Chief of Staff to Chief AI Officer

Job Description

The Opportunity

This role offers a unique opportunity to work directly with the Chief AI officer during the build-out of Barclays' AI capability. The successful candidate will help establish the governance, operating rhythms and Executive Office infrastructure that will support the function as it grows. Working closely with senior leaders across Barclays, this role provides exceptional exposure, influence and development opportunities while contributing to the success of a strategically important area of the business.

Purpose of the Role

The Director, Chief of Staff to the Group AI officer, will serve as a trusted partner, helping to establish and manage an effective Executive Office as Barclays builds a group-wide AI capability.

This is a highly visible role operating at the centre of the AI leadership team. The successful candidate will support the effective running of the function through strong business management, governance, stakeholder coordination, communications and organisational leadership support.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across Barclays, the Chief of Staff will help ensure priorities are coordinated, leadership activities are managed effectively, and the organisation operates with discipline, consistency and focus.

Accountabilities

Executive Office Leadership

·       Establish and manage an effective Executive Office.

·       Support the Group AI officer in managing priorities, commitments, decisions and leadership engagement activities.

·       Coordinate leadership team meetings, offsites, governance forums and operating reviews.

·       Ensure actions, decisions and commitments are tracked through to completion.

·       Drive effective planning and organisation of leadership activities and business priorities.

·       Support the preparation of materials for Executive Committee, Board and senior management forums.

Communications & Executive Support

·       Develop high-quality presentations, briefing papers and leadership communications.

·       Support internal communications and employee engagement initiatives.

·       Coordinate leadership messaging and organisational updates.

·       Ensure senior stakeholder communications are clear, timely and aligned.

·       Partner with Corporate Communications and other teams where required.

Organisational Effectiveness

·       Support planning cycles, team objectives and organisational priorities.

·       Coordinate key deliverables and milestones.

·       Assist in monitoring progress against objectives and commitments.

·       Identify opportunities to improve governance, processes and ways of working.

·       Help establish a strong operating culture within the AI function.

Special Projects

·       Lead and coordinate ad hoc projects and leadership initiatives on behalf of the Group AI officer.

·       Conduct research, analysis and briefing preparation to support decision-making.

·       Provide additional support on high-priority business matters as required.

Director Expectations

·       To manage a business function, providing significant input to function wide strategic initiatives. Contribute to and influence policy and procedures for the function and plan, manage and consult on multiple complex and critical strategic projects, which may be business wide.

·       Provide expert advice to senior functional management and committees to influence decisions made outside of own function, offering significant input to function wide strategic initiatives.

·       Manage, coordinate and enable resourcing, budgeting and policy creation for a significant sub-function.

·       Escalates breaches of policies / procedure appropriately.

·       Foster and guide compliance, ensure regulations are observed that relevant processes in place to facilitate adherence.

·       Focus on the external environment, regulators, or advocacy groups to both monitor and influence on behalf of Barclays, when appropriate.

·       Demonstrate extensive knowledge of how the function integrates with the business division / Group to achieve the overall business objectives.

·       Maintain broad and comprehensive knowledge of industry theories and practices within own discipline alongside up-to-date relevant sector / functional knowledge, and insight into external market developments / initiatives.

·       Use interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to solve problems and design solutions in often complex/ sensitive situations.

·       Exercise management authority to make significant decisions and certain strategic decisions or recommendations within own area.

·       Negotiate with and influence stakeholders at a senior level both internally and externally.

·       Act as principal contact point for key clients and counterparts in other functions/ businesses divisions.

·       Mandated as a spokesperson for the function and business division.

Experience

·       Experience operating within a Chief of Staff, Business Management, COO Office, Executive Office or similar leadership support role.

·       Experience supporting senior executives within large, complex organisations.

·       Strong background in governance, business management and organisational effectiveness.

·       Experience preparing executive-level presentations, briefings and committee materials.

·       Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders within a fast-paced environment.

Leadership Capabilities

·       Exceptional stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

·       Strong organisational and coordination capabilities.

·       Ability to influence and build credibility across a broad range of stakeholders.

·       Excellent communication and presentation skills.

·       Strong judgement, attention to detail and execution focus.

Personal Attributes

·       Highly organised, proactive and delivery focused.

·       Collaborative and relationship oriented.

·       Comfortable operating in ambiguous and evolving environments.

·       Resilient with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

·       Strong levels of professionalism, discretion and integrity.

·       Trusted partner capable of handling sensitive and confidential matters.

Desirable Experience

·       Knowledge of regulatory, risk and governance frameworks within financial services.

·       Experience supporting newly formed teams, functions or organisational structures.

·       Familiarity with business planning, financial management and management information processes.

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