Automation Controller – Workflow, Data and Intelligence (Hybrid)
Interested in how software, data and AI can work together to make services better? Join Avon and Somerset Police’s digital team and start a career developing technology that helps people spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on work that needs human judgement.
Our team builds and supports automated workflows that move information between systems and help colleagues complete important processes. The technology is changing quickly: alongside established automation, we’re exploring how APIs, data and AI can support more capable digital workflows and agents.
You’ll join at the point where those solutions need reliable foundations. You’ll learn how workflows operate, investigate problems, make controlled improvements and build smaller technical components with experienced developers. Over time, you’ll develop the skills to take on more complex development work and contribute to new automation and AI-enabled solutions.
You don’t need previous experience in a particular platform. We’re looking for curiosity, logical thinking and evidence that you enjoy making technology work.
To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 5 year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.
What you’ll do
- Monitor automated workflows and investigate when activity fails, is delayed or produces an unexpected result.
- Use logs, data and evidence from connected systems to understand what has happened and identify likely causes.
- Work with developers, IT teams and service owners to resolve issues and improve how workflows operate.
- Make authorised changes to existing solutions, following agreed testing and change-control practices.
- Design, build and test smaller technical components and enhancements with guidance from experienced developers.
- Support releases and check that changes work as expected once in use.
- Develop your knowledge of workflow design, data, integrations, APIs and software development.
- Contribute to the team’s learning as we explore how AI can be used responsibly within digital workflows.
The role includes operational support as well as supervised development. You’ll build your capability step by step; complex development work won’t be expected from you on day one.
What we’re looking for
You’ll be able to show that you have:
- Built, changed or supported something technical using code, scripting, automation, macros or a low-code tool.
- An understanding of logical workflows, such as conditions, loops, data and handling exceptions.
- Investigated a problem using evidence such as logs, data or test results.
- Tested a technical change carefully and recorded the outcome.
- Communicated clearly with people with different levels of technical knowledge.
- Organised your work, taken responsibility for tasks and recognised when to ask for help.
- A strong interest in developing into a technology developer, including an interest in AI and how it could support real services.
Your evidence could come from a degree or college project, placement, apprenticeship, personal project or relevant work experience. We’re not looking for a particular degree, and you don’t need previous experience in policing.
Helpful, but not essential
Experience with programming or scripting, automation platforms, databases, APIs, version control, software testing or data visualisation would be useful. You don’t need to know all of these, or have used the tools we use.
A pathway into development
We’ll support your development through formal training, protected learning time, pairing with experienced developers, supervised delivery and regular feedback.
You’ll build core skills in designing, testing and supporting reliable digital solutions. Those skills provide a foundation for taking on broader development work, including opportunities to contribute to more intelligent, AI-enabled workflows and agent-based solutions as the team’s work develops.
Progression to a Developer role is not automatic. It depends on demonstrating the required competence, organisational requirements and the relevant recruitment or job-evaluation process.
Why join us?
You’ll work on practical technology in a public service setting, see how digital solutions affect colleagues’ day-to-day work, and learn in a team that is developing its capabilities in automation, data and AI.
Our IT department is based at Police and Fire Headquarters in Portishead. The role offers a blend of office and remote working, with free parking and on-site facilities.
Automation Controller employer: Avon and Somerset Police
Join us as a Volunteer Police Cadet Leader and make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Weston-Super-Mare. Our supportive work culture fosters personal growth through comprehensive training and resources, ensuring you feel equipped and valued in your role. With opportunities to lead engaging sessions and participate in community events, you'll not only develop your leadership skills but also contribute to a safer, more inclusive environment for our cadets.
