A fractional Head of AI to lead AI transformation for client organisations, partnering with C-suite and boards to define strategy, align initiatives with business goals, and move from roadmap to execution.
Axial Search is a specialist executive search firm focused on placing leaders who guide organisations through AI transformation. This fractional Head of AI engagement involves working across multiple client organisations, assessing their AI and data readiness, defining strategic roadmaps, and translating technical capability into measurable business outcomes.
Hiring is concentrated across technology, financial services, professional services, and life sciences, with organisations seeking experienced strategists on a part-time or advisory basis. The right candidate will combine deep hands-on fluency in machine learning and large language models with the communication skills to influence boards and executive teams, and a demonstrated history of moving strategy into execution across industries.
- Partner with C-suite and board to define AI transformation strategy and align initiatives with business objectives
- Evaluate existing AI/ML capabilities, data infrastructure, and team composition, then recommend build-vs-buy-vs-partner approaches
- Shape the AI adoption roadmap, prioritise pilot projects, scale successful programmes, and manage organisational change
- Lead governance and risk conversations covering responsible AI, data quality, model validation, and emerging regulatory requirements
- Coach product, engineering, and data teams on AI-native thinking and embed AI literacy across the organisation
- Advise on talent acquisition, retention, and organisational design as the AI function grows
- 10 or more years of experience in AI/ML, data science, or AI strategy, including at least 5 years in a leadership or senior advisory role
- Demonstrated ability to translate AI/ML concepts for non-technical stakeholders and influence C-suite and board-level decisions
- Track record of moving AI strategy into execution, including shipped products, scaled teams, or led transformations across multiple organisations
- Deep hands-on knowledge of machine learning, LLMs, generative AI, MLOps, or data engineering
- Experience building or scaling AI/ML teams and developing internal talent pipelines
- Comfort advising on governance, responsible AI frameworks, and evolving regulatory landscapes
Axial Search is a specialist executive search firm with a singular focus: placing leaders who help organisations navigate AI transformation. The firm tracks live AI leadership hiring trends across the US and provides candidates with market intelligence tools including a live job market dashboard covering salary, skills, and hiring data.
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