Head of Emerging Technology Platforms - Job Opportunity at KPMG

Birmingham, GB
Full-time
Executive
Posted: August 21, 2025
On-site
GBP 200,000 - 300,000 per year plus substantial bonus and equity components, reflecting the executive nature of this role within a Big Four professional services firm, the 20+ years experience requirement, and the strategic importance of AI technology leadership in the current market landscape.

Benefits

Flexitime offering enhanced work-life balance and productivity optimization compared to traditional fixed schedules
Flexible working arrangements providing competitive advantage in talent retention and allowing for personalized work environments
Comprehensive inclusion and diversity programs ensuring equitable career development opportunities and innovative team dynamics
Disability accommodation support demonstrating commitment to accessible workplace practices

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic alignment and roadmap implementation for AI-driven technology platforms including Workbench and aIQ chat products, directly impacting KPMG's competitive positioning in the global professional services market
Lead operations and support for emerging technologies across 273,000 colleagues in 143 countries, ensuring enterprise-scale performance, scalability, and regulatory compliance
Oversee platform governance ensuring adherence to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and ethical AI guidelines while maintaining global technology infrastructure integrity
Collaborate with engineering, data science, and business stakeholders to design comprehensive roadmaps aligned with organizational goals and technological advancement
Serve as strategic adviser translating complex business requirements into actionable technology strategies with measurable business outcomes
Monitor key performance indicators and drive iterative improvements to enhance platform effectiveness and optimize resource utilization
Lead, mentor, and develop diverse global teams while managing vendor relationships and contributing to strategic budget planning
Represent Global Enterprise Technology in executive forums, fostering cross-functional collaboration and driving accountability across member firms

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)

Experience

A minimum of 20 years in senior leadership roles

Required Skills

Complex decision-making Adaptability Consistent performance during change Effective communication In-depth knowledge of strategic solution delivery models and organisational design Proven ability to drive innovation and align resources Exceptional verbal and written communication skills Ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams Motivate cross-functional groups Manage effectively in uncertain environments Strong project management skills Capable of prioritising multiple initiatives Developing strategic plans Leading transformation in fast-paced settings Proven experience in translating business needs into actionable strategies Delivering measurable outcomes from enterprise-wide initiatives Success in building inclusive, collaborative relationships across diverse teams and geographies Structured approach to problem-solving Capable of clarifying ambiguity and optimising systems and processes
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The professional services industry is experiencing unprecedented transformation driven by artificial intelligence adoption, with firms like KPMG investing heavily in AI platforms to maintain competitive advantage and deliver enhanced client value propositions across audit, tax, and advisory services. Enterprise AI governance and ethical AI implementation have become critical differentiators as regulatory frameworks evolve globally, requiring sophisticated platform management capabilities that ensure compliance while enabling innovation at scale. The convergence of emerging technologies including machine learning, natural language processing, and automation is reshaping how professional services firms deliver solutions, creating demand for executive leadership that can navigate complex technology ecosystems and drive strategic implementation.

Role Significance

Expected to lead a multi-tiered organization of 50-150 professionals including engineering teams, data scientists, product managers, and platform architects, with additional oversight of vendor relationships and cross-functional collaboration with thousands of stakeholders across global member firms.
This is a C-suite adjacent executive position with global scope and strategic impact, reporting likely to the Chief Technology Officer or Chief Innovation Officer level, with responsibility for technology decisions that affect over 273,000 employees across 143 countries and directly influence KPMG's competitive positioning in the AI-driven future of professional services.

