Head of AI

Core Group is looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of AI to establish and lead our AI capability across Core Group, iStore and the broader Group of businesses.

This is a new role and, initially, you will be the AI function.

We are looking for someone who has worked in a complex enterprise environment and understands how to implement AI and automation solutions across an organisation, while still being comfortable operating with a start-up mindset.

Our environment is fast-moving, entrepreneurial and hands-on. You will work closely with teams across retail, ecommerce, finance, supply chain, operations, customer experience, marketing, HR and technology.

This is not about AI for the sake of AI. You will need to connect technology, data and business needs and turn them into practical solutions that create measurable value.

As the capability grows, you will define and build the AI team around you.

What you’ll be responsible for

AI strategy and opportunity

• Understand how the Group operates and identify where AI, automation and data can have the biggest impact

• Identify repetitive or manual processes that can be simplified or automated.

• Prioritise opportunities based on business value, feasibility and impact.

• Develop and maintain a practical AI and automation roadmap.

AI implementation and automation

• Lead AI initiatives from business problem through design, implementation, adoption and improvement.

• Build and implement solutions that improve efficiency, productivity and customer experience.

• Ensure solutions integrate effectively with existing systems, applications and data.

• Drive adoption across different business units.

• Ensure AI initiatives deliver measurable business outcomes.

Data and enterprise integration

• Work with structured and unstructured data to support AI solutions.

• Improve data quality, governance and the foundations required for AI at scale.

• Take ownership of the Group’s approach to Master Data Management.

• Integrate AI solutions with existing enterprise systems, APIs and data sources.

• Ensure solutions are secure, scalable and supportable.

Build the AI capability

• Establish the AI capability for Core Group and iStore from the ground up.

• Define the technology, standards, governance and operating model required.

• Determine which capabilities should be built internally and where external partners should be used.

• Remain hands-on during the early stages of the function.

• Build the internal AI team over time as the business need develops.

Governance and responsible AI

• Establish practical AI governance across the Group.

• Ensure solutions comply with POPIA, privacy requirements and information security standards.

• Put appropriate controls around data access, security and responsible AI use.

• Assess new AI tools and platforms before wider adoption.

AI adoption

• Help teams understand how AI can improve the way they work.

• Drive adoption of approved AI tools across the business.

• Develop practical training, guidance and support.

• Help leaders manage the change associated with automation and new ways of working.

Experience & Background

We are looking for someone who has worked with AI and data in a complex enterprise environment and understands what it takes to implement new technology across an organisation.

You should ideally have:

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Technology or a related field.

• Strong experience across AI, data, automation, technology or digital transformation.

• Experience working within a large or complex enterprise environment.

• Proven experience implementing AI or automation solutions across multiple teams or business units.

• Strong experience with enterprise data, data architecture, quality and governance.

• Experience implementing and managing modern AI platforms and tools.

• Strong understanding of Large Language Models and generative AI.

• Experience integrating AI solutions with enterprise applications, APIs and data sources.

• Experience taking AI initiatives from concept through implementation and adoption.

• Experience working with senior stakeholders and translating technology into commercial outcomes.

• Experience driving technology adoption across non-technical teams.

• Experience within retail, ecommerce, wholesale, distribution or consumer technology would be a strong advantage.