Client Technology-Ops And Support-AI Innovation And Vendor Management Lead

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Ai Innovation & Vendor Management Lead

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Technology is at the heart of what we do and deliver at EY. Technology solutions are integrated into the client services we deliver and are key to our innovation as an organization.

Fuelled by strategic investment in technology and innovation, Client Technology seeks to drive growth opportunities and solve complex business problems through technology-enabled transformation, automation and modern digital capabilities. As part of Client Technology Operations & Support (O&S), you will work across global teams, vendors, engineering groups and business stakeholders to identify opportunities, accelerate innovation, improve operational efficiency and deliver measurable business value through AI, automation and emerging technologies.

The opportunity

• Be responsible for defining and executing the O&S AI, Innovation and Automation strategy, aligned to Client Technology objectives and business priorities.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, prioritization and delivery of AI, automation and operational excellence initiatives across O&S.
• Own the innovation portfolio lifecycle from idea generation, business case development and funding through proof of concept, implementation, adoption and value realization.
• Establish strategic relationships with external partners and technology vendors to evaluate solutions, manage Statements of Work and support successful program delivery.
• Drive the adoption of AI-enabled capabilities, automation platforms and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, governance, service quality and customer experience.
• Develop trusted relationships with senior business stakeholders and technology leaders to understand operational challenges and translate them into scalable, measurable solutions.
• Provide leadership reporting, governance oversight and benefits tracking to ensure innovation investments deliver measurable business outcomes.

Your key responsibilities

• Define, manage and maintain the O&S innovation roadmap and AI portfolio.
• Lead the development of business cases, ROI models, funding requests and value realization plans for innovation initiatives.
• Manage multiple concurrent AI, automation and transformation initiatives from concept through production deployment and operational handover.
• Engage with vendors and strategic partners to evaluate solutions, negotiate scope, review commercials and ensure delivery quality.
• Review and challenge technical designs, solution architectures, support models, governance processes and implementation approaches.
• Ensure Responsible AI, information security, governance and risk management requirements are integrated into innovation initiatives.
• Monitor program progress, risks, dependencies, milestones and benefits across the innovation portfolio.
• Collaborate with engineering, support, service management and business teams to drive adoption and reuse of successful capabilities.
• Produce concise executive updates and recommendations for senior leadership and governance forums.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strong understanding of artificial intelligence, automation, emerging technologies and digital transformation.
• Ability to translate business challenges into practical innovation opportunities and measurable outcomes.
• Strong vendor, supplier and commercial management capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills across organizational levels.
• Strong business case development, financial analysis and ROI modelling capability.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery execution.
• Strong program governance, risk management and decision-making skills.

To qualify for the role, you must have

• Significant experience leading enterprise AI, automation, innovation or technology transformation initiatives.
• More than 10 years of relevant work experience.
• Extensive experience managing third-party vendors, solution providers and strategic technology partnerships.
• Proven experience developing business cases, benefit models and investment proposals.
• Experience managing complex programs involving multiple stakeholders, technical teams and external suppliers.
• Strong understanding of cloud technologies, AI platforms, automation solutions and service management environments.
• Demonstrated experience presenting recommendations, roadmap updates and business outcomes to senior leadership.
• Experience establishing governance frameworks, tracking benefits and managing portfolio-level reporting.

Ideally, you'll also have

• Experience with Microsoft Azure AI technologies and modern cloud platforms.
• Experience with ServiceNow and enterprise workflow automation platforms.
• Experience working in Agile and DevOps delivery environments.
• Experience implementing Responsible AI and enterprise governance controls.
• Experience working within a global professional services organization.
• Relevant certifications in project management, Agile, product management or AI-related disciplines.

What we look for

• A strategic thinker who can transform emerging technologies into tangible business value.
• A collaborative leader with strong commercial awareness and vendor management capability.
• A self-starter who can operate independently while influencing diverse stakeholder groups.
• A naturally curious innovator with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• A results-oriented professional focused on delivering measurable business outcomes through innovation.

What working at EY offers

We offer a competitive remuneration package where you'll be rewarded for your individual and team performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with FlexEY you can select benefits that suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions. Plus, we offer:

• Support, coaching and feedback from some of the most engaging colleagues around.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career.
• The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that's right for you.

Inclusive working

EY is committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We strive to achieve the right balance for our people, enabling us to deliver excellent client service while allowing you to build your career without sacrificing your personal priorities. While client-facing professionals can be required to travel regularly and at times be based at client sites, our flexible working arrangements can help you achieve a lifestyle balance.

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