Strategic Manager Artificial Intelligence

North East Combined Authority; North East; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Local Government Pension Scheme

32 days annual leave

Job summary

Durham County Council is seeking an inspiring Strategic Manager to lead our approach to artificial intelligence and guide responsible use of AI and emerging tech. You will set the strategic direction, develop governance, and oversee pilots to scale innovative, sustainable improvements for residents and staff.

The role focuses on lawful, ethical AI adoption, alignment with cyber security and information governance, and building AI awareness.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering AI governance and strategy in the public sector.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into actionable programmes.
• Strong collaboration with cross‑organisational teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for AI and emerging technologies across the council.
• Develop governance frameworks and oversee pilots to scale successful solutions.
• Ensure responsible, lawful, and ethical use of AI with information governance considerations.

Skills

AI governance

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Public sector policy

Education

Degree in Computer Science / Information Systems

Job description

Help us shape the future of AI at Durham County Council

We are looking for an inspiring Strategic Manager to lead our approach to artificial intelligence and help shape how AI and emerging technologies are used responsibly across Durham County Council.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

This is an exciting opportunity to set the strategic direction for AI, develop our governance framework and identify where new technology can improve services for residents, support our workforce and enable better outcomes. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will lead pilots, support the scaling of successful solutions and help turn innovative ideas into sustainable service improvements.

Responsible adoption will be central to the role. You will ensure our use of AI is lawful, ethical, transparent and aligned with information governance, cyber security and enterprise architecture. You will also play a key role in helping colleagues build their AI awareness, confidence and capability.

Bring your ideas, expertise and enthusiasm to a role where you can make a real difference to our workforce, services and residents.

This vacancy is temporary until 30th September 2029.

We encourage you to contact Marion Ingleby via email at [e-mail] to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

You should be educated to degree level or equivalent in Computer Information Systems / Computer Science, Information Systems, or other related field, or have a further relevant technical vocational or management qualifications.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held week commencing 12th October 2026.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes the following:

• attractive salaries
• a generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days
• membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme
• a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable

Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

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Important Information for Members of the Local Government Pension Scheme

HM Revenue and Customs impose controls on the amount of pension savings you can make without having to pay extra tax. These controls are known as the Annual Allowance and Lump Sum Allowance. The Annual Allowance is the amount by which the value of your pension benefits may increase in any one year without you having to pay a tax charge. You are most likely to be affected by the Annual Allowance if you receive a significant pay increase, and/or you are a high earner. Two lump sum limits were also introduced in April 2024. If the value of all lump sums taken from UK pensions is higher than these limits, you will have to pay tax on any excess at your marginal rate.

More information can be found at www.lgpsmember.org/your-pension/the-essentials/tax/

If you are successful in your application for this post and wish to find out more about these controls, please contact the Pension Section at [e-mail].