AI Manager

Lancashire; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave entitlement

24/7 online GP

Employee benefits platform

Job summary

The University of Lancashire is seeking a senior AI lead within Learning and Information Services to steer the secure, effective adoption of AI across the university, improving staff and student outcomes and operational efficiency.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, shaping AI opportunities, and ensuring governance and regulatory alignment while collaborating with senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading AI initiatives.
• Hands-on experience configuring and building AI-enabled solutions.
• Ability to advise senior stakeholders on AI opportunities.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in AI, data, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the adoption of AI across the university ensuring secure and effective implementation.
• Drive development of AI-enabled solutions with staff and students.
• Align AI initiatives with governance, strategy and regulatory requirements.

Skills

AI leadership

Hands-on AI

Stakeholder advisory

Data transformation

Education

Bachelor's degree in AI

Job description

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

About the role:

Based within Learning and Information Services, this role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the responsible, secure and effective adoption of AI across the University of Lancashire. ensuring it enhances staff and student outcomes, improves operational effectiveness, and aligns with institutional strategy, governance and regulatory requirements. It combines institutional leadership with hands‑on delivery, driving forward the build and deployment of AI‑enabled solutions alongside the broad enhancement of staff and student capabilities.

About you:

You will have extensive experience of leading AI, including hands‑on experience configuring and building AI‑enabled solutions and experience, prioritising and shaping AI opportunities. You'll have knowledge of AI principles and the ability to advice senior stakeholders on AI opportunities.

It is essential for the postholder to have an undergraduate degree or equivalent experiential learning in AI, data, digital transformation, technology, information management or a related field, with evidence of continuing professional development.

Use of AI in applications:

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience and the written elements of your application should accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience.

What we can offer you:

We have a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform which includes a 24/7 online GP.

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives.

About us:

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.