Strategic Manager Artificial Intelligence

Help us shape the future of AI at Durham County Council

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
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.

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 [email removed] 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 attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days, membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and 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.

HOW TO APPLY 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on [phone removed], or via email [email removed]

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from [email removed]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

CONNECT WITH US
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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 [email removed].

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• 26 09 03 Strategic manager AI JD.docx