At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI innovation to transform the Civil Service and shape its future workforce.
- Company: Join the Cabinet Office, driving change at the heart of Government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to influence national policy and drive real change.
- Why this job: Be a key player in revolutionising public service through AI and innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in AI, strong collaboration skills, and experience in complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 70100 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London
About The Job
As the AI and Innovation Director, Future Civil Service, you will sit at the heart of the Civil Service’s transformation programme over the coming years. You will report directly to the Director General, Future Civil Service and work closely with the Cabinet Secretary. The Cabinet Secretary has established the Future Civil Service programme to reform the Civil Service, so it is recognised for excellence in delivery, innovation and improved productivity. The role of AI and Innovation Director presents a unique opportunity to drive forwards the Cabinet Secretary’s agenda and shape a Civil Service operating model fit for the future directly at the centre of Government. Embracing innovative technological advancements and adopting and scaling up the use of AI must be centrally wired into the reform programme. You will bring the collective work on AI across Government into an articulated programme and ensure that the Civil Service transforms technology opportunities into workable policies and a cohesive delivery plan. You will work closely with the Prime Minister’s AI Advisor and with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to deliver this work. You will inherit a small, but high-performing team and have the chance to shape the longer‑term growth of your directorate. You will play a lead role across HM Government in innovating and adopting AI.
Key Responsibilities
- Re‑imagining the future workforce and business model for the Civil Service.
- Ensure that we have a clear understanding of what AI means for the future size and shape of the Civil Service, developing an AI strategy for the Civil Service as an organisation, playing a critical role in developing a radical strategic workforce plan.
- Develop the future vision of the Civil Service operating model, driving ambition beyond automating what we have today to reshaping what service delivery looks like in an AI world.
- Work with DSIT and Civil Service HR to deploy pay, contractual and talent frameworks at pace, ensuring the Civil Service can attract and retain frontier AI capability.
- Driving adoption of AI tools across the Civil Service.
- Support and lead departments to identify and adopt the right tools and capabilities across teams.
- Work closely with DSIT to develop a systematic way of sharing best practice innovation across Government so that initiatives can be replicated and redeployed elsewhere.
- Work with our leading‑edge team of ‘innovation fellows’ – technical experts from the private sector who are deployed for 6 to 24 months across Government – to build and deploy products that deliver measurable impact on Civil Service operations.
- Championing, coordinating and tracking AI adoption across Departments.
- Bring together current Government AI initiatives into a cohesive and clear overall programme, bringing focus to the things that will have the greatest impact, working with DSIT. This includes ensuring that pilots are not isolated but are aligned with the overall plan and priority outcomes.
- Track progress of departmental AI initiatives through agreed approval and reporting mechanisms, ensure metrics and outcomes are tracked and help inform decisions about whether initiatives should stop or scale.
- Identify and establish priority AI taskforces for critical Government priorities.
- Driving AI‑first culture and engagement.
- Be an ambassador of innovation across the Civil Service, galvanising the energy and enthusiasm needed to drive the kind of radical change envisaged by the Cabinet Secretary.
- Act as the credible voice on AI from within the Cabinet Office, building trust and credibility for the use of AI within the Civil Service through internal thought leadership.
Person Specification
It is important that, through your CV and supporting statement, that you provide evidence of the professional skills, breadth of experience and personal qualities for this post.
Essential Criteria
- Proven ability to lead and inspire small, high performing teams to deliver results.
- Deep understanding of the AI landscape, traditional AI/ML and generative AI solutions.
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts simply and effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
- A natural influencer and strong collaboration skills, able to build trust and engagement across large organisations.
- Demonstrated ability to define, scale and execute AI/digital strategies and operational transformation in large, complex organisations.
- Experience of working with public sector organisations, or within equivalent large scale, complex environments.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, high ownership and accountability in ambiguous working environments.
Desirable Experience & Skills
- Experience of building and deploying traditional AI/ML and generative AI solutions.
AI Innovation Director, Future Civil Service - Cabinet Office - SCS2 employer: Manchester Digital
The Cabinet Office offers a unique opportunity for the AI Innovation Director to lead transformative change within the Civil Service, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Located in London, this role provides access to a dynamic work environment where collaboration with high-performing teams and key government stakeholders is paramount. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology, and the chance to make a significant impact on public service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Innovation Director, Future Civil Service - Cabinet Office - SCS2
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Manchester Digital, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Manchester Digital and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Innovation Director, Future Civil Service - Cabinet Office - SCS2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Manchester Digital and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Manchester Digital, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Manchester Digital.
