AI Transformation Manager (Maternity Cover)

WGSN is the global leader in consumer trend forecasting and an Apax portfolio company. AI is now a core value-creation lever across the business, run as a single, structured programme rather than scattered experiments. We are looking for an AI Programme Manager to take over the running of that programme for the duration of a maternity leave.

This is a delivery role, managing strategic transformation, not a research one. The AI efficiency programme already exists, with a defined governance model, an active project register and an executive reporting rhythm spanning Sales & Marketing, Finance, Engineering and Customer Success. The priority is to take it over cleanly, keep momentum on live workstreams, report back clearly to the Executive Committee, and deliver measurable efficiency and productivity gains.

We are looking for a transformation operator who can embed AI into how the business actually works, address the wider implications for the operating model, and manage the people change that comes with it.

This position sits within the Strategy team but performs a cross-functional role liaising with stakeholders across the business including Excom and Senior Management Group members.

PROGRAMME DELIVERY AND GOVERNANCE

Take over and run the AI efficiency programme end to end, manage the cross-programme view and oversee individual workstreams.

Maintain the operating rhythm: regular initiative updates, periodic portfolio refreshes and executive reporting (including monthly Board updates).

Coordinate across Function Captains and workstream owners in Sales & Marketing, Finance and Customer Success, surfacing patterns, dependencies and risks. Apply the same approach to other functions as capacity allows.

Keep the programme disciplined and structured — clear ownership, sponsorship and progress tracking — rather than letting it fragment into ad hoc activity.

DELIVERY OF AI WORKSTREAMS

Run individual initiatives from idea to a working, adopted output — embedding AI into operational workflows, not just piloting it

Partner with stakeholders across functions to translate operational problems into practical AI solutions

Build and shape tools, collateral and supporting materials directly where needed

MEASUREMENT AND REPORTING

Maintain a consistent way of measuring impact across different initiative types — project-based, adoption-based and capability-based

Keep a shared impact measure that lets progress be aggregated and communicated at executive level, with a clear line to efficiency and productivity gains

Coordinate and capture the broader efficiency gains from AI adoption across teams and tools

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Keep the portfolio visible and credible across the business

Act as the link between the executive sponsor, delivery and operational teams

Build trust and engagement across functions, working through influence rather than direct line management as the link between the executive sponsor, delivery and operational teams

This list is not exhaustive and there may be other activities you are required to deliver.