Head of Data & AI, CTI Digital
2 days a week in office
Web development & digital marketing agency
Open for applications
Web development & digital marketing agency
101-200 employees
Open for applications
2 days a week in office
101-200 employees
Company mission
To help ambitious brands create immersive digital experiences and drive demand.
Role
Who you are
- To thrive in this role, you’ll need the rare combination of deep, hands-on technical expertise and proven commercial leadership
- This role demands someone who can write the code one day and present the strategy to a CEO the next
- Proven Leadership: Demonstrable experience leading data or AI transformation within an agency, consultancy, or product environment, including the ability to hire, mentor, and build capability in new teams
- Deep Technical Background: A hands-on background in data engineering and machine learning, proficient with tools like BigQuery / Azure / AWS, SQL, and Python
- Applied AI Expertise: Experience deploying LLMs, embeddings, and modern automation frameworks (e.g., OpenAI, Hugging Face, LangChain, Pinecone, pgvector)
- Data Governance & Compliance: A strong understanding of data compliance, governance, and the ability to maintain oversight of data quality and security
- Strategic Communication: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical, commercial, and strategic concepts for diverse audiences
- Commercial Mindset: Prior experience in shaping commercial models for AI/automation-as-a-service is a big plus
- Some of our best hires didn’t check every box in the role description, so if you were about to rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply
What the job involves
- The Data & AI function is our future
- You're not just joining a team; you're building a new business unit - the engine room of CTI’s next phase of innovation
- This role initially reports directly to the CEO, giving you direct influence at the highest level
- Your mission is to formalise our early technical successes in AI, data engineering, and automation into a scalable, client-facing capability
- You'll build a multidisciplinary team of engineers and analysts, setting the vision, owning the P&L, and driving the commercialisation of proprietary AI solutions for our enterprise clients
- As the Head of Data & AI at CTI Digital, you will be the driving force behind our strategic shift into applied intelligence
- You’ll lead the creation and growth of the entire Data & AI business unit, transitioning from a hands-on technical expert to a strategic leader
- This is about defining our next epic leap forward and delivering measurable business outcomes
- Strategic Leadership & Growth: This role will define and execute CTI's Data & AI strategy, owning the P&L, and acting as the senior lead for all data and AI activity
- Team Building & Mentorship: Recruit, hire, and mentor a high-performing team of data engineers, analysts, and AI product specialists, transitioning the focus from individual delivery to scalable management
- Architecting Data Foundations: Oversee the architecture for clean, compliant, and scalable data pipelines (e.g., GA4, BigQuery, Azure, dbt) and standardise frameworks for transformation and visualisation
- AI Solutions & Productisation: Lead the design and delivery of AI-powered automation and insight tools for clients, from RAG/LLM implementations to developing reusable AI components that can be packaged into CTI’s product suite
- Client Engagement & Delivery: Act as the principal consultant and solution architect for AI transformation programmes, translating client requirements into technical roadmaps and positioning CTI as a thought leader in applied AI
- Governance & Enablement: Work with our Governance and Support teams to embed ethical AI and data-governance standards (GDPR, ISO 42001/22989) while integrating AI tools into CTI's internal workflows
Application process
- Application Deadline: November 24, 2025
- Stage 1: Applied
- Stage 2: Review
- Stage 3: Interview
- Stage 4: Hired
Our take
CTI Digital is one of Manchester's leading full-service digital agencies, known for helping ambitious brands turn big ideas into results. With more than two decades of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for combining creativity with technical expertise. And as technology continues to reshape how organisations connect with their audiences, CTI plays a key role in guiding that transformation.
From strategic consultancy and web design to digital marketing and AI-driven innovation, CTI offers a wide range of services designed to flex and scale with clients' needs. The agency's work spans industries (partnering with names like Chester Zoo, Mind, Little Green, and De Vere Hotels) to deliver everything from engaging websites and eCommerce platforms to data-led campaigns that drive serious growth.
The company recently entered an exciting new chapter, too, with the appointment of a new CEO bringing fresh entrepreneurial energy and a deep understanding of emerging technologies. The move to a new, collaborative Manchester headquarters reflects the company's continued investment in its people and culture. With its growing team and clear focus on digital transformation, CTI is certainly one to watch in the next wave of innovation.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Company benefits
- Time to Recharge: We understand that you need time away to live your life. Our generous holiday allowance gives you the freedom you need to get away from your screen, explore new places, and return to work feeling refreshed and inspired. Whether you're planning a trip with the family or just need to switch off for a long weekend, we ensure you have the time to do it.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We believe you do your best work when you have flexibility. That's why we operate on a flexible hybrid model, with teams deciding what works best for their collaboration. Whether you're in the office or at home, we trust you to get the job done.
- Health & Wellbeing: We provide comprehensive support for your health. You'll receive discounted medical, dental, and optical coverage through our health cash plan - plus access to a proactive wellbeing programme with confidential counselling and mindfulness resources. Because a healthy team is our greatest asset, and we're committed to investing in it.
- Rewards & Recognition: We provide comprehensive support for your health. You'll receive discounted medical, dental, and optical coverage through our health cash plan - plus access to a proactive wellbeing programme with confidential counselling and mindfulness resources. Because a healthy team is our greatest asset, and we're committed to investing in it.
- Top of the line equipment: We’ll set you up with the right tools to do your best work - starting with a MacBook Pro, 4K monitors, and the right tools & software to get the job done.
Company HQ
Deansgate, Manchester, UK
Leadership
Christopher Burgess
(CEO)Christopher is the Founder and CEO of Future Technology and Shoot Connect. Previously he spent 3 years at Findel as a Project Lead. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at CB Information Systems as a Managing Director and CEO.
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