Purpose of the role 

To lead for advocating and leading the strategic direction and management of data, AI and automation services to support innovative decision-making and policy development. This role will be the organisational expert in the integration of artificial intelligence technologies with data analytics to enhance service delivery, drive efficiency, and improve outcomes for the community. 

Responsibilities of the role 

As Head of Innovation, you'll:

  • develop and implement a comprehensive strategic data and AI plan and project backlog aligned with the council's outcomes and working to organisational priorities
  • be strategic lead for the development of data governance policies to ensure consistently high data quality, privacy, and security
  • oversee the integration of AI technologies into various local government services to improve efficiency and effectiveness and the quality of the council’s services
  • collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify data analytics and AI needs and opportunities
  • lead and mentor a team of data scientists, analysts, and AI specialists and embed the culture required in the organisation
  • promote the council’s use of data and AI to internal and external audiences, facilitating the
    organisation’s cultural change to being intelligence lead
  • be strategic lead for the development of policies and guidelines for the ethical use of data and AI
  • oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data using a full suite of technologies to inform intelligence lead decision-making
  • drive innovation by exploring and implementing new data and AI technologies, horizon scanning for new developments and keeping the organisation at the vanguard of technology adoption
  • provide quality training and development opportunities and pathways for staff to enhance their data and AI skills. support organisational upskilling in data and AI
  • monitor and report on the performance of data and AI initiatives and their benefits realisation
  • ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and standards, including GDPR
  • manage the budget for the data and AI team and associated initiatives, ensuring cost-effectiveness of solutions and strategic alignment with priorities
  • communicate the benefits and impact of data and AI initiatives to the council’s customers, workforce, elected members partner organisations and other stakeholders
  • identify and mitigate risks associated with data and AI projects, support the workforce and elected members in understanding risks and available mitigations

How to apply  

If you're excited by the opportunity of heading innovation in a dynamic council, we'd love to hear from you.