Innovation and AI Policy Manager

Government Recruitment Service; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Disability Confident employer scheme

Job summary

Government Recruitment Service is seeking an analytical and curious policy professional to join as Senior Executive Officer (SEO) for Innovation and AI Policy in Darlington. You will lead horizon scanning across AI and data policy, shaping Smart Data strategy while coordinating with multiple government departments.

This is a temporary, full-time role with a focus on delivering clear, actionable insights. The position involves preparing briefs for senior meetings, maintaining records, and

Responsibilities

• Leading the team's horizon scanning function, monitoring and synthesising developments in AI policy, data, GDPR reform, digital twins, or fraud prevention.
• Producing regular, accessible intelligence notes and briefings for the G7 leads, drawing implications for Smart Data strategy and delivery.
• Acting as the day-to-day link between the innovation and strategy workstreams, ensuring horizon scanning informs strategic planning and the SR28 process.
• Taking operational ownership of cross sector use cases, tracking progress and keeping the team informed.
• Supporting engagement with Cabinet Office, Home Office and HMRC, preparing briefings for senior meetings.

Job description

Smart Data is one of the government's flagship digital and economic policy programmes, giving people and small businesses better access to and control over their own data, unlocking innovative new services and driving competition across the economy. We are looking for an analytical and curious policy professional to join our team as Senior Executive Officer (SEO) for Innovation and AI Policy.

You will lead horizon scanning and intelligence gathering across big, cross-cutting future areas of Smart Data focus – such as AI, public data, GDPR reform and other emerging digital policy areas. You will actively shape the future direction of the Smart Data Strategy and influence our spending review bid. You will also take operational ownership of cross sector use cases and work closely with the G7 Digital Innovation Policy lead and colleagues across government.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys making sense of a fast moving and technical policy landscape, translating complex information into clear and actionable insight, and working across a broad range of teams and government departments.

What you will be doing

• Leading the team's horizon scanning function, monitoring and synthesising developments in areas that may include AI policy, the National Data Library, GDPR reform, digital twins, or fraud prevention.
• Producing regular, accessible intelligence notes and briefings for the G7 Innovation and G7 Strategy leads, drawing out clear implications for Smart Data strategy and delivery.
• Acting as the day-to-day link between the innovation and strategy workstreams, ensuring horizon scanning intelligence actively informs strategic planning and the SR28 process.
• Taking operational ownership of cross sector use cases, maintaining records, tracking progress and keeping the team informed.
• Supporting the G7 Innovation lead's engagement with Cabinet Office, Home Office and HMRC, preparing briefings and background material for senior meetings.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Innovation and AI Policy Manager

Company: Government Recruitment Service

Salary: £44,913 to £53,230 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Darlington

Job type: Temporary

Posting date: 12 Oct 2026

Closing date: 26 Oct 2026

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.