Head of AI Programme - 18 months Fixed Term Contract

Application Deadline: 9 October 2026

Department: Small Business Support

Location: London

Compensation: £67,000 - £75,000 / year

Description

The AI Programme
This three-year programme is funded by the GLA aligning with their new ‘AI mission’ which has established an AI taskforce to look at the future of jobs and has goals such as providing ‘free AI skills training for Londoners’. This also delivers a key recommendation of L&P’s Business Support Strategy of supporting under-represented founders with AI adoption.

This is a high profile and ambitious programme which will aim to support a high number of businesses, from different sizes and sectors. The delivery model will include three core programme streams: an awareness campaign and online Hub (Explore), a range of online and face-to-face activities (Adopt) and an accelerator programme (Integrate).


Role Overview
The Head of AI Programme will lead the set up and delivery of this new programme.

The programme will be delivered within the existing Small Business Structure and this role will ensure that the programme’s initiation is delivered at pace. The role will lead on areas that overreach the three programme streams such us marketing and comms, stakeholder management and partnerships. The role will also be responsible for the set-up and delivery of the AI Accelerator programme.

This is a new role which will lead the new AI Accelerator team, cross-functional L&P teams and external partners to set up and deliver the programme to engage and support London businesses in their AI adoption journey.

The role will be responsible for achieving big volumes of SME engagement and high standards of business support activity, whilst ensuring an effective oversight of the programme budget, compliance and impact reporting.

Key Tasks

Leadership & Management

• With the Small Business Director, develop a comprehensive delivery plan including objectives, KPIs and targets.
• Drive the programme’s set-up, including testing and continuous improvement of service delivery during the pilot year.
• Lead the AI Accelerator (Integrate) team: set clear direction and accountability, ensure high performance, create a culture of continuous professional development.
• Encourage a culture of continuous innovation and adaptability in the team, keeping in step with industry best practice and being responsive to participant feedback and funder requirements.
• Build strong working relationships with the other Heads of Service in the directorate and other teams across London & Partners.
  

Programme Delivery and Operational Excellence

• Create a cohesive strategy for the whole AI programme (Explore, Adopt and Integrate), including annual business plans, objectives, and KPIs.
• Lead the Project Manager and Senior AI Adoption Specialist to ensure the programme delivers to target and to L&P standards.
• Monitor and report against delivery milestones, budget, output and outcome targets, ensuring delivery and quality concerns are raised and tackled promptly.
• Implement and manage a risk and issue management process, ensuring escalation where appropriate and implementation of timely and effective mitigations.
• Identify opportunities for innovation within the programme and delivery any expansion necessary to ensure its continued relevance and long-term sustainability.
• With the Small Business Director, build and agree the budget for the AI Accelerator programme and ensure rigorous financial management.
• Oversee the whole AI programme’s outreach, marketing and communications strategies to maintain a strong public profile and support with recruitment.
  
  

Stakeholder and Partnership Management

• Work closely with the GLA and other (potential) funders to ensure good flow of communication, compliance and alignment of the programme with broader mayoral strategies.
• Build and manage senior stakeholder relationships to support the programme’s delivery and reputation.
• Establish key relationships with other support providers, corporate partners and SME networks to facilitate collaborations for outreach and programme delivery.
• Represent London & Partners at external events, contributing to panels, hosting roundtables, and sharing best practice on small business support.
• Work with the Partnerships team to source and develop plans for corporate engagement in the programme.
• Ensure that partnerships with Corporates are delivered within contract agreements.
• Work with the Corporate Affairs team to ensure that the programme is highly profiled with regional and local government, involving officials in events and other PR moments.

Impact Measurement and Reporting

• Ensure that solid systems are in place to track programme KPIs and impact reports, using Salesforce to ensure accurate reporting.
• Provide robust reporting tailored to the programme as per funding requirements, ensuring compliance and transparency.

People & Culture

• Coach and develop team members; foster an inclusive, high‑performance culture.
• Define roles, objectives and development plans.
  
  

You’ll have/bring

Core Skills & Competencies (Essential)

Programme delivery and operational skills

• Successful experience of delivering business support programmes for the public sector at a Senior Management level.
• Proven track record of setting up, managing and delivering projects of work with available resources, measuring and monitoring performance throughout.
• Experience supporting London’s small businesses, with a strong understanding of how best to engage them and the challenges they face.
• Experience in delivering complex programmes that involve a number of stakeholders and delivery methods, such as online and face-to-face delivery, and working with delivery partners.

Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Track record of establishing good relationships and alliances with external stakeholders and SME networks that work to mutual benefit.
• Experience managing external suppliers and stakeholder contracts, including experience in risk and conflict management.

Problem Solving

• Able to achieve plans and objectives through creative and considered thinking and a positive and innovative approach to problem solving.
• Uses data and insight to evaluate options and make informed decisions; anticipates challenges.

Team management experience

• Experience of leading and managing a team.
  
  

Core Skills & Competencies (Desirable)

• Understanding of digital technologies and AI in particular and the challenges and opportunities for SMEs adopting these.
• Experience of engaging underrepresented founders and embracing L&P’s objectives of improving outcomes for women, ethnic minority and disabled business owners.
  
  

You’ll Get

• 🌴 30 Days Annual Leave: Generous paid time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
• 💰 Competitive Salary: We value your contributions and ensure you are rewarded accordingly.
• 📚 Learning & Development Opportunities: Continuous growth is at the heart of our culture, with ample opportunities for professional development.
• 🤝 Strong Culture of Belonging: We foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and supported.
• 🌐 Various Networks for Staff: Connect with like-minded colleagues through our numerous staff networks.
• 🏦 Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan.
• 🔗 Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network within your chosen field.
• 🌍 Geopolitical Insights: Gain unique perspectives on global economic and political trends.
• 🏠 Hybrid Working Arrangement: Enjoy the flexibility of working both remotely and in-office.
• ✈️ WorkFlex: Take advantage of opportunities to work abroad and experience different cultures.
  

London's diversity is its biggest asset. At London & Partners, we aim to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of the city that we promote. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or assignment, faith or disability. We also appreciate that many people require flexibility in their working patterns and encourage you to talk to us at interview about any flexibility you may need, be it full-time, job-share, or part-time.

We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.