AI & Digital Twin Implementation Lead

The opportunityWe are looking for an experienced AI & Digital Twin Implementation Lead to accelerate digital transformation across a multi-site aerospace manufacturing environment.This is a hands-on, business-facing role for someone who can bridge industrial engineering, manufacturing operations, data and AI. You will help shape and deliver practical AI applications that improve how sites plan, maintain and run their operations - underpinned by a connected, trusted digital twin.The ideal person will bring the vision to connect complex systems and stakeholders, alongside the credibility and delivery focus to turn promising ideas into scalable operational outcomes.Key responsibilitiesLead the development and implementation of a connected digital twin across manufacturing operations.Define how digital-twin data is governed, structured and used as the trusted foundation for AI applications.Identify, prioritise and deliver high-value AI use cases across multiple manufacturing sites.Develop practical applications such as:AI-enabled maintenance troubleshooting and root-cause supportMaintenance planning and scheduling optimisationShift-handover intelligence, operational prioritisation and decision supportSupply-chain and production-flow improvement opportunitiesWork closely with engineering, operations, maintenance, IT/data and senior leadership teams to translate business challenges into scalable digital solutions.Influence stakeholders across functions and levels of seniority, building alignment for transformation initiatives.Assess emerging AI technologies and determine where they can create genuine value in a secure industrial environment.Support the adoption of new tools, processes and ways of working across sites, helping overcome resistance to change.Build the roadmap, business cases and implementation plans required to move initiatives from concept through to adoption.About youYou are a commercially aware and technically credible transformation professional who understands the realities of manufacturing operations. You combine curiosity around emerging AI capabilities with a practical approach to implementation.You will be comfortable operating independently, bringing together multiple workstreams and influencing stakeholders without necessarily having a large dedicated team around you.Essential experienceApproximately 10 - 15+ years’ experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, process engineering, digital transformation or a related field.Experience implementing AI, advanced analytics, automation or digitalisation initiatives in an industrial environment.Strong understanding of digital twin concepts, industrial data and how operational data can support AI-enabled decision-making.Background in process engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, operations excellence or similar.Experience translating operational challenges into clear, deliverable technology use cases.Demonstrable ability to take initiatives from idea through to implementation and user adoption.Strong stakeholder-management and influencing skills, including with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.Ability to work effectively in a complex, regulated and security-conscious environment.Desirable experienceExperience in aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing, automotive, chemicals, coatings or another complex multi-site industrial environment.Exposure to manufacturing systems such as MES, ERP, CMMS/EAM, SCADA, IIoT platforms or production-planning tools.Experience with maintenance, reliability, supply chain, production scheduling or plant performance improvement.Knowledge of AI agents, machine learning, optimisation, predictive maintenance or operational decision-support tools.Experience working in environments where data security, compliance and change control are critical.What success looks likeWithin this role, you will establish a practical and trusted approach to applying AI across manufacturing - ensuring solutions are grounded in high-quality digital-twin data and deliver measurable operational value. You will help create a scalable roadmap for AI adoption, improve decision-making across sites and enable teams to operate more efficiently, reliably and proactively.