Head of AI

At the heart of everything we do is our vision to change lives every day, and our mission to grow The National Lottery responsibly and champion its impact.  

We are Allwyn UK, part of the Allwyn Entertainment Group – a multi-national lottery operator with a market-leading presence across the USA (Michigan and Illinois) and Europe, including Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, Cyprus and Italy. 

While the main contribution of The National Lottery to society is through the funds to good causes, at Allwyn we put our purpose and values at the heart of everything we do.  Join us as we embark on a once-in-a-lifetime, largescale transformation journey by creating a National Lottery that delivers more money to good causes.   

We’ll talk a bit more about us further down the page, but for now – let’s talk about the role and who we’re looking for… 

A bit about the role 

The Head of AI is responsible for shaping and delivering Allwyn UK’s AI strategy, translating strategic ambition into practical, high-impact AI and data science solutions. Reporting to the Director of Data & AI, the role will build and lead a high performing AI and Data Science function, working closely with Allwyn UK business leaders and Allwyn Group colleagues to leverage shared capabilities and best practice. The role plays a critical part in driving measurable commercial value, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring AI products are well-governed, scalable, and adopted across the organisation.

What you’ll be doing 

• Shape and deliver the AI strategy for Allwyn UK, aligned to business priorities and the wider Group direction
• Translate strategic AI objectives into a clear, prioritised delivery roadmap
• Build, lead, and develop a multidisciplinary AI and Data Science team, including AI scientists, developers and engineers
• Own the AI innovation agenda across Player, Retail, Digital, Marketing, and Security
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced analytics and AI products that deliver measurable commercial and operational benefits
• Partner closely with Tech, BI, and Data Governance teams to ensure scalable platforms, strong data foundations, and cost-effective governance
• Act as the senior AI partner to business leaders, ensuring AI solutions are adopted and deliver real-world impact
• Identify, prioritise, and shape AI use cases that support growth, improve responsible instant games growth (RIGG), and enhance operational efficiency
• Establish and embed AI model governance, monitoring, and lifecycle management
• Create and maintain a robust measurement framework to demonstrate ROI and value assurance for AI investments
• Build and manage effective relationships with third party analytics partners, vendors, and academic institutions
• Stay close to emerging AI and data science trends, applying relevant best practice to Allwyn UK’s context

What experience we’re looking for

• Demonstrable experience shaping and delivering an AI or advanced analytics strategy within a complex organisation
• Proven experience building and leading AI, Data Science, or Advanced Analytics teams, including capability development and performance management
• Strong experience across advanced analytics techniques, such as machine learning, GenAI/LLMs, automation, forecasting, optimisation, segmentation, and propensity modelling
• Practical experience using modern data science and analytics tools (e.g. Python, SQL) in production environments
• A clear track record of developing and deploying well governed AI products with measurable business or P&L impact
• Strong commercial acumen, with evidence of translating data and AI into revenue growth, customer satisfaction, efficiency gains, or cost reduction
• Experience working with large, complex data environments, including the use of external data sources
• Proven ability to influence C-suite, senior stakeholders and drive decision making using insight and evidence
• Experience managing third party agencies, vendors, or strategic partners
• Degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (e.g. Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering) or equivalent demonstrable experience

Key Measures of Success

• Delivery of AI and advanced analytics initiatives that generate measurable commercial or operational value within agreed business areas
• Successful build out, engagement, and retention of a high-performing AI and Data Science team
• Percentage of prioritised AI use cases successfully deployed into production with clear ownership and monitoring
• Demonstrable ROI and value assurance across the AI investment portfolio
• Positive senior stakeholder feedback on the relevance, quality, adoption, and impact of AI-driven products and insight

About us 

At Allwyn, we are dedicated to changing lives and growing the National Lottery responsibly, championing its positive impact on people, places, and the planet. 

• Innovation - We pride ourselves on it! We’re constantly looking for new ways to excite our customers, bringing new products to market to enjoy which is all supported by our responsible play values and making them accessible to all.  

• Giving back – Did you know that playing the lottery generates around £30m a week for charities and good causes in the UK? Our aim is to have doubled this number by the end of the first 10-year license. 

• Sustainability – Our aim is to become a net zero national lottery. We have 2030 targets to decarbonise our operations and energy. We’ve already transitioned to renewable energy providers, made our London and Watford offices zero gas, and ensured our fleet consists of low-emission vehicles. In addition, we’re working with our value chain partners to develop a net zero target date. 

• Empowering every voice – We believe in creating a culture where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, has access to opportunities and can thrive for the benefit of good causes.  Our diverse teams are working hard to make all parts of The National Lottery inclusive – whether people play a game in a store or online, because when everyone can play, everyone wins.. 

An inclusive reward offering with wellbeing at the centre 

At Allwyn, inclusion is built into how we care for our people. Our benefits and policies support colleagues and their families at every stage of life and career. By prioritising wellbeing and belonging, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued, rewarded, and empowered to succeed. Our people are more than colleagues - they’re winners, driving positive change and making a real difference in communities. 

We are a Disability Confident Leader which means we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure our workplace is accessible and inclusive for disabled and neurodivergent colleagues and candidates. As part of this we offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential requirements of the job. 

If you need any assistance or adjustments to this job description or in the application process, please contact a member of the talent team at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help. 

BENEFITS 

• Company Bonus Scheme 

• Matched pension contributions up to 8.5% 

• 26 days annual leave + 2 Life Days (and bank holidays) 

• Single Private Health Cover 

• Complimentary Private Medical 

• Income Protection  

• Flexible Benefits – EV Scheme, Money Coach, Will Writing, Mortgage Advice, Dental and Eye Care Schemes. 

• Enhanced Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoption) 

• Wellness Allowance £500 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Discounted Health Assessments 

• Volunteering Days 

• Matched Funding