Head of AI & Automation

About Vervaunt Vervaunt, now part of IDHL, is a London-based eCommerce and paid media consultancy agency, focused on driving growth for aspirational retail brands. Our team has worked with some amazing brands, including Dr. Martens, MUJI, COS, Stussy, Self-Portrait, Bremont, Mattel, The Frankie Shop, Toteme, Timex and more. Overall Purpose This is a full-time role, ideally offered as a 6-month fixed-term contract. We're also open to hearing from experienced freelance consultants who can commit on a full-time basis for the duration of the project. Vervaunt is looking for an exceptional product leader to own our AI and automation agenda driving efficiency across all of our teams, improving internal tooling and products and embedding intelligent automation into how we deliver work for our clients and ourselves. We're ambitious about how AI can transform the way we work both in terms of the quality and speed of what we deliver for clients, and how we run Vervaunt internally. This role is central to that vision. Key Responsibilities: Strategy \& Leadership * Take on tangible projects focused on automating key areas of our core services and making our team more efficient * Own and drive Vervaunt's AI and automation strategy across all business functions (working closely with the founders) * Act as the internal expert and evangelist for AI educating teams and championing adoption * Work with founders and leadership to set priorities and build an innovation roadmap * Identify and evaluate new tools, platforms, and methodologies as the AI landscape evolves * Manage existing development resources and maintain existing product management Process Improvement \& Efficiency * Audit workflows across delivery, new business, finance, operations, and client services to identify automation opportunities * Design and implement process improvements that meaningfully reduce manual effort and improve output quality * Build scalable internal systems and SOPs that embed AI into everyday working practice * Track and report on efficiency gains and ROI from automation initiatives Internal Tooling \& Product * Lead the development of internal AI-powered tools that improve how the team works from reporting and briefing to content and analysis * Collaborate with technical teams to scope and build lightweight products that address real operational needs * Maintain a clear view of the internal product roadmap and manage delivery against it Client-Facing Innovation * Identify where AI and automation can add value to client engagements whether in data analysis, content workflows, or strategic recommendations * Partner with service leads to build new offerings or enhance existing ones using AI-driven approaches * Represent Vervaunt's AI capabilities in client conversations where relevant Team \& Culture * Build a culture of curiosity and experimentation around AI across the whole business * Run training sessions, lunch-and-learns, and practical workshops to upskill teams * Manage and grow a small team of automation specialists or developers as the function scales Essential What We're Looking For * Proven experience leading AI, automation, or digital transformation initiatives ideally within a consultancy, agency, or fast-growth business * Strong technical understanding of AI tools, LLMs, workflow automation platforms (e.g. n8n, Claude, Zapier), and API integrations * Track record of driving meaningful process change and getting organisation-wide buy-in * Excellent commercial instinct able to prioritise based on business impact, not just technical interest * Strong project management and communication skills; comfortable working with both founders and individual contributors * Comfortable operating in an environment that's still defining how it uses AI you'll need to bring structure, not just follow it Desirable * Experience in eCommerce, retail, or a related digital marketing environment * Hands-on experience building or managing internal tooling and lightweight software products * Familiarity with Shopify, Meta, Google Ads, GA4, or similar platforms used in eCommerce businesses * Experience managing or mentoring small technical teams What Success Looks Like In your first 6 months, you'll have audited the business, built a prioritised roadmap, and delivered at least two meaningful automation or tooling improvements that save time or improve quality across teams. Within a year, AI is embedded in how Vervaunt works not as a novelty, but as a genuine competitive advantage. What We Offer * A senior, high-impact role with direct access to founders and real influence over business direction * A collaborative, ambitious team that's genuinely committed to making this work * Competitive salary commensurate with experience * Hybrid working with a central London base * Access to an exceptional client portfolio across premium fashion and lifestyle * The opportunity to build something from scratch in a business that's ready to move quickly