Key Projects

Implementation of enterprise-scale AI platforms serving hundreds of thousands of users globally Development and deployment of next-generation AI agents and automation tools Strategic technology partnerships and vendor management for emerging technology solutions Global governance framework implementation for AI ethics and regulatory compliance Cross-functional transformation initiatives integrating AI capabilities across audit, tax, and advisory service lines

Success Factors

Ability to balance innovation velocity with enterprise risk management in a highly regulated professional services environment, ensuring cutting-edge AI capabilities are delivered within strict compliance and ethical frameworks that protect client confidentiality and meet regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Exceptional stakeholder management skills capable of aligning diverse global teams, member firm leadership, and client-facing professionals around common technology vision while navigating complex organizational politics and cultural differences across 143 countries. Deep understanding of AI technology capabilities and limitations combined with business acumen to make strategic investment decisions, prioritize platform development efforts, and communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership and board-level stakeholders. Proven track record of scaling technology solutions across large, distributed organizations while maintaining performance standards, security protocols, and user experience quality that meets the exacting standards of professional services delivery.

Market Demand

Exceptionally high demand with limited qualified candidates, as the intersection of executive leadership experience, deep AI technology expertise, and global professional services understanding represents a rare skill combination in the current talent market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Strategic technology vision and roadmap development capabilities are essential for success in this role, as the position requires translating complex AI possibilities into actionable business strategies that align with KPMG's competitive objectives and client value propositions across multiple service lines and geographic markets. Executive communication and stakeholder management skills represent critical success factors given the need to influence senior leadership, coordinate across autonomous member firms, and build consensus around technology investments among diverse stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds and business priorities. AI governance and ethical technology implementation expertise is crucial as professional services firms face increasing regulatory scrutiny and client demands for responsible AI deployment, requiring sophisticated understanding of bias mitigation, transparency requirements, and compliance frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced data science and machine learning knowledge would enhance credibility and decision-making capability when working with technical teams and evaluating emerging AI technologies for potential platform integration. International business experience and cultural competency would accelerate effectiveness in managing global teams and navigating the complex dynamics of KPMG's federated organizational structure across diverse markets and regulatory environments. Professional services industry experience would provide valuable context for understanding client needs, service delivery requirements, and the unique challenges of implementing technology solutions in highly regulated, client-facing environments.

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines executive leadership responsibility with hands-on AI platform management across one of the world's largest professional services networks, offering unprecedented scope and scale for technology impact.
The position provides rare opportunity to shape AI governance and ethical implementation frameworks that will influence industry standards and regulatory approaches globally, given KPMG's market position and client base.
Integration of emerging technologies across audit, tax, and advisory services creates distinctive challenges and opportunities not found in traditional technology companies, requiring deep understanding of professional services delivery models and regulatory requirements.
The global scope spanning 273,000 colleagues across 143 countries offers exceptional complexity and learning opportunities in cross-cultural technology leadership and international business operations.

Career Growth

Progression to C-suite roles typically occurs within 3-5 years given the strategic nature and global scope of this position, with board and advisory opportunities emerging concurrently based on demonstrated success in AI platform implementation and business impact delivery.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Technology Officer at global professional services firm or multinational corporation Chief Innovation Officer focusing on AI and emerging technology strategy Chief Digital Officer leading enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives Executive technology consulting roles with top-tier management consulting firms Board positions and advisory roles for technology companies and professional services organizations

Company Overview

KPMG

KPMG represents one of the "Big Four" professional services networks globally, providing audit, tax, and advisory services with a federated structure of independent member firms operating under common brand and methodology standards, positioning the organization as a leader in professional services innovation and technology adoption.

As one of the world's largest professional services networks competing directly with Deloitte, PwC, and EY, KPMG maintains strong market position through strategic technology investments and innovation initiatives, with particular strength in advisory services and emerging technology implementation for enterprise clients.
The Birmingham location represents KPMG's significant UK presence and serves as a key technology hub within the European network, providing strategic proximity to London financial markets while accessing diverse technology talent pools and supporting global technology platform development initiatives.
KPMG's culture emphasizes collaborative excellence, continuous learning, and professional development within a performance-driven environment that values diversity, inclusion, and innovative problem-solving, with strong emphasis on maintaining highest professional standards while embracing technological transformation.
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