Chief AI Officer
Global Director of AI & Innovation
Croda · Specialty Chemicals / Life Sciences · 5000+ employees · 📍 Goole, England, United Kingdom
Croda is creating a senior global leadership role to embed AI and innovation strategy across its specialty chemicals enterprise, signaling a formal commitment to AI-driven transformation in R&D and operations.
AI Maturity
building
Reports To
CTO
Why Role Exists
New position
Company Stage
public
Source
linkedin
Key Responsibilities
- Define and drive Croda's global AI and innovation strategy across R&D, manufacturing, and commercial functions
- Identify and prioritize AI use cases with measurable business impact in specialty chemicals and life sciences contexts
- Build internal AI capability including talent, tooling, and governance frameworks
- Partner with senior leadership globally to embed AI into product development and operational workflows
- Track emerging technologies and translate external innovation into competitive advantage
Requirements
- Proven leadership in AI strategy or innovation at a global or enterprise scale
- Ability to translate AI capabilities into business value in a scientific or industrial sector
- Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills
Signals
- ⚠ No salary disclosed — unusual for a senior global role, limits candidate quality
- ⚠ Goole, UK HQ is a relatively remote location that may limit top-tier talent pool
- ⚠ Vague job description with limited specifics on scope, team, or budget
- ⚠ No previous postings — zero employer track record on this board
- ✓ Croda is a FTSE 250 public company with stable financials and global operations
- ✓ Combining Innovation and AI under one global director signals genuine strategic intent
- ✓ Specialty chemicals is a high-value sector where AI in R&D can drive meaningful differentiation
- ✓ First-time posting suggests a newly created role with real organizational backing