At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative digital projects and drive AI growth initiatives across the North East.
- Company: Join the North East Combined Authority, shaping the future of the region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent role, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital transformation and inclusive economic growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in project delivery and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Diverse team culture 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.
For further information about the North East Combined Authority please see the authority’s website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk
Digital Infrastructure and AI Growth Zone Delivery Manager 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 Digital Infrastructure and AI Growth Zone Delivery Manager
✨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
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your achievements and projects related to digital infrastructure and AI. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to the North East’s growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its initiatives. Understand their goals and challenges, especially around digital innovation and AI. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly. It’s the best way to ensure your CV gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our mission to drive positive change in the North East.
We think you need these skills to ace Digital Infrastructure and AI Growth Zone Delivery Manager
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 Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful projects you've led or contributed to. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application efficiently.
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's digital landscape, current projects, and how AI can drive economic growth. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead complex projects and coordinate multi-agency teams. Think about times when you've successfully managed stakeholders or turned strategic visions into actionable plans. Highlighting these experiences will show them you're the forward-thinking leader they need.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Express genuine enthusiasm for the North East's ambition to create a greener, more inclusive economy. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission and what innovative ideas you have for the AI Growth Zone programme. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but are invested in their vision.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about their current projects, challenges they face, or how they measure success in the role. This demonstrates your interest and helps you assess if the position is the right fit for you.