The Role

12 month fixed term contract initially

We are looking for a engaging, experienced and driven individual to join our new Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Initiative as Associate Director. The Associate Director is instrumental to the success and sustainability of the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Initiative. In collaboration with the Academic Co-Directors the role holder sets the strategic agenda for the Initiative and oversee all operational frameworks to realise the Initiative’s ambitions. A priority will be to work closely with the Academic Co-Directors and Advancement to develop funding packages and contribute to fundraising applications related to the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Initiative. 

The Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Initiative at London Business School is the School’s interdisciplinary hub for understanding how data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming business, management education, and society. Co-directed by Professors Nicos Savva and Keyvan Vakili, the Initiative brings together world-class faculty across Strategy, Operations, Economics, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, and Organisational Behaviour to deliver a uniquely holistic business perspective on AI and data science. 

At the heart of the Initiative is a commitment to driving impact through three strategic pillars: 

• Research Excellence
• Outreach and Engagement
• Advancing LBS’s Mission

The Initiative is not only a platform for academic collaboration and business impact, but also a catalyst for innovation and thought leadership within LBS and beyond. 

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the developing of and then implementing strategic and operational plans for the Data Science & AI Initiative to achieve the department’s strategic goals and objectives in respect of (i) academic research, (ii) collaboration and communities of practice, and (iii) shaping business education.
• Communicate the Data Science & AI Initiative’s strategic plan throughout the School, ensuring high levels of awareness and engagement.
• Develop specific and appropriate KPIs for the Initiative.  These KPIs will provide evidence of the impact being achieved.
• Participate as a senior leader, representing the Data Science & AI Initiative, to influence the strategic direction of the School.
• Lead a multi-functional team which involves research (pre and post doctoral candidates) and professional staff.
• Anticipate and identify all potential business risks and oversee risk management, compliance and governance. 
• In consultation with relevant departments and the Academic Co-Directors, to deliver reports on the Initiative’s activities. 
• Represent the School as required to a wide range of external audiences and stakeholders, proactively promoting the Data Science & AI Initiative and the School, its programmes and opportunities. 
• Closely work with the Academic Co-Directors to identify and establish Data Science & AI Initiative key research themes in order to build relationships with research partner organisations.

Who we are looking for

• Experience of managing internal relationships at the most senior levels with a proven ability to influence and shape the broader agenda in the School.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills, able to influence other senior leaders.
• Strong experience leading people, managing high-performing teams and creating motivating and inclusive work environments.
• Ability to maintain a strong connection between diverse departments.
• Experience of leading delivery within a complex organisation with multiple competing demands.
• Strong commercial acumen. 
• Excellent leadership and management experience gained while leading an initiative/department in a leading globally-oriented institution.
• Ability to think strategically. 
• Understanding of latest thinking and practice in business and development.
• Experience of having successfully undertaken outreach activities, including building a brand or raising funds for a cause.

Why London Business School

London Business School; a global and vibrant business community based in two of the world’s most dynamic cities, London and Dubai. It’s where extraordinary minds and diverse perspectives connect, to have a profound impact on the way the world does business and the way business impacts the world. We offer best in class hybrid learning to our students and participants, whilst creating a flexible, supportive and dynamic working environment for our people to excel in, whatever their location.

What you can expect from us

• Generous annual leave of 27 days plus extra between Christmas and New Year
• Generous pension package, 14.5% employer contribution (in return for employee enrolment and contribution)
• Free onsite gym and swimming pool
• Amazing range of professional development to support your career path
• Enhanced cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing offering to support your physical, mental and financial healt
• Up to 5 days paid emergency leave for staff who have caring responsibilities for a family member, dependent or friend who is ill.

At London Business School, we support Smart Working - a hybrid approach designed to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance while delivering the best outcomes for your role and the needs of our customers. All roles require a minimum of two days on campus each week to foster a vibrant, collaborative community.

For this role specifically, you will be expected to be on campus 2 days per week.

We operate with ‘core hours’ – 10:00-15:00 – to maximise opportunities for connection and collaboration across teams during the working day. Outside of these hours, you may still be required for meetings or collaboration based on your role and customer needs. Additionally, we offer Protected Time - a flexible, one-hour slot, within the working week dedicated to your learning and development, wellbeing, or focused, quiet work

Our commitment to driving inclusion and belonging  

We are a globally reaching institution, committed to creating tangible and sustainable change in driving inclusion & belonging within our School, education and society at large.  We are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone in our community feels they belong and thrive. This is a key school priority, and we want everyone who joins LBS to feel respected, welcomed, and heard.

Candidates needing sponsorship should assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship by evaluating their circumstances against the relevant criteria before applying

Please note we start screening CVs and interviewing candidates from the start of a campaign. A successful candidate could progress to offer before the advertised closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in any roles.

Closing date 17th June 2025

London Business School