Head of Innovation

Head of Innovation

Salary: £125,000–£150,000 + benefits

Location: Bristol (hybrid 2 days per week on site) | Senior Leadership role

Harvey Nash are proud to be working exclusively with a highly regarded UK professional services organisation who are looking to appoint an exceptional Head of Innovation, on a permanent basis to lead its technology, AI and innovation agenda at organisational level.

This is not an advisory role, it is a board‑visible leadership position, with real authority to shape strategy, build capability and deliver measurable commercial and client impact. You will sit at the intersection of Technology, Legal, Clients and the wider business, with a mandate to turn innovation into competitive advantage.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Director of Technology and forming part of the Technology & Innovation Leadership team, you will:

• Own and deliver the organisation’s innovation, legal tech and AI strategy, tightly aligned to business priorities
• Build, lead and inspire a high‑calibre Innovation function operating as an internal consulting partner to the organisation
• Drive a programme of fast‑paced, outcome‑focused change, moving innovation from pilots to scale
• Establish a strong client‑facing innovation proposition, influencing pitches, panels and strategic client relationships
• Lead structured experimentation across AI, automation, data and emerging technology, with a clear focus on value, ROI and adoption
• Partner closely with senior stakeholders across Legal, Finance, Marketing, LPM, Knowledge and People to embed innovation into how the organisation operates
• Act as a visible champion for digital literacy, experimentation and forward‑thinking ways of working

You will have full accountability for team leadership, capability building, prioritisation, budgeting and performance, and will regularly brief senior leadership and Board stakeholders on progress and impact.

What We’re Looking For

This role demands credibility, judgement and gravitas. You are likely to bring:

• A proven track record leading innovation, legal tech, AI or transformation in a complex professional services environment
• Deep understanding of AI and its practical legal and business use cases
• Experience building and leading senior, multi‑disciplinary teams
• Strong commercial mindset — comfortable articulating value, ROI and strategic trade‑offs
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence at Partner, ExCo and Board level
• The ability to bridge the gap between lawyers, technologists and business leaders with clarity and authority

This is a role for someone who has already operated at scale — not a step‑up into leadership, but a platform to leave a lasting legacy.

Why This Role

• Genuine executive sponsorship and mandate to deliver change
• An organisation that is investing seriously in AI, technology and innovation
• The opportunity to shape the future of service delivery, not just support it
• A competitive executive salary reflecting the seniority and impact of the role

How to Apply

This is a rare opportunity for an established innovation leader to shape the future of legal service delivery at scale. Confidential conversations are welcomed for candidates who have already operated at senior level and are ready to make a lasting impact. Please apply directly online, and if your application is successful, one of the team will be in touch to schedule a confidential discussion.