AI Fractional Team
HEAD OF AI

Hire a Head of AI

Fractional AI leadership to build your team, set direction and scale AI with confidence.. Ready to take AI seriously but not ready for a full-time executive? Hire a fractional or interim Head of AI to lead your strategy, set up your AI function and recruit and coach the team. You get senior leadership at a fraction of the cost.

ABOUT THE ROLE

What does a Head of AI do?

A Head of AI owns the AI agenda of the organization. They define strategy, build the team and operating model, manage budget and make sure AI initiatives deliver measurable business results.

As a fractional leader, they typically spend one to three days per week with you. They act as a sparring partner to the CEO or CTO, represent AI in the management team and prepare your organization to appoint a permanent successor.

Defining the company-wide AI vision and strategy
Setting up the AI department and operating model
Recruiting and onboarding AI talent
Coaching and managing data scientists and engineers
Managing the AI portfolio, budget and vendors
Aligning AI initiatives with business priorities
Establishing standards for quality, security and governance
Reporting to the CEO, CTO and board
Building partnerships with universities, vendors and communities
SITUATIONS

When do you need a Head of AI?

A Head of AI becomes valuable when AI is strategically important but fragmented, or when you are about to invest in a dedicated team and need someone to lead it properly.

01

You plan to build an AI team and need an experienced leader

02

AI initiatives are scattered with no central ownership

03

Your CTO or CEO lacks time to lead AI personally

04

You must recruit your first data scientists and AI engineers

05

Your current AI lead left and you need interim leadership

06

Your board expects a clear AI strategy and measurable progress

THE BENEFITS

Why choose a fractional Head of AI?

Executive-level AI leadership without the cost and risk of a full-time hire.

Senior leadership at a fraction of executive cost

Quick start while the search for a permanent hire continues

Credibility with the board, investors and talent market

Experience from building AI teams elsewhere

Focus on both strategy and hands-on team building

Flexible days per week as needs change

Planned handover to your permanent AI leader

DELIVERABLES

What does a Head of AI deliver?

A functioning AI organization with clear direction and results.

AI strategy and operating model

A clear vision, priorities, team structure and ways of working for your AI function.

Hiring plan and team setup

Role profiles, recruitment support and onboarding for your first AI hires.

AI portfolio and budget

A managed pipeline of initiatives with business cases, owners and tracked outcomes.

Leadership reporting and handover

Regular board-level updates and a structured transition to your permanent Head of AI.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

What does a fractional Head of AI cost compared to a full-time hire?

A fractional Head of AI is typically a fraction of the cost of a full-time executive, because you pay only for the days you need, with no recruitment fees or long-term commitment.

How many days per week does a fractional Head of AI work?

Most engagements are one to three days per week. We can increase intensity during critical phases such as team setup.

Can the Head of AI help us hire an AI team?

Yes. Building the team is a core part of the role. They define profiles, assess candidates and onboard new hires, and can also bring in freelance specialists from our network.

Do you offer interim Head of AI assignments?

Yes. Interim assignments cover vacancies or transitions and typically last from three to twelve months.

How does a Head of AI work with our CTO and management team?

They collaborate closely, often reporting to the CEO or CTO. They bring AI expertise to management discussions and translate strategy into concrete team goals.

What happens when we find a permanent Head of AI?

We plan a structured handover covering strategy, team, projects and vendor relationships, so the transition is smooth.

GET IN TOUCH

Ready to accelerate your AI strategy?

Get in touch and discover which AI expertise can help your organization take the next step.