AI Strategy & Innovation Associate

Civica; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions

Income protection

Life assurance

Critical illness cover

Private medical insurance

EV scheme

Affinity groups

Bounty bonus

Job summary

Civica is seeking an AI Strategy & Innovation Associate to shape how AI transforms customer operations, delivery, and support. You’ll design and deliver AI-driven proofs of concept, partner with teams to reimagine solutions, and iterate quickly to demonstrate impact across public services and government clients.

You’ll explore emerging AI tools and collaborate with leaders to foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, accelerating outcomes for citizens and teams.

Qualifications

• Curious and experimental mindset with comfort in ambiguity.
• Able to turn ideas into practical, tested outcomes.
• Willingness to challenge legacy processes and improvise.
• Strong communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Degree (or equivalent) in CS, data, engineering, maths, business, or design (not essential).
• Strong interest in AI, automation, or digital transformation.
• Experience building prototypes, automations, or experiments (academic, personal, or professional).

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver AI-driven proof of concepts (POCs) to solve real customer and operational challenges.
• Explore how AI can improve customer experience, delivery efficiency, and support resolution.
• Partner with teams to understand challenges and reimagine solutions beyond legacy constraints.
• Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate ideas with quick learning from outcomes.
• Contribute to shaping a pragmatic, outcome-driven AI strategy for the Customer Office.
• Translate complex problems into simple experiments and actionable recommendations.
• Communicate insights and next steps clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay up to date with emerging AI tools, trends, and techniques.
• Support the development of a culture of experimentation, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Curious mindset

Experimental

Problem solving

Ambiguity tolerance

Clear communication

Education

Degree in CS/data/engineering/ Maths or design

Job description

We’re Civica and we make software that helps deliver critical services for citizens all around the world. From local to state government, to education, to health and care, over 5,000 public bodies across the globe use our software to help provide critical services to over 100 million citizens.

Our aspiration is to be a GovTech champion everywhere we work around the globe, supporting the needs of citizens and those that serve them every day. Building on 21 years of continuous growth and success, we're at a pivotal point on our journey to realise that aspiration.

Why you’ll love this role of AI Strategy & Innovation Associate

This is not a “business as usual” role. It’s an opportunity to work at the forefront of how AI is transforming customer operations, delivery, and support.

As an AI Strategy & Innovation Associate, you’ll explore new ways of working, designing and delivering proof of concepts (POCs) that rethink how we serve customers and support teams. You’ll challenge assumptions, rethink legacy processes, and experiment boldly with emerging technologies.

You’ll collaborate with leaders and practitioners across the Customer Office, acting as a catalyst for change—using AI to simplify, accelerate, and reimagine how we operate.

If you’re curious, experimental, and motivated by solving real-world problems with innovative solutions, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact early in your career.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver AI-driven proof of concepts (POCs) to solve real customer and operational challenges
• Explore how AI can improve customer experience, delivery efficiency, support resolution, and decision-making
• Partner with teams to deeply understand challenges and reimagine solutions without legacy constraints
• Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate ideas, learning quickly from outcomes
• Contribute to shaping a pragmatic, outcome-driven AI strategy for the Customer Office
• Translate complex problems into simple experiments and actionable recommendations
• Communicate insights, learnings, and next steps clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Stay up to date with emerging AI tools, trends, and techniques, identifying opportunities for impact
• Support the development of a culture of experimentation, innovation, and continuous improvement

This role is about mindset and potential rather than perfect experience.

You are likely someone who

• Is naturally curious, experimental, and comfortable with ambiguity
• Enjoys solving complex problems and turning ideas into practical outcomes
• Challenges existing processes and thinks boldly about better ways of working
• Can move quickly, prioritise effectively, and deliver at pace
• Communicates clearly and confidently across different audiences
• Is resilient and comfortable learning through experimentation

You may also have

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as computer science, data, engineering, maths, business, or design (not essential)
• A strong interest in AI, automation, or digital transformation
• Experience building prototypes, automations, or experiments (academic, personal, or professional)
• A customer-focused mindset, prioritising outcomes over technology

We Want You to Bring Your Whole Self to Work

There is no such thing as the perfect candidate, so if you think you have what it takes but don't necessarily meet every single point on the list above, please still get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.

Why You'll Love Working with Us

As a company, we're passionate about what we do and the citizens we serve. If you, too, want to champion the use of technology in public services to improve outcomes for citizens and public sector organizations, then Civica is the right place for you. We will help you unlock the best version of yourself, achieve career growth, and make a real difference to people and communities.

Here’s what you can expect:

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• 25 Days Annual Leave + bank holidays – plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days!
• Days of Difference – Up to 3 extra days off for volunteering.

Financial Well-being & Security

• Pension Contribution(s) – 5% employer match to support your future.
• Income Protection – Up to 75% salary cover for long-term illness.
• Life Assurance – 4x salary tax-free lump sum.
• Critical Illness Cover – £25,000 lump sum (extendable to dependents).

Health & Perks

• Private Medical Insurance – Fast access to private healthcare.
• Health Cash Plan – Claim back physio, therapies & more.
• Dental Insurance – Cover for routine & emergency care.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Scheme – A wide range of electric & hybrid vehicles.
• Affinity Groups – Join employee-led communities.
• Bounty Bonus – Refer a friend & get rewarded.

At Civica, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that a variety of perspectives drives innovation and excellence, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure fairness and transparency, so every candidate has an equal chance to contribute to our mission.

If you need any adjustments or accommodations to participate in our recruitment process, please let us know. We are here to support you.