AI & Microsoft 365 Adoption Specialist in Bolton

Location: Hybrid / Chorley New Rd, Bolton BL1 4QP, UK
job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Investment | General
Salary: Negotiable salary

Job Title: AI & Microsoft 365 Adoption Specialist

Department: Data & Application Development

Hours of work: 35 hours (Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm)

Role Purpose:

The AI & Microsoft 365 Adoption Specialist supports the safe, practical and governed adoption of approved AI tools, Microsoft 365 capabilities and low-code technologies across the Group.

Acting as a link between business users and Technology, the role helps colleagues use these tools effectively, assesses AI-generated or user-built prototypes and prepares suitable ideas for secure, scalable and supportable development.

The role focuses on guidance, standards, training and responsible AI use and may be suitable as an apprenticeship or structured development opportunity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the governed adoption of approved AI tools, Microsoft 365 capabilities and low-code technologies, including prompt design, responsible use, data protection and safe experimentation.
• Assess AI-generated, user-built or automated prototypes to determine whether they should be improved, governed, formally developed or retired.
• Work with Technology colleagues to transition suitable ideas into scalable, documented and supportable solutions aligned to business requirements, approved data, security and technology standards.
• Create and maintain practical standards, prompt libraries, review criteria, documentation, testing requirements, handover packs, FAQs, training materials and knowledge articles.
• Provide first-line specialist guidance on AI and Microsoft 365 adoption, identifying recurring issues and escalating matters requiring Development, Technology, Security, Risk or Compliance input.
• Deliver training and awareness to help colleagues produce reliable, secure, repeatable and task-appropriate outputs using approved tools.
• Maintain a clear register of AI prototypes, citizen-developed tools and automation ideas, including purpose, users, data, logic, risk, benefits, ownership and support needs.
• Support testing, user acceptance, release control and operational handover for prototypes progressing into formal Microsoft 365 or Power Platform solutions.
• Monitor emerging AI and Microsoft 365 capabilities and recommend practical, governed adoption opportunities with clear business value.
• Support audit, risk, security and compliance requirements through appropriate documentation, controls and alignment with approved policies and standards.
• Where applicable, participate in a formal AI apprenticeship or structured development programme and apply learning to workplace improvements.
• Carry out other reasonable duties aligned with AI adoption, Microsoft enablement and development-focused activity.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Escalate specialist support, security, governance or development issue through the appropriate Technology process.
• Meet agreed Technology service levels where applicable and communicate progress or delays clearly.
• Support delivery of relevant AI adoption and Microsoft 365 enablement projects within agreed timescales and budgets.
• Follow and help maintain Technology procedures, documentation and controls.

Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications:

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and a strong interest in AI-enabled productivity, automation and digital adoption.
• Practical understanding of responsible AI, including accuracy checking, data protection, confidentiality, bias, transparency and human oversight.
• Ability to assess user-built prototypes, identify risks and determine the appropriate route for improvement, governance or formal development.
• Strong communication, training and facilitation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical users.
• Strong documentation and organisational skills, including creating standards, guidance, FAQs, prompt libraries and handover materials.

Beneficial Skills:

• Business use of Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT or similar approved AI tools.
• Experience with Power Automate, Power Apps, SharePoint, Teams, Forms, Planner, Lists, Power BI or related Microsoft 365 capabilities.
• Awareness of low-code or citizen development, application governance and prototype review.
• Understanding of digital adoption, change management, data governance or information security in a regulated environment.

Essential Qualifications:

• A relevant technology, digital, data, business systems or learning and development qualification, or equivalent practical experience.

Beneficial Qualifications:

• AI apprenticeship or responsible AI training.
• Relevant Microsoft 365, Copilot or Power Platform certification.
• Experience supporting users with digital tools and productivity improvements.
• Experience creating guidance, training materials, knowledge articles or user support content.
• Experience working with business users to understand problems, improve processes and escal risks or governance concerns appropriately.

Beneficial Experience:

• Experience supporting AI adoption, Copilot rollout or responsible AI guidance.
• Experience reviewing user-created prototypes, automations or low-code applications.
• Experience working with Power Platform developers, SharePoint administrators or IT support teams.
• Experience in financial services or other regulated, audit-sensitive or security-conscious environment.

Essential Personal Qualities:

• Curious, approachable and patient with the ability to support users with different levels of technical confidence.
• Practical and governance-aware, balancing innovation with security, quality and supportability.
• Clear communicator who can turn technical guidance into simple, useable advice.
• Proactive, organised, accountable and committed to continuous learning.

Other Entitlements:

• Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
• 9% non-contributory pension
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• Private Healthcare Scheme with Dental and Optical Care
• Death in Service at 5x Annual Salary
• Training for IOC and other relevant qualifications
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Your Birthday off
• 13 weeks full paid maternity leave
• 2 weeks full paid paternity leave