Artificial Intelligence Lead (Fixed Term - 18 Months)

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport seeks an Artificial Intelligence Lead to drive AI strategy and practical deployment on a fixed 18‑month basis. You will shape AI maturity, guide pilots, and collaborate across Digital, data and governance teams.

Based in Glasgow with a hybrid pattern (40% home working), the role focuses on cost reduction, customer experience and compliant AI adoption within the public transport context.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field and understanding of AI concepts and tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead work to improve AI maturity across SPT and identify high‑value opportunities.
• Drive AI initiatives including Copilot integration and proofs of concept.
• Collaborate with Digital, data governance and business teams to deliver practical solutions.
• Develop training and guidance to build organisational AI capability.

Education

Degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning or related discipline

Job description

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Artificial Intelligence Lead (Fixed Term - 18 Months)

About Strathclyde Partnership for Transport

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is the largest of Scotland’s seven Regional Transport Partnerships, serving a population of more than 2.2 million people across 12 local authority areas in the West of Scotland.

SPT’s role is to bring together local authorities and key regional and national partners to plan and deliver an integrated, sustainable transport system that supports inclusive economic growth, tackles inequality, and improves quality of life. At the heart of this is a clear ambition: to deliver a world-class, low‑carbon transport system that meets the needs of people and communities now and in the future.

SPT sits at the centre of regional transport planning, combining strategic insight, robust analysis, and practical delivery. The organisation plans and supports transport across all modes, working closely with councils, Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government, operators, and communities to shape how transport services evolve over time.

Alongside its strategic planning role, SPT delivers and supports a wide range of transport activity across the region. This includes investment in bus services, infrastructure and subway, management of major transport programmes, and the delivery of passenger‑focused improvements that help keep communities connected.

SPT is now entering a period of significant transformation. Completion of the Subway Modernisation project, major programmes such as Bus Reform and Clyde Metro represent some of the most ambitious transport initiatives ever undertaken in the West of Scotland.

Together, they will reshape how public transport is planned, governed, and delivered, placing passengers, communities and long‑term sustainability at the heart of decision‑making.

This is an organisation with a strong public service ethos, a collaborative culture and a growing national profile. For professionals who want to work at scale, influence long‑term outcomes and help deliver meaningful change, SPT offers a uniquely compelling environment.

You can read more at our SPT website.

About this role:

We are seeking an Artificial Intelligence Lead to join our Digital team on an 18‑month fixed‑term contract to drive the exploration, implementation and responsible adoption of AI across SPT.

Reporting directly to the Head of Digital Technology, you will lead work to improve SPT’s AI and automation maturity, identifying high‑value opportunities that can reduce costs, improve customer experience and increase administrative efficiency. You will drive forward Microsoft Copilot across the Microsoft technology estate, while also assessing other AI platforms, developing proofs of concept and piloting practical solutions including intelligent document management, customer communications, reporting and the automation of repetitive processes.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across Digital, data, information governance and business teams, you will turn organisational challenges into safe, practical AI opportunities and support successful solutions into operational use. You will also build organisational capability through training, workshops and clear communications; contribute to SPT’s AI strategy and acceptable‑use standards; maintain oversight of approved AI tools; and ensure our approach remains aligned with data protection requirements, emerging legislation and Scottish Government guidance.

About You

You will have a degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning or a related discipline as well as an in‑depth understanding of AI concepts and tools.

We are looking for someone who can identify valuable AI opportunities by engaging stakeholders, assessing and improving organisational maturity and translating business problems into practical solutions. You will bring hands‑on experience of developing proofs of concept, prototypes or pilot solutions; implementing AI‑driven workflows such as OCR, automation and reporting; and comparing AI platforms and tools. You will also understand data governance, GDPR, emerging AI legislation and relevant UK and Scottish regulatory frameworks. Knowledge of cloud‑based AI services, document management systems and customer communication tools would be advantageous.

You will be an analytical and strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving skills, able to explain complex concepts clearly to non‑technical audiences and deliver engaging training, workshops and written guidance. Collaborative, organised and motivated by innovation, you will be comfortable working across teams, maintaining clear AI documentation and contributing to SPT’s AI strategy. You will be a self‑starter with high personal standards who can adapt to change, challenge positively, take ownership of issues and see them through to completion.

Full time hours will be 35 hours per week Monday to Friday. However, you may be required to undertake work outwith this norm to meet the responsibilities of the post.

Whilst you will be based at 131 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, SPT operate a hybrid working pattern which allows 40% home working (i.e. 2 days per week Monday to Friday).

Please note, this position falls into the low‑risk category under the Alcohol and Drugs policy and therefore is subject to for‑cause testing procedures.

Further details of the role and key responsibilities are set out in the job description.

What we can offer……

Working at SPT comes with many benefits you can look forward to:

• 33 Days Annual and Public Holiday Entitlement then 41 days after 5 years’ service
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme - SPT contribute a percentage of your annualised pay in line with the requirements of the Strathclyde Pension Fund
• Group Life Assurance Cover
• SPT actively encourages learning and development and are committed to ongoing learning and development to support career progression
• Employee Travel Pass Scheme - a Subway Smartcard to travel on the Glasgow Subway for free plus an additional card for a member of your household
• Salary Sacrifice Bus or Rail Season Ticket Scheme - subsidised at a maximum of £667 towards the cost
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Childcare Vouchers, Employee Assistance Programme, Long Service Awards, Credit Union

Closing date for applications will be midnight on Sunday 4 October 2026.

SPT is an Equal Opportunities company welcoming applications from a diverse background. If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. SPT encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race.

SPT operates blind recruitment, which is the process of removing any and all identification details from candidate application forms. This includes identifiable personal details such a candidate’s name, gender, ethnicity and age. This information is not visible to our Hiring Managers. This practice is used to ensure fairness, attract diverse candidates and to remove unconscious bias from our recruitment process. By implementing this approach, SPT aims to create a level playing field to assess applicants solely based on their skills, qualifications and experience.

For applicants with special requirements, or if you have any questions, please email quoting the above reference.