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- Tasks: Lead innovative digital infrastructure and AI growth initiatives across the North East.
- Company: Join the North East Combined Authority, shaping the region's future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative team, and impactful work in digital innovation.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming the North East into a hub for AI and digital growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in project delivery and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 55604 - 59068 £ per year.
Location: The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, various ‘spoke’ offices throughout the North East and remote working arrangements.
Salary: N11 £55,604 - £59,068 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Reporting to: Head of Innovation and Economic Strategy
Closing Date: Friday 3rd March 2026 at 23:59
The North East is entering an exciting new phase of innovation, investment, and transformation. As we deliver on our ambition to create a greener, more inclusive and digitally enabled economy, the North East Combined Authority is expanding its capacity to lead the development of next generation digital infrastructure and a world class AI Growth Zone.
We’re looking for a forward-thinking leader to join us at a pivotal moment: someone who can translate opportunity into delivery, accelerate outcomes, and shape the future of the region.
As the Digital Infrastructure and AI Growth Zone Delivery Manager, you will play a central role in driving the design, coordination, and real-world delivery of major economic programmes and AI-enabled growth initiatives across the region. You will work closely with local authorities, universities, infrastructure providers, central government, and industry partners to deliver projects that unlock economic growth, improve connectivity, and position the North East as a leading hub for responsible and inclusive AI innovation.
What You’ll Lead
- Strategy development and the delivery of key digital capital and revenue projects to support economic growth and improve digital connectivity.
- Development and implementation of the North East AI Growth Zone programme, ensuring it is investment‑ready and aligned with regional strategy.
- Coordination of multi-agency delivery teams, ensuring strong governance, accountability and progress against milestones.
- Stakeholder engagement at regional and national level, representing the North East in strategic forums.
- Monitoring, reporting, and risk management across high‑profile programmes of work.
- Identification of new funding opportunities and development of compelling business cases.
About You
We’re looking for someone with strong programme or project delivery experience, ideally in major digital innovation and growth initiatives. They should be confident working across complex systems with multiple partners, able to turn strategic vision into clear delivery plans, and skilled at building trusted senior‑level relationships. Curious and innovative, they’ll be excited by AI’s potential for inclusive economic growth, and highly organised, resilient, and comfortable managing fast‑paced portfolios.
Why Join Us?
Working with the North East Combined Authority means having the platform to shape the region’s future its economy, its infrastructure, and its standing as a leader in digital and AI innovation. You’ll be part of a collaborative team passionate about driving positive change for people, businesses, and communities across the North East. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates who are underrepresented in senior roles, including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.
If you would like an informal discussion, or further information about this role please contact Paul Carbert, Strategy and Innovation Adviser.
AI Growth Zone & Digital Infra Delivery Lead employer: North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
Contact Detail:
North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Growth Zone & Digital Infra Delivery Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their goals, especially around digital infrastructure and AI growth. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in project delivery and stakeholder engagement, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and hear your story. Make sure to highlight your skills in managing complex projects and your passion for AI’s potential in driving economic growth.
We think you need these skills to ace AI Growth Zone & Digital Infra Delivery Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in digital innovation and project delivery. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Digital Infrastructure and AI Growth Zone Delivery Manager.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to lead multi-agency teams and manage complex projects. We’re looking for someone who can turn strategic vision into action, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Engage with Our Mission: Demonstrate your passion for inclusive economic growth and AI innovation. We love candidates who resonate with our goals, so let us know why you’re excited about shaping the future of the North East.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Digital Infrastructure and AI Growth Zone Delivery Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the North East Combined Authority's goals, especially around digital innovation and economic growth. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your programme or project delivery experience. Focus on instances where you've successfully managed complex projects or built strong relationships with stakeholders. This will show that you can translate strategic vision into actionable plans.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current projects or challenges they face in delivering digital infrastructure. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready to Discuss AI
Given the focus on AI in this role, be prepared to discuss your views on its potential for inclusive economic growth. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have about leveraging AI in a responsible way. This will demonstrate your forward-thinking mindset and alignment with the organisation's mission.