Head of Foundational Capabilities - AI and Digital

Innovate UK Business Connect; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A government innovation agency in the UK seeks a Head of Foundational Capabilities in AI and Digital. This role involves developing and delivering innovation strategies focusing on AI and digital technologies to support economic growth. Key responsibilities include managing teams and driving initiatives that align with the Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan. A strong background in AI, leadership, and strategic programme management is essential.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Work-life balance support

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of AI, Machine Learning, and digital technologies.
• Experience in leading large multi-year programmes.
• Ability to absorb and communicate complex information.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical and innovation specialists.
• Support the creation and execution of strategies for AI and digital technologies.
• Ensure value for money in programme funding.

Skills

Strong programme management

Leadership and influencing skills

Excellent management and relationship-building skills

Exceptional results delivery

Strategic thinking

Excellent written and oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree or post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject

Tools

Project management software

AI and Machine Learning tools

Job description

Innovate UK has a secondment opportunity available for employees of Innovate UK Business Connect.

Applications must be submitted by 17-10-2025.

Head of Foundational Capabilities - AI and Digital

As Head of Foundational Capabilities, you will have responsibility for the development and delivery of innovation strategies for Innovate UK with a specific focus on the capabilities and infrastructure that underpins AI and digital technologies to deliver economic growth and societal impact and help to deliver against the Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan and Industrial Strategy.

Key Information:

• Title: Head of Foundational Capabilities - AI and Digital
• Band: UKRI Band G (UKRI Ts & Cs)
• Salary: £68,525 gross per annum
• Reports to: Director of AI & Digital, Digital & Technologies Domain
• Location: Field based
• Contract: Permanent

Innovate UK recognises the importance of work-life balance and we will be happy to discuss any requests for flexible working arrangements.

Context:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is recognised as one of the six frontier technologies. AI is playing an increasingly crucial role in driving technological advancements and economic growth, transforming entire industries by enhancing efficiencies, enabling innovation and creating new opportunities for businesses and society.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan sets out an ambitious roadmap for the UK to strengthen its global leadership in AI.

Job Purpose:

As Head of Foundational Capabilities, you will have responsibility for the development and delivery of innovation strategies for Innovate UK with a specific focus on the capabilities and infrastructure that underpins AI and digital technologies to deliver economic growth and societal impact and help to deliver against the Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Line management of technical and innovation specialists, managing their development and enabling them to deliver to a high standard
• Work collaboratively to support the creation and execution of Innovate UK/DSIT strategies and interventions related to the infrastructure and capabilities underpinning AI and digital technologies development
• Support the wider organisation to meet strategic objectives as appropriate
• Be a strong advocate of the core values of UKRI and Innovate UK, representing the team and organisation at meetings, workshops and conferences
• Responsible for delivery of programmes' funding against budgets, ensuring value for money at all times
• Responsible for overall performance (cost and outcomes) of all projects in line with UKRI objectives and delivery plan
• Accountable for ensuring the end-to-end funding process is followed, including evaluating outputs, outcomes and impact
• Develop and exploit appropriate international links to ensure the programmes maximise the potential of international engagement and global markets
• The post holder will be expected to work closely with the other Heads of Function across the organisation, particularly within Products and Services, Domains and Place teams
• Work closely with relevant bodies across business, academia, Government, trade associations, standards and regulatory bodies etc. in the sector, to inform and influence programme development and delivery
• Deputise for the Director of AI & Digital when required

Person Specification:

This position requires a person with strong programme management, leadership and influencing skills, a deep understanding of the sector and technology area, and a passion to see the UK achieve further success in the area.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Degree or post-graduate qualification in a relevant subject, or substantial equivalent experience
• Good knowledge of AI, Machine Learning and digital technologies, and understanding of related areas such as High Performance Computing, Semiconductors, Photonics, Quantum and Telecoms
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a high-performance team across multiple locations within a matrix organisation to deliver exceptional results
• Shaping and leading large, multi-year programmes of work including managing budgets, exercising financial controls and tracking related impacts
• Good knowledge of the innovation landscape in Government, business and academia
• Knowledge of policy relating to innovation, research and technology
• Experience in creating, leading and maintaining productive relationships between organisations where there is a high degree of ambiguity in the boundaries between them
• Experience of achieving results through influencing skills rather than direct control
• Ability to absorb, evaluate and communicate complex information in language appropriate to the audience both orally and in writing

Skills:

• Excellent management and relationship-building skills
• Resilient with the ability to manage difficult situations in a professional manner
• Annual work programme planning and team objective setting
• Proven ability to think strategically and deliver operationally
• Capable of delivering in a field working environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including influencing, tact, discretion and experience of liaising with stakeholders and staff

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

Innovate UK is a diverse workforce of people. We believe that encouraging these differences and drawing the best from them will build a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, where talents are fully utilised and in which organisational goals are met.

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to employing any person who meets the criteria for our roles.