AI Operational Excellence & Enablement Lead - Contract

AI Operational Excellence & Enablement Lead - Contract600 (Outside IR35)6-Month w/ extensionsLondon - HybridWe're looking for an AI Operational Excellence & Enablement Lead to take ownership of how AI tools and automation are governed, embedded, and improved across the business.This role sits at the centre of the firm's evolving AI landscape, covering platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Claude, and related automation tooling. The focus is not just on introducing new capability, but on making sure what already exists is being used properly, consistently, and in line with enterprise standards.It is a role for someone who can bring structure to a fast-moving area. You will work across Architecture, Security, Data, M365, Power Platform, Infrastructure and M&A to make sure AI solutions are well governed, technically sound, commercially sensible, and aligned to wider business objectives.The roleYou will act as the central point of assurance and governance for AI and automation across the firm. That means setting standards, reviewing solutions, challenging unnecessary complexity, and helping teams make better use of the tools and capabilities already available.Alongside governance, there is also a practical side to the role. You will help shape requirements, support solution design, improve operational maturity, and in some cases support the build of AI solutions directly, particularly across Copilot Studio and Claude.Key responsibilitiesLead the governance and continuous improvement of the firm's AI and automation ecosystemDefine and maintain standards, guardrails, policies and playbooks covering design, security, privacy and responsible useOwn approval and assurance pathways for AI use cases, ensuring alignment with architecture, security and risk requirementsReview copilots, chatbots, automations, workflows and related solutions before deployment to ensure they meet agreed standardsChallenge requests where existing tools or capabilities are already sufficient, helping reduce duplication and tool sprawlMonitor adoption, performance, incidents and compliance across AI platforms and use that insight to improve how they are runPartner with architects, security teams, data teams and product owners to shape robust, scalable solutionsLead requirements gathering and translate business needs into clear user stories and solution designsBuild enablement materials and promote best practice across teams using AI and automation toolsMaintain visibility of AI capabilities, use cases and ownership across the firmSupport tooling rationalisation and help assess whether the right answer is to reuse, configure, buy or buildContribute directly to the creation of AI solutions where needed, particularly within Copilot Studio and Claude environmentsWhat they are looking forStrong experience working with modern AI platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Claude, or similar toolsA solid background in governance, controls, assurance, and technology standardsAbility to assess requirements critically and challenge teams where a simpler or more effective approach existsExperience reviewing technical designs and solutions before deploymentGood understanding of M365, Power Platform, automation tooling, and integration patternsStrong stakeholder skills, with the ability to work across technical and non-technical audiencesComfortable operating in a role that combines governance, enablement, design input and cross-functional coordinationWhy this role stands outThis is not a pure policy role, and it is not a pure delivery role either. It sits in the middle, helping the business scale AI in a way that is controlled, practical and useful. The successful person will have real influence over how AI is adopted across the firm, how standards are applied, and how value is extracted from existing investment without creating unnecessary complexity.RSG Plc is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.