Enterprise AI Lead

Enterprise AI Lead

About IRIS

IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms.

We're a Great Place to Work certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.

Shape the future of AI at one of the UK's leading software businesses.

AI is transforming how organisations work, and at IRIS, we're looking for someone to lead that journey. This is a rare opportunity to become the driving force behind enterprise AI adoption across a complex, fast-growing software organisation. You'll be responsible for ensuring platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Agent Studios and enterprise AI integrations are deployed safely, governed effectively and embraced across the business.

This is more than a governance role. You'll be a visible champion for AI, helping colleagues unlock new ways of working, building confidence in emerging technologies, and balancing innovation with security, compliance and measurable business value. If you're passionate about enterprise technology, AI enablement and influencing change at scale, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

As the Enterprise AI Lead, you will be the business-facing owner for enterprise AI enablement across IRIS, ensuring tools such as Claude and Microsoft Copilot are deployed, governed and adopted in a safe, measurable and value-led way.

Working within Group IT, you will review new enterprise AI technologies and features, manage controlled deployment across the organisation, and translate capability into practical education, engagement and business adoption.

You will own central configuration and governance for enterprise AI platforms, including Claude, Copilot, Agent Studios, department-created agents, standards, MCPs and approved connectors. Working closely with Data Protection, Security, ITAM, Architecture and business stakeholders, you will ensure AI usage is secure, compliant, cost-controlled and aligned to IRIS standards.

A key success factor will be being a visible, positive force for AI across the workforce by driving the AI Champions network, building confidence, increasing engagement and helping colleagues understand how to use AI safely and effectively in their day-to-day work.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

• Qualified to A level standard or equivalent, or able to demonstrate relevant industry experience in enterprise technology, digital workplace, AI enablement or governance.

• Strong understanding of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Copilot and enterprise productivity tooling is highly desirable.

• Experience with Claude, AI platforms, agent tooling, connectors, integration governance or similar enterprise AI capabilities would be beneficial.

• ITIL, project delivery, product ownership, security, data protection or governance qualifications would be advantageous, but practical experience is equally valued.

• Knowledge & Experience

• Experience deploying or governing enterprise technology platforms across a complex organisation.

• Strong understanding of AI adoption, enablement, change management and safe experimentation within a business environment.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Copilot, Claude, AI agents, Agent Studios, MCPs, connectors or integration-led productivity tooling.

• Experience defining standards, controls, documentation and operational processes for technology platforms.

• Understanding of data protection, security, access control and risk considerations linked to AI usage and enterprise integrations.

• Ability to work with ITAM, Finance and Procurement to manage licensing, renewals, budgets, cost control and usage governance.

• Experience building stakeholder confidence through education, guidance, communications, workshops and community networks.

• Ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders, holding accountable teams to their ownership areas while maintaining positive working relationships.

• Experience measuring adoption, engagement, risks, costs and value using clear reporting and practical management information.

• Key Competencies

• Clear, confident communicator who can make AI practical, safe and exciting for colleagues at all levels.

• Strong governance mindset with the judgement to balance innovation, risk, data protection, security and operational control.

• Positive change agent who can build momentum, remove blockers and create confidence in new ways of working.

• Excellent stakeholder management, with the ability to challenge constructively and hold accountable teams to their responsibilities.

• Commercially aware, with a strong focus on adoption, value, FinOps discipline and cost control.

• Structured and detail-oriented, able to create standards, documentation, decision records and repeatable operating models.

• Curious and pragmatic, able to assess emerging AI capabilities without losing sight of business value and user experience.

• Collaborative, energetic and credible, with the ability to lead networks and influence without always relying on formal authority.

• Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.

• Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.

• Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.