At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Strategy Team in shaping AI applications for government and public services.
- Company: Join the Incubator for AI, a mission-driven team within the Government Digital Service.
- Benefits: Work on impactful projects with backing from top government officials and access to cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with exposure to senior decision-making and career-defining opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI innovation, making a real difference in public services.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, clear communication, and an interest in applied AI.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
Applications for this role close Sunday 6th September 2026 at 23:55 UK Time.
About the Incubator for AI (i.AI)
The Incubator for AI (i.AI) is the government's applied AI team, based within the Government Digital Service (GDS). We bring together specialists from strategy, policy, operations, delivery, design, user research and technical disciplines to develop and scale AI products that improve how government works and how public services are experienced by millions of people. i.AI works on some of the most important and fast-moving challenges in government today: applying AI in practical, responsible ways to solve real problems facing the UK.
Joining i.AI means being part of a mission-driven team at the forefront of applied AI in government - helping shape, build and deploy products that can make a tangible difference across departments and, most importantly, for citizens.
About the role
This is a varied and fast-paced role at the centre of i.AI, supporting the Strategy Team across a broad mix of priorities. The role is likely to include cross-Whitehall engagement, support to governance functions across major public sector AI projects, and briefing and narrative support across the team's portfolio of products and programmes.
You will join the Strategy Team, which sits at the heart of the Incubator. The team plays a key role in shaping the story of i.AI, building support for its work, and helping drive delivery across a complex and ambitious portfolio. The role will also involve working closely with the Deputy Director of Strategy to help manage priorities, coordinate key engagements and ensure their time is used to maximum effect. This is a chance to gain real exposure to senior decision-making and to play an important role in helping the Strategy Team operate effectively in a high-profile and fast-moving environment.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, is highly organised, and wants to work at the intersection of strategy, delivery and emerging technology in one of the most dynamic areas of government.
Role Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong working relationships across i.AI and wider government, including with private offices, communications teams and other departments.
- Provide high-quality support across core team processes, including briefings, correspondence, lines, FOIs and other strategic or corporate tasks, ensuring work is delivered to a high standard and often at pace.
- Support the governance and coordination functions that underpin i.AI's major projects and products.
- Work closely with the Deputy Director of Strategy to coordinate priorities, manage key engagements and help ensure their time is focused on the highest-value activity.
- Help the Strategy Team stay organised and connected by tracking actions, coordinating meetings and maintaining momentum across a busy and evolving portfolio.
- Contribute to the team's work in telling the story of i.AI, supporting engagement, narrative development and the organisation of key interactions with senior stakeholders.
Person specifications
Essential skills:
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise a changing and sometimes conflicting workload against tight deadlines, including supporting senior colleagues to manage competing demands including on their workload and time.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
- Clear written and verbal communication, with strong attention to detail and a track record of producing high-quality work at pace.
- Ability to use initiative and exercise sound judgement in a fast-moving environment.
Experience of any of the following would be beneficial but not essential:
- An interest in applied AI and its use in the public sector.
- Experience of using AI tools in day-to-day workflows.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to work in a team helping shape how AI is applied across government in ways that are practical, responsible and impactful. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team working on real products and real problems, with the chance to contribute to work that improves public services and supports better outcomes for people across the country. It is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment and wants to be close to decision-making, delivery and innovation. You will gain exposure to senior stakeholders, cross-government working and some of the most interesting strategic and operational questions in government today.
What we offer
- Career-defining projects with outsized impact.
- Backing from the Prime Minister and No10 to scope and build transformative AI projects.
- Unique opportunities to apply technology that could transform the public sector and impact citizens' lives.
- Talented, supportive and mission-driven colleagues.
- Resources & access: Access to frontier models and ample compute.
Strategy Officer (HEO) - i.AI employer: i.AI
The Incubator for AI (i.AI) offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of applied AI within the UK government, where you will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to improving public services for millions. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, employees benefit from exposure to senior decision-making, career-defining projects, and the chance to contribute to transformative initiatives that make a real difference in citizens' lives. Join us to thrive in a dynamic environment that values innovation, teamwork, and impactful outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Officer (HEO) - i.AI
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like i.AI!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Strategy Officer (HEO) - i.AI position at i.AI via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Officer (HEO) - i.AI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at i.AI.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to i.AI’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at i.AI
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to i.AI. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at i.AI. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to i.AI.
