Job Description

About us

MKO is Ireland’s largest Planning and Environmental consultancy. Our team of 200+ experienced professionals work across the planning, environmental, ecology and related fields.
We deliver challenging and complex projects for our clients and have an unrivalled track record of success. We add real value to our client’s projects through our multi-disciplinary expertise and a broad range of nationwide experience.

Our success and growth rests entirely on the knowledge, skills, ambition and integrity of our people, and we value these qualities most highly. We are forward-thinking and work with a can-do attitude, which nurtures people, ideas and opportunities to help maximise potential.

Through our work, we aim to leave a legacy we can all be proud of.
We're looking for a Head of AI & Digital Transformation to drive meaningful, practical AI and digital transformation across the company. This is an exciting role where AI strategy is the primary focus. You will evaluate emerging tools, build internal capability, mentor teams on AI integration, and identify automation and technology solutions that solve operational challenges.
Working closely with our business area experts, you'll turn business opportunities into working solutions and build the internal capability that puts us in control of our digital future, rather than dependent on external support.
Over time, this role will expand into broader IT leadership, offering the opportunity to develop and mentor a growing AI and digital technology team. This is ideal for someone who is ambitious about building something meaningful, not just implementing solutions, but creating genuine organisational change.

Key Responsibilities

AI and Digital Transformation Leadership

• Drive the development and execution of MKO's AI and digital transformation roadmap, ensuring alignment with our strategy and priorities.
• Provide clear, informed advice to senior leadership on technology opportunities, risks, and investment decisions.
• Engage with teams at all levels, supporting staff in adopting new tools, technologies, and digital processes in ways that enhance their work.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with technology vendors and external service providers, ensuring they deliver quality, compliant work on time and within budget.
• Champion robust standards across governance, data protection, and cybersecurity, contributing meaningfully to our risk management and data integrity programmes.

AI Delivery & Innovation

• Evaluate and recommend AI platforms and tools appropriate to MKO's scale, needs, and values.
• Champion a culture of digital innovation, continuous improvement, and encourage teams to experiment with new ways of working.
• Engage with teams across MKO to identify and prioritise process improvement, automation, and data-driven decision-making opportunities.
• Design, build, and implement practical AI and automation solutions that deliver measurable business value.

Team Development & IT Leadership

• Take on progressive responsibility for IT operations and infrastructure, building a solid foundation that enables future growth.
• Build MKO's internal AI and digital capability over time, establishing scalable processes, growing staff confidence, and minimising dependence on external support.
• Mentor and develop team members as the function grows, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.

What we’re looking for in you

Essential Experience

• 5-10+ years of experience leading the implementation and integration of AI, digital and technology solutions
• Hands-on experience evaluating and deploying AI platforms and tools (LLMs, automation platforms, data tools, etc.); you understand the landscape and can make informed recommendations.
• Proven track record designing and delivering AI, automation, or digital transformation initiatives with examples of what you built and the impact it had.
• Proficient in coding and scripting ability (Python, JavaScript, or similar languages)
• Experience working across multiple business functions and translating operational challenges and opportunities into practical technology solutions.
• Demonstrable ability to drive user adoption of new tools and ways of working
• Experience evaluating, procuring, and managing technology vendors or platforms, with strong commercial awareness.
• Working knowledge of data governance, cybersecurity principles, and data privacy requirements as they apply to business operations.
• Ability to advise our senior leadership team on AI opportunities, risks, and investment decisions, you can translate technical complexity into business solutions

Desirable

• Direct experience implementing generative AI or LLM-based solutions in business contexts
• Background working in fast-moving tech/digital-first organisations
• Experience building internal AI communities or centres of excellence
• Exposure to responsible AI, governance, or ethics frameworks

Education

• A third level qualification in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• We also welcome candidates who have transitioned into AI and digital technology from other industries; what matters most is demonstrable, applied expertise.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, recognising the contribution you will make. At MKO, your professional development is important to us, with ongoing opportunities for growth, training and leadership development. MKO offers a culture that supports you.

We actively embrace diversity and inclusion as fundamental elements of our workplace culture. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognising that a diverse team fosters innovation, creativity, and a more dynamic work environment. We promote a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique strengths.

To apply:Candidates interested in the available position should apply by submitting an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae and cover letter.