Head of Artificial Intelligence – Smart Manufacturing

Bristol

10 months ago

Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Lead Data & AI Scientist

Head of Engineering

Head of Model Risk

Head of Data, Pricing and Commercial Analytics

Head of CRM

Head of Data – London – Messy Data / Web Crawlers / Data Aggregation

Head of Artificial Intelligence – Smart Manufacturing

A UK-based manufacturing group, headquartered in Bristol, is undergoing a full-scale digital transformation — placing AI and machine learning at the heart of its operational strategy.

To lead this journey, we are hiring a Head of Artificial Intelligence to define, build, and scale enterprise-grade AI solutions across production, supply chain, and predictive analytics.

This is a senior leadership role with board visibility and direct influence on the strategic roadmap of a business at the forefront of Industry 4.0.

Key Responsibilities

Define and lead the company-wide AI vision and roadmap.

*

Hire and manage a high-performance team of ML Engineers and Data Scientists.

*

Oversee the delivery of AI projects, from pilot to full deployment, across smart factory operations.

*

Translate manufacturing business needs into scalable AI/ML solutions.

*

Represent the AI function in strategic meetings with board members and external stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

*

Proven experience leading AI teams within a manufacturing or industrial setting.

*

Strong hands-on knowledge of machine learning, predictive maintenance, and/or digital twins.

*

Technical proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar frameworks.

*

Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management experience at the senior level.

*

Bristol-based or open to commuting 1–2 days a week to the HQ.

What’s on Offer

*

Highly visible strategic leadership position in a business poised for growth.

*

Influence over multi-million-pound investment decisions in AI and tech.

*

Generous bonus and potential equity package.

*

Flexibility to shape and build a world-class AI function from the ground up.

Apply Now
Submit your CV today to explore this exciting opportunity to lead AI innovation from the ground up in Bristol’s industrial heartland

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Feb 12, 2026

Careers

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

Feb 3, 2026

Jobs

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.

Jan 24, 2026

Education

The Skills Gap in Robotics Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Robotics is no longer confined to science fiction or isolated research labs. Today, robots perform critical tasks across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, defence, hospitality and even education. In the UK, businesses are embracing automation to improve productivity, reduce costs and tackle labour shortages. Yet despite strong interest and a growing number of university programmes in robotics, many employers report a persistent problem: graduates are not job-ready for real-world robotics roles. This is not a question of intelligence or dedication. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in robotics jobs. In this article, we’ll explore that gap in depth — what universities do well, where their programmes often fall short, why the disconnect exists, what employers really want, and how you can bridge the divide to build a thriving career in robotics.