Do you need help & advice with AI & Automation?
Hiring someone to manage Artificial Intelligence in your company is a big step, and it’s still pretty new territory. We don’t have official job titles yet, but most businesses will likely need someone in charge of their AI efforts. So, what kind of skills should you look for?
Key Skills For Your AI Lead
- Recognising Opportunity and Timing: Ideas are plentiful, but knowing when the technology is actually ready for use is key. It’s not about just buying licences or jumping on every new trend. Sometimes, you have to wait for the technology to mature, like waiting for better cameras or processing power to recolour old film.
The Right Time To Implement AI
Think about it like this: you might have a great idea in the lab, and you’ve tested it. But maybe it’s not quite ready for the real world yet. There could be issues with reliability, rules, or even AI making things up (hallucinations). That doesn’t mean the idea is bad; it just means it needs more time to develop. The person in charge of AI needs to understand this and know when to "park" a project until the time is right.
What Your AI Manager Needs To Do
This person needs to be more than just a tech whiz. They need to:
- Bring People Along: They have to guide everyone in the company through the changes AI brings.
- Explain Clearly: They need to explain how the technology works and how it can be used in simple terms.
- Understand The Tech: They should have a grasp of the technical details involved in making AI work.
- Create And Update Processes: They’ll need to document current ways of working and introduce new ones.
- Encourage Adoption: Getting everyone, from the top bosses to the newest staff, to embrace these changes is vital.
Beyond The Ideas: Getting Things Done
Finding the perfect person for this role won’t be easy. It’s not just about having a list of cool AI ideas. The real value comes from actually getting things implemented and making them work for the business. If an AI project doesn’t add real business value, it’s not worth much.
It’s unlikely that AI will simply lead to getting rid of a large chunk of your staff. What’s more probable is that people will spend less time on repetitive, mundane tasks and more time on the work that truly matters and uses their more advanced skills. We’ll have to see how this plays out, but there might be some resistance from people who have had bad experiences with AI that doesn’t work correctly.
The Pace Of Change
Technology moves fast. It wasn’t that long ago that people were talking about email or getting a website. Now, AI is the next big thing. The process of managing new technology is often similar: you need to rethink and redesign how things are done, and that takes time.
Having someone who understands this process, perhaps because they’ve been through similar tech shifts before, can be incredibly helpful for your company. They can guide you through the changes and help you implement AI effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a construction company MD look for in an AI hire?
Look for someone who understands your business goals, can spot practical ways AI can save time, and explains things clearly. They should focus on real results, not buzzwords, and be able to work with your team without causing disruption.
Should our first AI hire be technical or business-focused?
For most construction firms, the first AI hire should be business-focused with enough technical knowledge to work with your IT provider or software suppliers. That way, they can identify useful opportunities, manage change, and make sure AI supports the business rather than adding complexity.
How can AI help a construction business without replacing staff?
AI can take care of repetitive tasks such as sorting documents, drafting emails, summarising reports, and helping with data analysis. This gives your team more time to focus on site delivery, clients, and commercial work, while keeping people at the centre of the business.
