At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming the economy and driving positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in project delivery and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
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 Paul.Carbert@northeast-ca.gov.uk
The closing date for applications is Friday 3rd March 2026 at 23:59
For further information about the North East Combined Authority please see the authority’s website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk
AI Growth Zone & Digital Infra Delivery Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
Joining the North East Combined Authority as the AI Growth Zone & Digital Infra Delivery Lead offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and economic transformation in the region. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, the organisation fosters a supportive work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional growth. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, engagement with key stakeholders, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community and economy of the North East.
Contact Details:
North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Growth Zone & Digital Infra Delivery Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne
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We think you need these skills to ace AI Growth Zone & Digital Infra Delivery Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA) and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
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How to prepare for a job interview at North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA), they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
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Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA), they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
