AI Portfolio & Operations Lead
The Position
We are seeking an AI Portfolio, Strategy & Operations lead to join a Computational Innovation AI function (@computationalinnovation) that will deliver next generation foundational AI capabilities to support discovery and development of innovative medicines.
This role serves as the operational right hand to the Head of AI/ML and ensures that strategy translates into execution across the AI function. Acting as the connective tissue of the organisation, the role will coordinate cross-functional activity, drive portfolio delivery, manage stakeholder alignment and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks as the function scales.
Operating at the centre of the function, you will enable the Head of AI/ML to focus on vision, strategy and talent by owning execution discipline, coordination and technical operational effectiveness.
Working closely with global Computational Innovation and the PMO, the role ensures that function activities align with broader CI goals, frameworks and governance, while developing function-specific processes where gaps exist.
The successful candidate will be a core member of the AI function leadership team and will ensure delivery of an AI portfolio that translates into meaningful impact for the business and the pipeline.
Key Responsibilities
• Drive strategic execution across the AI function, including defining OKRs, tracking progress and running retrospectives
• Support long-range planning with the Head of AI/ML and function leadership team, including annual roadmaps and multi-year vision
• Act as a core member of the AI function leadership team, helping the head to shape AI strategy and ensure delivery of capabilities aligned to function and CI goals
• Coordinate leadership team cadence, agendas and decision-making processes, ensuring clarity of priorities and timely resolution of blockers
• Track AI portfolio milestones, dependencies and risks, surfacing bottlenecks that require leadership intervention
• Coordinate cross-functional working groups to ensure AI function deliverables translate into applied outcomes and portfolio impact
• Prepare high-quality materials for leadership reviews, executive/board-level stakeholder updates and decision fora
• Build trust and credibility for the AI function across the organisation through clear communication and reliable execution
• Partner with Corporate Affairs to shape the AI function’s external profile, including communications, thought leadership and engagement planning
• Act as escalation point for urgent operational issues and provide cover for the Head of AI/ML when required
Requirements
• Strong experience in high-leverage strategy, operations, chief-of-staff or consulting roles
• Strong project management skills and proven ability to drive complex cross-functional initiatives to closure in ambiguous environments
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust and align senior leaders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing executive-level materials
• Demonstrated execution excellence, with the ability to prioritise ruthlessly across multiple workstreams
• High emotional intelligence, diplomacy and judgement when navigating organisational complexity
• Comfort working closely with technical and scientific teams, with the ability to learn and operate credibly in an AI and research environment
• Master’s degree in a computational or scientific discipline required; advanced degree (MS, MBA or PhD) preferred