich (IP1), IP1 Contract Published: 3 days ago Negotiable Head of Data & AI Fruition Group Head of Data & AI Contract Opportunity - 4 Months Ipswich, UK (Hybrid/Onsite as required) Up to £750 per day Outside IR35 We are partnering with a well-established organisation based in Ipswich, UK , undergoing a major data and AI transformation. They are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Head of Data & AI to lead the transition into a truly data-driven and AI-empowered enterprise. This is a senior leadership contract role responsible for defining and delivering a comprehensive Data & AI strategy, embedding advanced analytics capabilities, and ensuring AI is deployed responsibly, securely, and at scale across the organisation. The Opportunity The successful candidate will own the end-to-end Data & AI agenda, ensuring data becomes a strategic asset that drives insight, innovation, and competitive advantage. You will hold accountability for: AI and advanced analytics Reporting and business intelligence Data engineering Data governance Data platforms and infrastructure This role requires both strategic vision and hands-on leadership capability to drive execution across a team of 10-15 data professionals. Key Responsibilities Strategy & Leadership Define and execute a comprehensive Data & AI strategy aligned to business objectives. Identify high-impact opportunities where data and AI can drive growth and efficiency. Plan, manage, and optimise the Data & AI function budget. Lead and develop a high-performing Data & AI team (10-15 professionals). Foster a culture of experimentation, continuous improvement, and responsible AI adoption. Artificial Intelligence Lead AI innovation across the organisation. Oversee design, development, and deployment of AI/ML models and advanced analytics solutions. Drive operationalisation of AI from proof-of-concept through to production-scale systems and AI agents. Establish and chair AI governance forums, embedding ethics, compliance, and risk management. Reporting & Analytics Drive data-led decision-making at executive and operational levels. Deliver scalable, accessible analytics capabilities. Enable insight-driven performance management frameworks. Data Architecture, Platforms & Engineering Lead transition to modern, scalable, and resilient data platforms. Oversee secure, reliable, and scalable data pipeline architecture. Ensure robust implementation and operation of secure data infrastructure. Data Governance Implement strong governance frameworks covering stewardship, metadata, and privacy controls. Champion best practice in data quality, lineage, and lifecycle management. Stakeholder Engagement Build strong relationships with senior business leaders and key partners. Translate complex business challenges into actionable AI and analytics solutions. Promote self-service data and AI communities across business and technical teams. Bring external insights and innovation into the organisation. Similar Head Of Data & Ai Jobs Popular with Other Job Seekers Head of Data & AI Fruition Group Ipswich (IP1), IP1 Negotiable 4 days ago Data Migration Lead Sanderson Recruitment Suffolk £550 - £600 per day 1 week ago Senior Data Modeller Stackstudio Digital Ltd. Norwich (NR1) From £500 to £525 per day 1 week ago Senior Project Manager - Data Sanderson Recruitment Norwich (NR1), NR1 £600 - £650 per day + Inside IR35 4 weeks ago Data Migration Lead/Data Architect Stackstudio Digital Ltd. UK 3 days ago Data Integration Architect - Active SC, HL7, Healthcare Hays London Up to £700 per day - Outside IR35 3 weeks ago IT / Digital Project Manager Morson Edge Thorpe, Leiston (IP16), IP16 4AA £650 per day 2 days ago Senior Portfolio Manager - AI, Automation and Data ARM Cambridge, Cambridgeshire Competitive 3 weeks ago Senior Technical Delivery Manager Stackstudio Digital Ltd. Norwich (NR1) From £500 to £550 per day 2 weeks ago Head of Delivery Fruition Group Ipswich (IP1), IP1 £125000 - £130000 per annum + + package 1 month ago Head Of Data jobs Head Of Data jobs in Ipswich IT jobs IT jobs in Ipswich Database jobs Database jobs in Ipswich Jobs in Ipswich Data Analysis jobs Data Science jobs Head Of People jobs Data Governance jobs Head Of Operations jobs Head Of Insight jobs Data Manager jobs Head Of Analysis jobs Data jobs Data Lead jobs Data Strategy jobs Head Of Business Intelligence jobs Head Of Digital jobs Head Of Content jobs Head jobs Head Of Science jobs Totaljobs About us Work for us Media centre Partners Jobseeker Jobs Jobseeker login Salary Planner Jobseeker help centre Career advice Recruiter Courses Advertise a job Recruiter login Contact us – recruiters Recruiter advice Recruit internationally Let's connect Apps Privacy policy Terms and conditions Cookies Compliance Accessibility The Stepstone Group UK Ltd © 2026