Head of AI & Data

Are you ready to shape the future of AI and data innovation in local government? Salford City Council is searching for a visionary leader to drive a radical transformationharnessing the power of AI and data to improve lives, empower communities, and future-proof public services. Backed by the UK Government's AI Opportunities in Public Services Action Plan, this is your chance to help put Salford Council on the map as a regional and national trailblazer for ethical, innovative, and human-centred AI. You'll be working closely with colleagues from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to align local ambition with regional impactshaping policy, piloting cutting-edge solutions, and scaling what works across the city and the city region. We're not just looking for technologists. We're looking for changemakerspeople who see algorithms as tools for equity, systems as levers for impact, and data as a force for good. From unlocking insights to revolutionise housing and social care, to building truly inclusive digital servicesthis is where mission meets innovation. If you've got the spark to lead, the skills to execute, and the vision to inspire, we want to hear from you.

• A strong track record in leading AI/data teams and enterprise-scale strategy.
• Expertise in AI technologies, data governance, and frontier tools like LLMs and GenAI.
• Experience in the public sectoror equivalent environments with a strong service ethos.
• Strategic thinking, political awareness, and a passion for human-centred AI.
• Confidence in influencing everyone from elected members to national partners.
  
  As Head of AI and Data, you will lead the design and delivery of Salford's enterprise-wide AI and data strategy. This isn't just about systems and pipelinesit's about transforming lives through data-driven decisions and intelligent services that respond to what our communities need.
We've laid strong foundations for this future. Over the last few years, Salford has invested in creating a cloud-first infrastructuregiving us the computing power and scalability to support cutting-edge AI. We're also transitioning to SAAS applications that can be rapidly and seamlessly consumed into our data platform, enabling agile, joined-up innovation across our services. We now need your expertise to utilise this infrastructure! You will:
• Champion ethical and advanced AI to solve real-world public service challenges.
• Lead a growing, high-performing team of analysts, data scientists, and AI specialists.
• Design and launch our AI Academya hub of use cases, innovation, and talent development.
• Spearhead pilot projects and translate them into real-world delivery across housing, Social Care, and more.
• Influence national policy and inspire cross-sector collaboration by publishing reusable AI blueprints.
You'll operate at the exciting frontier of technologies like Microsoft Fabric, LLMs, and machine learningapplying them to tough, meaningful civic challenges. Key outcomes and impact
• Deliver transformational insights through Data Exploitation, Data Accessibility, and AI Innovation.
• Drive strategic relationships with tech partners, academia, and civic innovators.
• Build scalable models for AI use across servicesmaking Salford a centre of excellence for Government AI.
• Embed data ethics and governance at the core of every initiative.
• Align every byte and bot with Salford's values: Pride, Passion, People, and Personal Responsibility., Want to know more about Salford?
As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this. Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. You'll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you here! Continuous Service commitment New employees can keep their service related benefits when moving between a whole host of public sector organisations within Greater Manchester, which include: Councils, NHS, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, Transport for Greater Manchester, as well as many others under this scheme. Find out if this applies to you here.

Bonus points if you've worked in product-led or startup-style settings, and enjoy the buzz of prototyping, hackathons, or R&D sprints. We'll support your growth
• Access to bespoke leadership training through our #LeadingSalford programme.
• 200+ online courses on data, digital, and business skills.
• Apprenticeship and professional qualification opportunities.
• Emerging pathways in AI development supporteven if you're already at the frontier.
Why Salford? Salford is Greater Manchester's civic innovator, with a rich history and a bold digital future. You'll be part of a team that believes in technology for good, acting with integrity, purpose, and creativity.