Enterprise AI Lead

IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms.

We're a Great Place to Work® certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.

Shape the future of AI at one of the UK's leading software businesses.

AI is transforming how organisations work, and at IRIS, we're looking for someone to lead that journey. This is a rare opportunity to become the driving force behind enterprise AI adoption across a complex, fast-growing software organisation. You'll be responsible for ensuring platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Agent Studios and enterprise AI integrations are deployed safely, governed effectively and embraced across the business.

This is more than a governance role. You'll be a visible champion for AI, helping colleagues unlock new ways of working, building confidence in emerging technologies, and balancing innovation with security, compliance and measurable business value. If you're passionate about enterprise technology, AI enablement and influencing change at scale, we'd love to hear from you.

As the Enterprise AI Lead, you will be the business-facing owner for enterprise AI enablement across IRIS, ensuring tools such as Claude and Microsoft Copilot are deployed, governed and adopted in a safe, measurable and value-led way.

Working within Group IT, you will review new enterprise AI technologies and features, manage controlled deployment across the organisation, and translate capability into practical education, engagement and business adoption.

You will own central configuration and governance for enterprise AI platforms, including Claude, Copilot, Agent Studios, department-created agents, standards, MCPs and approved connectors. Working closely with Data Protection, Security, ITAM, Architecture and business stakeholders, you will ensure AI usage is secure, compliant, cost-controlled and aligned to IRIS standards.

A key success factor will be being a visible, positive force for AI across the workforce by driving the AI Champions network, building confidence, increasing engagement and helping colleagues understand how to use AI safely and effectively in their day-to-day work.

• Own the enterprise AI toolset from a Group IT perspective, including Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Agent Studios, MCPs, approved connectors and associated configuration standards.

• Review new enterprise AI technologies, platform features and releases, assessing suitability, risk, value and readiness for controlled deployment across IRIS.

• Define, maintain and govern central configuration standards for enterprise AI platforms, ensuring settings are consistent, supportable and aligned to IRIS policy.

• Create and operate standards for department-created agents, including ownership, data boundaries, approval requirements, testing, documentation, monitoring and lifecycle management.

• Own the governance framework for MCPs, connectors and integrations, ensuring use cases are approved, secure, documented and reviewed.

• Work closely with Security and Data Protection to ensure AI controls, data handling, permissions and risk decisions are properly owned, tracked and challenged where required.

• Partner with ITAM, Finance and Procurement to govern FinOps activity for enterprise AI, including licensing, budget controls, usage reviews, renewals and cost optimisation.

• Drive business enablement through education, guidance, playbooks, showcases, office hours and accessible material that helps colleagues use AI safely and effectively.

• Lead and energise the AI Champions network, turning champions into practical advocates who can support adoption, feedback and local engagement across departments.

• Translate business requirements into safe and supportable AI solutions, working with Architecture, Engineering, Service Desk, Security and business stakeholders.

• Maintain clear documentation, knowledge articles, governance artefacts, decision logs and communication material for AI platforms and standards.

• Measure and communicate adoption, engagement, usage patterns, cost, risks, issues and realised value to IT leadership and business stakeholders.

• Act as a positive, credible and pragmatic voice for enterprise AI, balancing excitement and innovation with control, security and data protection.

• Qualified to A level standard or equivalent, or able to demonstrate relevant industry experience in enterprise technology, digital workplace, AI enablement or governance.

• Strong understanding of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Copilot and enterprise productivity tooling is highly desirable.

• Experience with Claude, AI platforms, agent tooling, connectors, integration governance or similar enterprise AI capabilities would be beneficial.

• ITIL, project delivery, product ownership, security, data protection or governance qualifications would be advantageous, but practical experience is equally valued.

• Experience deploying or governing enterprise technology platforms across a complex organisation.

• Strong understanding of AI adoption, enablement, change management and safe experimentation within a business environment.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Copilot, Claude, AI agents, Agent Studios, MCPs, connectors or integration-led productivity tooling.

• Experience defining standards, controls, documentation and operational processes for technology platforms.

• Understanding of data protection, security, access control and risk considerations linked to AI usage and enterprise integrations.

• Ability to work with ITAM, Finance and Procurement to manage licensing, renewals, budgets, cost control and usage governance.

• Experience building stakeholder confidence through education, guidance, communications, workshops and community networks.

• Ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders, holding accountable teams to their ownership areas while maintaining positive working relationships.

• Experience measuring adoption, engagement, risks, costs and value using clear reporting and practical management information.

• Clear, confident communicator who can make AI practical, safe and exciting for colleagues at all levels.

• Strong governance mindset with the judgement to balance innovation, risk, data protection, security and operational control.

• Positive change agent who can build momentum, remove blockers and create confidence in new ways of working.

• Excellent stakeholder management, with the ability to challenge constructively and hold accountable teams to their responsibilities.

• Commercially aware, with a strong focus on adoption, value, FinOps discipline and cost control.

• Structured and detail-oriented, able to create standards, documentation, decision records and repeatable operating models.

• Curious and pragmatic, able to assess emerging AI capabilities without losing sight of business value and user experience.

• Collaborative, energetic and credible, with the ability to lead networks and influence without always relying on formal authority.

• Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.

• Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.

• Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.
  

Click Apply - we’re excited to learn about your unique perspective and experience. If you need adjustments during the process, let us know. We’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone.

Our process is designed to be fair, transparent and straightforward. Stages vary depending on the role — more senior positions may involve additional steps, and some areas include role-specific assessments such as a technical test or case study — but typically you can expect:

1. Application review — we assess your experience and potential

2. Initial call — a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role

3. Skills assessment — tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review

4. Final interview — meet the team and explore how you'll make an IMPACT at IRIS

We'll always walk you through the specific stages at the start of the process so you can prepare with confidence.

If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the process, let us know, we’re committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.