AI Operations and Adoption Manager

We’re looking for a Senior Project Manager – AI to lead the operational delivery of M+C Saatchi Group’s AI capability (known as MICA) as it scales globally. This role sits at the centre of our AI ecosystem – ensuring that the infrastructure, governance, tooling and processes behind MICA operate effectively and at pace. You will play a critical role in turning AI ambition into consistent, scalable ways of working across the Group. Reporting to the Chief People & Operations Officer, and working closely with the Consulting, Experience and Performance CEO (who is overall AI sponsor), plus IT, Legal, Procurement and business leaders, this role will enable AI to be deployed safely, efficiently and with real impact. Based in London, with a hybrid working pattern, the role operates across a global network of teams. ABOUT THE ROLE As MICA scales across the Group, we need a dedicated programme lead to manage the operational backbone that makes it work. This is a hands-on programme delivery role focused on infrastructure, governance, rollout and adoption. It is distinct from AI strategy, client work and product development, instead focusing on ensuring the tools, processes and frameworks are in place to support them. You will own a complex, fast-moving programme spanning technology, policy, vendor management and organisational rollout – working across multiple stakeholders and disciplines. Success in this role will look like: A well-managed, scalable AI tool ecosystem across the Group Clear, up-to-date governance and usage frameworks Smooth onboarding and adoption of AI tools across teams Strong vendor and contract management discipline Delivery of key infrastructure upgrades enabling AI at scale WHAT YOU'LL DO: Lead the end-to-end delivery of the MICA operations programme, ensuring all workstreams are aligned, tracked and delivered to plan Manage the group’s approved AI tool inventory and roadmap– working closely with IT, Procurement and Legal and communicating effectively with business stakeholders. This includes coordinating the onboarding of new tools and making recommendations to the steering committee for sunsetting non-approved tools. Coordinate the evolution of the AI governance framework, working closely with Legal, IT, Procurement and business stakeholders to ensure policies remain current and compliant Maintain and evolve GenAI production guidelines, ensuring they reflect IP, usage and tool permissions across all disciplines Drive adoption and change management activities eg coordinate onboarding and training programmes, including cohort rollouts, license allocation, utilization tracking and ROI assessments, reviews of learnings Support vendor governance, renewals and contract management alongside Procurement and IT partners Coordinate the delivery of AI infrastructure projects, working closely with IT Support governance forums (e.g. SteerCo and taskforces), ensuring actions, timelines and documentation are well managed Coordinate agent management – applying governance to manage build requests, approval, inventory and credit management – working with IT to ensure agentic is optimized Embed sustainability (planet and D&I) considerations within policy, governance, training and supplier assessments and monitor sustainability performance and risk with robust, auditable metrics Track and report on programme progress, risks and delivery milestones Maintain a regular drumbeat of comms and knowledge sharing on tool capabilities, both globally and with cohort AI Champions. ABOUT YOU You are a highly organised and delivery-focused project leader, comfortable managing complex programmes across multiple teams and disciplines. You bring structure, clarity and pace to ambiguous environments, and are confident operating at both detailed operational and senior stakeholder levels. You are interested in AI and its application in business, with a strong focus on practical implementation and adoption rather than theory. WHAT YOU'LL BRING: (experience and qualifications): Proven experience as a Senior Project or Programme Manager in a complex, cross-functional environment Experience working with or implementing AI tools in an enterprise setting (technical depth not required) Experience managing tool rollouts, system implementations or infrastructure projects Strong track record of stakeholder management across functions such as IT, Legal, Procurement and Operations Experience managing third-party vendors and contracts in a delivery context Ability to run structured governance, reporting and risk management processes Strong organisational skills and attention to detail Interest in emerging technologies Familiarity with agile or hybrid delivery approaches Relevant project management qualifications desirable Working knowledge of sustainability principles and their application in operations Understanding of responsible AI (eg. ethics, bias, governance, environmental impacts) WHAT YOU'RE GOOD AT: (behaviours): Bringing order and clarity to complex, fast-moving programmes Managing multiple priorities without losing attention to detail Communicating clearly and confidently with a wide range of stakeholders Being proactive, pragmatic and solutions-oriented Building strong working relationships across functions Taking ownership and driving outcomes Operating with pace while maintaining rigour and control WHAT YOU’LL GET A central role in shaping how AI is deployed across a global organisation Exposure to senior leadership and strategic transformation initiatives The opportunity to define and scale AI operations from the ground up A collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment Competitive salary and benefits Flexible, hybrid working For the right candidate, we will offer a competitive salary and benefits package which includes 27 days annual holiday, private healthcare, employer contributory pension, life assurance and income protection. We also offer a host of benefits that support wellbeing including subsidised gym membership, whilst our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion sees us offer learning opportunities around D&I, mentoring programmes and the opportunity for all to participate in a number of active Employee Led Networks and associated events. Finally, this role will be supported with all the necessary personal development required to set someone up for success. ABOUT M+C SAATCHI GROUP M+C Saatchi Group has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture. As part of this M+C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please make us aware as part of your application. All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). #LI-BM1