CTO (AI & Automation)

​Charterhouse is currently assisting an impressive global private equity firm operating across multiple industrial sectors. With a footprint spanning the UK, US, UAE, and other key international markets, the organisation combines deep technical, financial and operational expertise to build long term value across its portfolio.

As part of an ambitious digital transformation agenda, the firm is now seeking a Chief Technology Officer (AI & Automation) to establish and lead a central AI function which drives meaningful innovation, automation and data driven decision-making across the business. This is an individual contributor position initially and will require you to be fully hands-on while executing the strategy.

This is a rare greenfield opportunity to design, build and embed an AI capability within an Azure/Microsoft 365 estate, converting identified use cases into high impact, production-ready solutions.

About the Role

Reporting to senior leadership, the CTO will lead the firm’s AI, automation and workflow transformation agenda, defining how data and intelligent systems can enhance investment activity, operational efficiency and decision-making. The role focuses on building a connected AI environment that elevates productivity, strengthens governance and supports high‑quality insight across the organisation.

This is a lean, hands‑on function suited to a technical leader who can balance strategic direction with architectural oversight and practical delivery. The CTO will set the firm’s AI and automation strategy, convert opportunities into a clear roadmap, and deliver tools and workflows using both leading third‑party platforms and selective in‑house development. This is a crucial role for the business. The CTO will also integrate internal systems and external market intelligence into a unified AI ecosystem, ensure robust governance and security, and oversee end‑to‑end delivery of AI initiatives.

This position will work closely with senior stakeholders, and will identify high‑value use cases, shape practical solutions and drive adoption across teams. The role will also provide training, coaching and change support to embed AI into everyday operations while acting as the firm’s internal authority on AI, automation and data architecture.

About You

Our client is currently seeking qualified candidates who possess the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience driving AI, data, software or digital transformation programmes within complex organisations.

• Deep knowledge of modern AI/LLM technologies, automation platforms, agentic workflows and retrieval/search systems, with a clear understanding of practical business applications.

• Demonstrated background in building, scaling or integrating technology, data or SaaS platforms.

• Strong engineering capability, including the ability to prototype solutions, guide technical delivery and work effectively with AI‑assisted development tools.

• Expertise in data architecture, systems integration and secure, cloud‑based delivery environments.

• A solid record of leading projects and programmes from concept through to implementation.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with the credibility to influence senior leaders.

• Commercially focused, consistently aligning technology initiatives with business value.

• Strong judgment in governance, security, privacy and responsible AI practices.

• Comfortable operating as a lean, high‑output leader in a fast‑paced environment.

• Willingness to undertake international travel as required.

• Excellent communication skills in English are required for this role