About the Team 

You will lead Sainsbury’s central AI Centre of Excellence (AI COE), a core function responsible for enabling safe, ethical, and value-driven AI adoption across the organisation. The AI COE works across all divisions, partnering closely with Product, Technology, Data & Analytics, Risk, Legal, and business teams. As Sainsbury’s progresses towards becoming an AI-native retailer, the team provides the governance, platforms, standards, and literacy required to embed AI responsibly at scale while delivering measurable commercial and customer value. 

More About the Role 

This is a senior leadership role accountable for operationalising Sainsbury’s enterprise AI strategy through the AI Centre of Excellence. You will translate strategic intent into practical frameworks, governance, and operating rhythms that enable business units to innovate with AI safely and at pace. The role owns AI governance and assurance, including oversight of the enterprise AI Register, ethical compliance, and alignment with regulatory expectations such as the UK and EU AI Acts. You will lead AI literacy and adoption programmes, partner with Engineering and Architecture on scalable AI platforms and MLOps standards, and govern responsible experimentation with emerging technologies including Generative AI. Success in this role is measured through adoption, compliance, value realisation, and cultural change across the organisation. 

More About You 

You are an experienced technology or data leader with a strong track record of operating at enterprise scale. You combine deep knowledge of AI and advanced analytics with pragmatic leadership, enabling you to balance innovation with governance and risk management. You are comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, shaping organisational culture, and leading through complexity and ambiguity. Your leadership style is inclusive and empowering, creating clarity, accountability, and confidence in how AI is developed and used across the business. 

Essential Criteria 

Demonstrable leadership experience in AI, data, or technology within large, complex organisations.  Experience of leading an AI based transformation or change across an organisation  Proven experience establishing or leading a Centre of Excellence, preferably focused on AI or advanced analytics.  Clear evidence of designing and implementing AI governance, assurance, and ethical frameworks.  Working knowledge of enterprise AI/ML platforms, MLOps practices, and model lifecycle management.  Proven ability to embed AI strategy across federated or cross-functional operating models and drive measurable adoption and value. 

Desirable Criteria 

Academic background in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, AI, or Business.  Proven experience establishing or leading a Centre of Excellence, preferably focused on AI or advanced analytics.  Exposure to emerging AI technologies including Generative AI, agentic systems, or autonomous solutions.  Experience operating in regulated or large-scale retail environments.  Understanding of UK and EU AI regulatory landscapes and compliance requirements.  Experience representing organisations externally on AI governance, standards, or innovation.