Head of AI & Digital Transformation - Finance SSC

Build something that changes how people work. We're looking for a hands-on Head of AI \& Digital Transformation to help transform how our Shared Services Centre operates through data, AI and practical process improvement. This is not a strategy role. We're looking for someone who enjoys getting into the detail, understanding how work really happens, building solutions alongside operational teams, and proving measurable business value. You'll start with our Purchase-to-Pay process, using data from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and surrounding systems to identify opportunities, implement AI-enabled improvements, and create reusable methods that can be applied across the wider organisation. Success won't be measured by presentations, dashboards or training delivered. It will be measured by the improvements you make, the value you can evidence, and the extent to which others adopt what you've built. What you'll be doing Diagnose * Analyse data from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and related operational systems. * Establish a robust baseline for Purchase-to-Pay performance, including transaction volumes, cycle times, exceptions and effort distribution. * Work directly with operational colleagues to understand how processes really work, including local workarounds, trackers and manual interventions. * Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies and opportunities for AI-enabled automation and process improvement. Build * Develop practical solutions using AI, Microsoft Fabric, Power Platform and Business Central data. * Create tools and capabilities such as automated reconciliations, exception management, invoice coding support, document intelligence and self-service reporting. * Iterate rapidly with end users, improving solutions based on real operational feedback. * Design future-state processes that maintain appropriate controls, governance and auditability. Prove * Measure and report improvements using defensible, reconciled data. * Demonstrate value through cost reduction, productivity gains, quality improvements and risk reduction. * Ensure every benefit claimed can be traced back to source systems and validated by Finance. * Retire outdated processes and reporting once replacement approaches are proven. Multiply * Package successful solutions into reusable templates, frameworks and AI working patterns. * Support colleagues across the wider organisation through our AI Champions network. * Help other teams adopt proven approaches independently. * Measure adoption and sustained usage to ensure improvements last. What we're looking for We're interested in people who have already demonstrated that they can build solutions which others adopt and continue to use. You may currently be working as a: * Data Analyst * Business Analyst * Operational Excellence Lead * Process Improvement Manager * Automation Lead * AI Transformation Manager * Digital Transformation Lead Essential experience * Practical, day-to-day use of AI tools to improve work outcomes, with examples you can talk through. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * Experience working with large operational datasets. * SQL and data interrogation capability. * Advanced Excel skills. * Experience analysing ERP transaction data, ideally within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. * Power BI or equivalent business intelligence tools. * Experience influencing stakeholders and driving change without direct authority. * Understanding of financial controls, audit requirements and governance principles. * Ability to communicate complex analysis clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Desirable experience * Microsoft Fabric. * Microsoft Power Platform. * Purchase-to-Pay process knowledge. * Python or similar data analytics tools. * Shared Services or Finance Operations experience. * Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies. * Experience delivering AI, automation or digital transformation initiatives. * Experience producing outputs that have stood up to audit or due diligence scrutiny.