Head of AI & Intelligent Automation

Head of AI & Intelligent Automation

Location: Dublin (Hybrid, 3 days per week on-site)
Salary: up to €110,000 + Bonus (18%) + Pension + Healthcare + 27 Days Leave + Insurance Discounts
Type: Permanent

The Opportunity

A major player in Ireland's financial services sector is investing heavily in artificial intelligence - and this is your chance to build the foundation from the ground up.

They're creating a brand-new AI centre of excellence to drive automation, insight, and innovation across the business.
You'll take ownership of that journey - setting the vision, building the team, and delivering the first wave of GenAI-powered solutions that transform how thousands of people work.

The Role

As Head of AI & Intelligent Automation, you'll report directly to the Chief Data Officer and lead a cross-functional team of data scientists, analysts, and delivery specialists.
Your remit is broad and high-impact:

• Design and scale the company's AI and automation roadmap from scratch.

• Deliver real business outcomes - from smarter customer experiences to streamlined internal operations.

• Shape the team and culture, hiring key talent and embedding agile ways of working.

• Act as the bridge between technical specialists and senior business leaders - translating complex capability into commercial value.

• Champion responsible, explainable AI, ensuring innovation is paired with governance and trust.

It's a hands-on leadership role where strategic vision meets delivery focus - perfect for someone who wants to leave a legacy rather than just manage an existing function.

What You'll Bring

• 7+ years' experience in data science, AI/ML, or engineering, with a clear record of turning AI ideas into production solutions.

• Genuine GenAI exposure - large-language-model or automation projects that went beyond proof-of-concept.

• Strong team leadership in an agile environment.

• Technical grounding in Python, R, or SAS, and familiarity with Azure or other cloud platforms.

• Comfortable working directly with executive stakeholders to define priorities and secure buy-in.

• Experience within financial services, insurance, or other complex regulated industries is beneficial but not essential.

Why Apply

This isn't joining a mature AI function - it's building one.

You'll have the autonomy to shape the roadmap, the team, and the culture, while working with a supportive C-suite that's genuinely committed to AI adoption.

With strong investment, clear executive backing, and a greenfield environment, this role offers the rare mix of stability and entrepreneurial freedom - and the opportunity to make a visible impact on a national scale.

Package

• Base Salary: up to €110,000 DOE

• Bonus: Up to 18%

• Pension: Employer-funded from Day 1

• Healthcare: Subsidised after probation

• Holidays: 27 days + 2 company days

• Additional: 60% discount on company products, modern hybrid working environment (3 days on-site)

Next Steps

If you're an experienced AI or Data Science or Engineering leader who thrives on building teams and delivering transformation - this is a standout opportunity to do career-defining work in Dublin's growing AI scene.

Apply confidentially today to discuss the details.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please contact Jack Tyrrell, Specialist Recruitment Consultant at MCS Group 016994371or send an up to date CV via the link provided.

If this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit www.mcsgroup.jobs to view a wide selection of our current jobs. All conversations will be treated in the strictest of confidence.