AI Transformation Lead

Dubai or London | Technology Centre of Excellence | Reports to the Group Head of Data Services

About Cognita:

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 20 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

About the Role:

Cognita is serious about AI, and you'll be the one delivering on that ambition. You'll translate our AI strategy into working solutions across our global group of schools and central teams — driving productivity through generative AI and agents, embedding automation into everyday workflows, and sharpening the decisions our business makes. You'll build and lead the team behind it, with every solution measured by the results it delivers.

What you'll be doing

• Own delivery of our AI strategy, from prioritised plan to live solutions

• Build and lead the AI team and direct our delivery partners

• Drive AI adoption and capability across the organisation

• Track the value AI delivers and use it to shape what we invest in next

• Operate AI governance day to day, so everything we deploy is safe and right for a schools environment

Who we're looking for:

Someone who has driven AI adoption and delivered measurable value at scale, and wants the room to lead with real ownership.

You'll have:

• Led an AI or digital transformation to measurable adoption and business outcomes

• Hands-on depth in generative AI and agentic automation, with solutions running in live business processes

• Credibility with senior leaders, and the ability to turn enthusiasm into prioritised outcomes

• Built and led a small technical team alongside delivery partners

• • A sound grasp of responsible AI, governance and risk