Head of Data & AI Innovation at Haleon

About the role:

We are looking for a visionary, commercially minded, and technically sophisticated leader to join Haleon as Head of Data & AI Innovation. This is a critical global leadership role that sits at the intersection of science, technology, and business — shaping the company’s data science and AI agenda and translating it into real business value.

As the global AI leader for Haleon, you’ll be at the forefront of an evolving space, helping the company make bold, strategic choices on data architecture, AI model deployment, and responsible innovation. You’ll lead a high-performing team of data scientists and AI specialists, partner directly with the Executive Team, and play a pivotal role in shaping how Haleon competes and leads in a digital world.

We’re seeking a leader who combines technical depth with strong business acumen and leadership presence. You will be a catalyst for change — someone who can both shape the long-term vision and execute with pace and pragmatism.

Rooted in science and powered by purpose, Haleon is uniquely positioned to harness data science and AI to drive better health outcomes for people every day.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Influence

• Own and ensure the delivery of the AI products and foundational AI capabilities outlined by the Haleon Digital Strategy.
• Advise senior executives and act as a trusted thought partner on where and how to invest in AI, ensuring our approach balances innovation with ethics, compliance, and long-term value.
• Scan the external landscape to bring “outside-in” perspectives — identifying disruptive trends, emerging technologies, and best-in-class partnerships.
• Champion a decision-making culture driven by data and scientific evidence across the organization that prioritizes impact and responsible innovation.

AI Innovation & Delivery

• Drive “AI at scale” agenda ensuring solutions move seamlessly from experimentation to scale across the enterprise.
• Drive the build of foundational AI capabilities to support the delivery of AI solutions at pace and drive re-use across the enterprise.
• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of advanced analytics and AI solutions — from experimentation to scaled deployment — ensuring business impact, efficiency, and ROI.
• Drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including Machine Learning, Generative AI and Agentic, NLP, computer vision, and predictive modelling.
• Translate complex data science concepts into practical, actionable solutions that accelerate growth and improve decision-making.
• Partner to build on design and reusable Data Foundations, wrapped in an Enterprise Data Management process.

AI Operating Model Design

• Establish and refine a fit-for-purpose AI and innovation operating model that builds the capabilities and competencies needed to deliver long-term business value.

Business Assurance

• Ensure that and insights delivered to the business are consistent, trusted, and reflective of the true state of performance, enabling executive and teams to make informed decisions with confidence. Support business stakeholders’ adoption of AI and analytics products.  

Team & Capability Building

• Build, lead, and inspire a multidisciplinary, world-class team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI specialists.
• Foster and encourage the AI forward approach across Haleon and support the AI community in the global business.
• Own and evolve operating and capability principles for the team to deliver against Haleon Digital Strategy
• Set and embed the right ways of working across the Data Science & ML — fostering a culture of experimentation, curiosity, and inclusion.
• Establish best practices in model development, lifecycle management, and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Foster early talent support and their learning goals.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Lead the data and AI risk team, supporting the team in their growth and development.
• Ensure obligations from audits are met in an appropriate and timely manner.  
• Design and oversee governance frameworks that ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance in AI and ML applications.
• Collaborate closely with legal, cybersecurity, and compliance teams to mitigate risk and ensure responsible deployment of AI across the enterprise.
• Create guidelines and frameworks for continuously monitoring and improving model performance, leveraging feedback loops and metrics for learning and refinement.

Why you?

Qualifications and skills

• Proven experience leading AI and data science strategies at scale, preferably in a commercial, science-led environment (consumer health, FMCG, life sciences).
• Deep technical knowledge across data science, machine learning, and AI innovation, with the ability to stay ahead of a fast-evolving ecosystem.
• A track record of delivering measurable value through data & AI — improving decision-making, optimizing operations, or creating new customer experiences.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage at C-suite level and translate technical opportunities into business language.
• A passion for innovation, a growth mindset, and a commitment to the ethical and inclusive use of AI.
• Able to clearly demonstrate design thinking.