Job Introduction

Head of AI & Automation

Tarmac | Shape the Future of AI Across One of the UK's Leading Building Materials Businesses

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate. At Tarmac, we're looking for a visionary Head of AI & Automation to lead that transformation and turn emerging technologies into measurable business outcomes at scale.

This is a unique opportunity to define and deliver Tarmac's AI strategy, driving innovation across our operations, commercial functions, and support teams. You'll own the end-to-end AI and automation agenda, from identifying game-changing opportunities through to deploying enterprise-scale solutions that deliver real commercial value.

Reporting into senior leadership and working closely with stakeholders across Tarmac and CRH Group, you'll play a pivotal role in positioning AI as a strategic business capability while ensuring robust governance, security, and compliance.

What you'll be doing

As Head of AI & Automation, you'll:

✅ Develop and execute Tarmac's AI and Automation strategy, aligned to business priorities and growth objectives.

✅ Identify, prioritise and deliver high-value AI and automation opportunities that drive measurable business benefits.

✅ Lead AI initiatives from concept and proof of value through to enterprise deployment and operational ownership.

✅ Build and scale enterprise AI capabilities including:

• Generative AI
• LLMOps / GenAIOps
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
• Agentic AI solutions
• Enterprise copilots and intelligent automation

✅ Drive integration of AI technologies across platforms including Microsoft Copilot, SAP Joule, Salesforce Einstein and wider enterprise ecosystems.

✅ Establish and maintain robust AI governance frameworks, ensuring responsible AI, data protection, cyber security and regulatory compliance.

✅ Lead Tarmac's Robotic Process Automation (RPA) capability while evolving a unified automation strategy across the organisation.

✅ Own AI portfolio performance, including ROI measurement, FinOps, vendor management and cost optimisation.

✅ Champion AI adoption and organisational change, building AI literacy, communities of practice and sustainable capability across the business.

✅ Build, coach and inspire a high-performing team while managing strategic technology partners and delivery suppliers.

What we're looking for

We're seeking a commercially minded AI leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery expertise.

You'll bring:

• Proven experience delivering AI and advanced analytics programmes that have generated measurable business value.
• A track record of taking AI solutions from concept through to production at enterprise scale.
• Deep understanding of Generative AI, machine learning, computer vision, multimodal AI and emerging agentic technologies.
• Strong experience building and operating AI platforms, including LLMOps, model governance, monitoring, evaluation and release management.
• Expertise in responsible AI, compliance and governance frameworks, including NIST AI RMF, SOx, data protection standards and industry best practice.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing AI investment, vendor relationships, benefits realisation and FinOps.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage at Executive, Board and operational levels.
• Experience leading business change, driving technology adoption and building organisational capability.
• Degree-qualified in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience), with professional AI, data or cyber security certifications considered advantageous.

Who you are

You are:

• A strategic thinker who can connect innovation with business outcomes.
• A pragmatic technology leader focused on solving real business challenges.
• A natural influencer who can inspire confidence across both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A strong people leader who develops talent and builds high-performing teams.
• Equally comfortable discussing AI architecture, commercial value, risk management and organisational change.
• Passionate about the future of AI and excited by the opportunity to shape how a major organisation adopts and scales emerging technologies.

If you're ready to lead the next chapter of AI and Automation at Tarmac, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help build what's next.

Why Tarmac

We don't just offer a job, we offer a career.

Alongside this role, you'll have access to industry-leading rewards, development opportunities, and a culture that puts people first, including:

• Bonus scheme
• Enhanced holiday entitlement 
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
• Access to our Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
• Access to join our Employee Communities (employee networks) we currently have nine communities inc. (REACH) Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause
• Training and development opportunities

We’re proud to be part of CRH, and even prouder to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to support you.

Ready to build your future?

Click ‘Apply’ to get started. Please note: we sometimes close roles early due to high interest, so don’t wait too long!

#Tarmac #TarmacCareers

Tarmac Trading Limited

Tarmac Trading Limited