Head of AI

Janus Henderson•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of AI will play a pivotal role on our executive leadership team, working in close partnership with both the innovation and technology teams to shape the strategic direction of the firm’s key initiatives. You will be the catalyst of our partnership between our executive leaders and their teams, building and leading the execution of strategies that propel transformation of products and services through our AI innovation to ensure we are the most technologically sophisticated asset manager globally. This role demands a blend of technological understanding, strategic foresight, and Growth-oriented excellence as an approach to guide our firm in these next stages of transformation. You will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and be a member of the firm’s senior leadership team. You will have regular engagement with the firm’s Board of Directors as well as with legal entity and fund boards. This is a diverse role, with essential factors that must be carefully considered when executing our broader strategy, including—but not limited to—security, risk management, finance, regulatory compliance, governance, and user best practices. It’s how we enhance every relationship and provide a superior service, leveraging AI to deliver personalized insights and proactive solutions, enabling our clients to make more informed decisions and achieve their goals with greater confidence and efficiency – they are at the forefront of everything we do. The newly created Head of Department ensures that the firm leverages AI ethically and effectively to gain insights-improving investment research, enhancing client experiences, and optimizing operations. They establish frameworks for AI adoption, recognizing that instilling ethical AI methodologies with multiple lenses and a strong leadership vision is critical in our journey. This individual combines technical expertise in AI with a data-driven approach, understanding that data is our competitive advantage and demands the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and trust. AI will be seamlessly embedded throughout our organization, empowering us to harness data at every level—ensuring we anticipate market trends, make informed decisions, and consistently stay ahead of the competition. Establishing the Head of AI role is not just a strategic decision—it’s a necessity for our continued growth and leadership in the industry. We are fully committed to embedding this position at the core of our organization, ensuring you receive the focus and resources required for lasting impact. This is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards as we advance our AI-driven future. We are setting the standard for innovation and excellence to become the most technologically sophisticated asset manager globally and so you will need to demonstrate a deep understanding of our clients, anticipating their needs and delivering tailored solutions that consistently exceed expectations.

Requirements

Master’s in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, or related quantitative field.
10+ years of experience in AI strategy and transformation with related technology roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
Extensive experience in senior transformation leadership and partnership, with a proven track record of strategic AI planning and execution, driving the successful adoption and integration of advanced artificial intelligence solutions across an organization.
Demonstrated experience leading AI-driven research and development (R&D) initiatives, with a strong track record of bringing innovative products to market.
Committed to continuous improvement and personal upskilling, consistently leading by example and fostering a culture of learning and advancement within the team.
Proven experience in building and developing a high-performing team is essential—fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation to ensure we consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients through the effective use of AI and advanced technology
Comprehensive understanding of how core technology disciplines—including software development, system architecture, and cybersecurity—interconnect and support the broader technology ecosystem within an organization.
Exceptional leadership skills, with experience in building and nurturing high-performing teams
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate technology / innovations AI strategy and its broader implications to stakeholders across all levels and functions of the organization, fostering alignment and understanding throughout the firm.
Strategic perspective, combined with an exceptional problem-solving mindset and a relentless commitment to finding solutions.
Demonstrates the ability to make sound decisions using a blend of analysis, experience, insight, and sound judgment—doing whatever it takes to overcome challenges and deliver results.
Excels at building strong partnerships across organizational boundaries, working seamlessly with IT to align infrastructure, with investment teams to leverage domain expertise, with compliance to ensure robust controls, and with client teams to gain valuable insights.
Demonstrates the ability to influence senior decision-making by supporting recommendations with rigorous data analysis and a collaborative approach, ensuring alignment and buy-in at all levels.
Familiar with techniques and tools to ensure AI ethics and data security - for example, bias detection in models, explainability techniques (LIME, SHAP values), and data anonymization methods.
Understanding of how to implement controls so that sensitive data (like client data) is handled properly in model development (e.g., encryption, secure data enclaves).
As this role reports directly to the CEO, collaborating closely with executive leaders, and leading steering committees to drive strategic initiatives and organizational transformation is essential
Demonstrated success in partnering with technology, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration to drive meaningful change and deliver impactful solutions in support of organizational objectives
Effectively navigates complex and challenging scenarios, proactively resolving operational challenges and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability
Offers insightful leadership, facilitating a culture of trust and collaboration by deeply understanding the team’s strengths and motivations, and empowering them to realize the organizational vision.

Responsibilities

Serve as the driving force behind innovation by developing and implementing a cohesive AI and technology strategy that aligns with our aspirations.
Be the key enabler who accelerates progress and ensures both short-term impact and long-term transformation through advanced artificial intelligence initiatives, driving results and turning vision into reality
Lead research and development initiatives to drive AI-powered innovation, continuously evaluating emerging artificial intelligence, learning prospects and strategically assessing their potential applications to advance our business objectives
Serve as a thought leader and strategic ambassador for AI, representing to both internal and external stakeholders.
Champion the adoption of advanced artificial intelligence technologies that propel our goals throughout the business and position the company at the forefront of AI-driven innovation within the investment industry
Build and mentor a high-performing AI and technology team, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages continuous learning and innovation.
Support both individual growth and department objectives by equipping team members with advanced AI skills and expertise.
Develop the next generation of AI leaders to drive the firm’s future success
Collaborate closely with wider technology, finance and risk teams to establish, implement, and uphold rigorous AI standards and best practices throughout product design and development and usage.
Ensure consistency, quality, and ethical integrity in all AI-driven solutions
Apply a comprehensive understanding of technical infrastructure to guide the development and implementation of robust, scalable, and secure systems.
Ensure the architecture effectively supports current and future AI initiatives and business needs
Proactively identify and mitigate risks associated with AI technologies across the company.
Implement comprehensive data security and privacy protocols tailored to AI systems, ensuring the protection of both company and customer data while maintaining ethical and responsible AI practices
Oversee the governance, quality, and integrity of data used in AI systems across the company.
Implement robust data management in partnership with data engineering teams for protocols to ensure accuracy, security, and compliance, enabling responsible and effective use of data to power advanced AI initiatives.
Leverage your understanding of AI technologies to enforce robust processes, systems, and controls that proactively protect the firm against internal and external cybersecurity threats.
Ensure continuous engagement with our cyber capabilities to maintain a strong and resilient security alignment.
Collaborate with leading AI technology providers to enhance our solutions, accelerate innovation, and secure a sustained competitive advantage.
Develop and manage the AI and technology budget, ensuring resources are strategically allocated to advance key AI initiatives.
Leverage data-driven insights to maximize ROI, support innovation, and drive year-on-year improvements in efficiency and impact.
Keep the firm at forefront of technological advances in AI.
Monitor industry trends (like new AI techniques, fintech innovations, or regulatory changes around AI) and evaluate their applicability to the firm.
Lead innovation initiatives or pilot programs and assess ROI.
Advocate for investments and capabilities where they can yield competitive advantage across the board.
AI and technology are leveraged to ensure their experience and partnership always take priority, delivering personalized solutions and unwavering support regardless of market conditions.
Understanding how we run our business is fundamental in providing the service they come to rely on us for.

Benefits

Hybrid working and reasonable accommodations
Generous Holiday policies
Excellent Health and Wellbeing benefits including corporate membership to Wellhub
Paid volunteer time to step away from your desk and into the community
Support to grow through professional development courses, tuition/qualification reimbursement and more
Maternal/paternal leave benefits and family services
Unique employee events and programs including a 14er challenge
Complimentary beverages, snacks and all employee Happy Hours
Annual Bonus Opportunity
competitive compensation
pension/retirement plans
various health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits