Technology Lead - Artificial Intelligence

• Flexible, hybrid role, local office base – County Hall, Taunton
• 37 hours - permanent
• 33 days’ annual leave

We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that.

Join Our Team as a Technology Lead – Artificial Intelligence!

Are you passionate about cutting-edge technology and eager to lead innovative projects? Somerset Council is looking for a dynamic and experienced Technology Lead – Artificial Intelligence to join our ICT Directorate. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of technological advancements and make a significant impact on our transformation journey.

About the Role:

As the Technology Lead – Artificial Intelligence, you will be the go-to expert for all things AI. You will provide expert guidance, conduct research, and lead projects to ensure the highest standards of quality, security, and compliance. Your role will involve developing and owning standards, policies, and procedures, performing risk assessments, and evaluating vendors, working directly with front line business areas to implement the best solutions. You will also provide technical support and quality assurance to maintain the integrity and efficiency of our ICT systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead specialist projects and provide technical expertise and insights.
• Develop, implement, and own standards, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis to support technological advancements.
• Perform risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate vendors to ensure the best technological solutions are chosen.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Manage tasks of team members across the Digital Services Departments using matrix management.
• Drive innovation and learning across local government through external networking and sector collaboration.
• Strategic link with AI technology suppliers to advance AI value within the organisation
• Act as lead advocate for all things AI

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you:

• Proven experience in a similar technology lead role.
• In-depth understanding of AI technology landscape.
• In-depth knowledge of data governance legislation and policy
• Familiarity with Agile frameworks like DevOps, Scrum, or Kanban.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in guiding organisations through change, particularly in adopting new technologies and processes.
• Relevant professional certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate or Azure AI Fundamentals.
• Experience with product delivery relating to Generative AI technologies including M365 Copilot and Azure AI

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Sarah Moore sarah.moore@somerset.gov.uk

The salary for this role is £47,754 per annum

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.