Head of AI

Fixed term contract for 18 months
London, SE1

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of AI at one of the UK's largest housing providers.

As our new Head of AI, you'll lead the development and delivery of Peabody's AI Strategy, harnessing emerging technologies to create better, more responsive services for residents, enhance colleague experience, and drive innovation across the organisation.

We're looking for someone who can turn ambition into action. You'll identify high-value opportunities, build a portfolio of impactful AI initiatives, and work with colleagues across the business to bring solutions from concept to delivery with a clear focus on improving the lives, experiences and outcomes of our residents.

This is an exciting role for a strategic and commercially minded leader who is passionate about the practical application of AI and motivated by the opportunity to deliver meaningful, resident-first outcomes at scale.

Role Overview
As Head of AI, you'll provide strategic leadership for AI adoption across Peabody, ensuring opportunities are identified, prioritised and delivered in line with our organisational goals and our commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything we do.

You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, Technology and Data teams, and external partners to develop innovative AI solutions that improve how residents access services, receive support and engage with Peabody, while increasing efficiency and supporting better decision-making.

A key part of the role will be establishing the frameworks, governance and operating model required to scale AI safely and effectively. It’s crucial that AI is used ethically and transparently and in ways that builds trust with our residents and communities.

What You'll Do
•    Define and deliver Peabody's AI Strategy and roadmap, with a clear focus on enhancing resident outcomes and experiences
•    Build and manage a portfolio of AI initiatives that deliver measurable value for both the organisation and our residents
•    Identify and implement AI solutions that improve the quality, accessibility and responsiveness of resident services
•    Lead projects from proof of concept through to secure, scalable deployment
•    Establish governance, standards and controls to support responsible AI adoption, ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability
•    Work collaboratively across business, technology and data teams to deliver successful, resident-focused outcomes
•    Build organisational AI capability through knowledge sharing, coaching and adoption programmes
•    Develop strong partnerships with external suppliers and industry experts
•    Promote a culture of innovation, experimentation and continuous improvement, grounded in delivering real benefits for our communities

What You'll Need

We're interested in hearing from people who bring a combination of strategic leadership, AI expertise and a passion for delivering real-world, human-centred outcomes. You’ll have:
•    Experience leading AI, innovation or digital transformation initiatives
•    Strong understanding of AI technologies, data platforms and enterprise environments
•    Knowledge of responsible AI principles, governance and risk management
•    Experience delivering complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders
•    Strong influencing and relationship-building skills at senior levels
•    The ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear benefits for residents and colleagues
•    A collaborative and inclusive leadership style

Who You Are
•    A strategic thinker who can connect technology to meaningful resident impact
•    Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement
•    Pragmatic, results-focused and able to balance opportunity with risk
•    An engaging leader who inspires confidence and builds strong relationships
•    Committed to the ethical, transparent and resident-focused use of AI
•    Excited by the opportunity to shape AI adoption within a purpose-driven organisation that exists to serve its communities

Why Join Us?
When you join Peabody, you're joining a team guided by our values: Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises and Pull Together.

We believe diverse perspectives create better outcomes for our residents, colleagues and communities. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people can thrive, be themselves and reach their full potential.

What we offer
•    30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
•    Two paid volunteering days each year
•    Flexible benefits package, including family-friendly benefits and employee discounts
•    4x salary life assurance
•    Up to 10% pension contribution

Please note
•    Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer. 
•    This is an 18 month fixed term contract.

If you're excited about the opportunity to lead AI innovation at scale and help shape the future of services for residents and colleagues, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply with an anonymised CV and a short supporting statement explaining why you're interested in the role and what you would bring to Peabody.

Closing date: 8th July 2026 at midnight.