AI Programme Manager

• Explore, building awareness of AI through diagnostics, practical guidance and early-stage support.
• Adopt, providing expert-led workshops, peer learning and practical support to help firms implement AI solutions.
• Integrate, offering intensive consultancy and leadership support to embed AI into workflows and drive business transformation.

• Establish and maintain effective governance arrangements across the programme, including risk management, change control, decision-making processes and performance oversight.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, systems, documentation and delivery frameworks to support accurate, consistent and compliant programme management and data recording.
• Convene programme teams and stakeholder groups to ensure clear accountabilities, aligned delivery plans, effective coordination and resource management.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, collaboration and ways of working across the Small Business Directorate and with internal and external stakeholders.

Performance, Reporting, Finance & Compliance

• Establish and maintain monitoring, reporting and financial management processes to track programme performance, participant feedback, delivery insights, outputs, outcomes, impact and expenditure for internal and external monitoring and reporting.
• Ensure programme data is up to date and reliable: complete, accurate and compliant with organisational and funder requirements.
• Collect, analyse and present accurate performance and financial data, insights and recommendations to support decision-making, business planning and continuous improvement.
• Support budget planning, forecasting and profiling activities in partnership with Finance colleagues, and monitor expenditure to identify risks, variances and opportunities for optimisation.
• Manage grant funding administration processes, ensuring fair, transparent and compliant delivery of funded interventions and processing of SME claims (Internships).
• Produce high-quality monthly, quarterly and ad hoc reports on performance, outcomes, spend, risks and variances for internal stakeholders and external funders.

• Support the set up of the AI programme, including systems, processes, governance and ways of working.
• Lead the day-to-day delivery of the AI accelerator programme, ensuring a seamless participant experience from recruitment and assessment through to programme completion and alumni engagement.
• Oversee the delivery and monitoring of training, leadership development, consultancy support, internships, events and other funded interventions, ensuring activities are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.
• Work closely with technical specialists, marketing, operations and programme teams to ensure programme deliverables are met; SMEs engaged and supported throughout their AI Integrate journey.
• Maintain programme delivery plans, monitor progress against milestones and proactively manage risks, dependencies and issues.
• Continuously review participant feedback, engagement and performance data to improve programme quality, experience and outcomes.
• Use programme insights, market intelligence and participant feedback to identify opportunities to enhance programme design and delivery.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop programme improvements and additional support offers, events, learning opportunities and alumni engagement activities that increase impact for London SMEs

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including the Greater London Authority (GLA), delivery partners, technical experts, universities, internship providers and other strategic partners.
• Work with Finance, Compliance and Legal to manage procurement and contracting processes
• Manage the onboarding and monitoring of delivery partners, ensuring contractual outputs, outcomes and service standards are achieved.

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching and support to direct reports; setting clear priorities, expectations, objectives, professional development plans, and promoting a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
• Build strong working relationships across the AI programme team and London & Partners, and contribute to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the Directorate.
• Work independently, using initiative and sound judgement to resolve issues while escalating key risks or decisions where appropriate.
• Contribute to the ongoing growth of AI adoption programmes and other strategic initiatives within the Small Business Directorate.

• Experience of delivering business support programmes for the public sector which have delivered successfully in terms of outputs, client satisfaction and impact.
• Proven track record of managing and delivering complex projects or programmes with available resources, measuring and monitoring performance throughout.
• Experience supporting London’s small businesses, with an understanding of how to engage them and the challenges they face.
• Experience in delivering complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders and delivery methods, such as online and face-to-face delivery, commissioned partners, grant processes and cohort-based support.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage competing priorities effectively, while responding flexibly to changing needs.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial planning, administration and programme compliance.
• Experience of developing and implementing robust governance processes.

• Effective stakeholder management to ensure programmes are kept on track and relevant information is collected as required.
• Experience in managing external supplier contracts and working in partnership establishing good working relationship and flow of communication.
• Proven ability to communicate information effectively and confidently to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Dynamics and Office 365) and Intranet/Internet systems as well as an advanced level of MS Excel
• Experience using CRM systems e.g. Salesforce

• Experience in leading, managing and motivating direct reports effectively

• Qualification or certification in project or programme management.
• Experience of public sector compliance and funder reporting.
• Understanding of digital technologies, AI and/or the opportunities and challenges facing manufacturing SMEs.
• Experience of engaging underrepresented founders and embracing L&P’s objectives of improving outcomes for women, ethnic minority and disabled business owners.

• 🌴 30 Days Annual Leave: Generous paid time off to rest, recharge, and enjoy life outside of work.
• 💰 Competitive Salary: We value your contributions and ensure you are rewarded accordingly.
• 📚 Learning & Development Opportunities: Continuous growth is at the heart of our culture, with ample opportunities for professional development.
• 🤝 Strong Culture of Belonging: We foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and supported.
• 🌐 Various Networks for Staff: Connect with like-minded colleagues through our numerous staff networks.
• 🏦 Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan.
• 🔗 Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network within your chosen field.
• 🌍 Geopolitical Insights: Gain unique perspectives on global economic and political trends.
• 🏠 Hybrid Working Arrangement: Enjoy the flexibility of working both remotely and in-office.
• ✈️ WorkFlex: Take advantage of opportunities to work abroad and experience different cultures.