AI, Data and Innovation Office Lead

Greater Manchester AI, Data and Innovation Office Lead

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The Greater Manchester (GM) AI, Data and Innovation Office (ADIO)

1 Year FTC

GM has two of the top‑five AI ready cities in the UK. We have an opportunity to improve public services and grow the tech economy in Greater Manchester by investing in the way we use AI. To support this ambition, GM has established the ADIO, which acts as a guiding and connecting, assisting and empowering, and catalysing function for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, GM local authorities and our wider public sector partners.

• Guide and Connect: ADIO will enable collaboration and an effective and responsible use of both machine learning and generative AI across Greater Manchester.
• Assist and Empower: ADIO will assist and empower local authorities in baselining and improving their use of AI and data by working closely with senior leadership and their teams, offering guidance, training and resources to support them to effectively implement AI technologies.
• Catalyse: ADIO will facilitate AI and data driven innovation to boost economic development across Greater Manchester. It will connect with existing successful programmes by facilitating partnerships, upskilling, and creating opportunities for innovation and commercialisation.

The role AI, Data and Innovation Office Lead

The AI, Data and Innovation Office (ADIO) Lead will be a pivotal strategic role within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), responsible for accelerating the ethical, effective, and transformative use of Artificial Intelligence and data across the GMCA and the wider city region.

Reporting directly to the Head of Digital Transformation, you will provide expert leadership and strategic direction for the ADIO, ensuring its work aligns with the Greater Manchester Strategy, Digital Blueprint, and our commitment to building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient city‑region.

This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical understanding, political acumen, and people leadership to harness data and AI for significant public service improvement and inclusive economic growth.

As an employer, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is made up of a number of key Greater Manchester strategic functions and service providers including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Waste and Resources, Environment, Work and Skills, Research, Public Sector Reform, Police, Crime and Criminal Justice, Homelessness, the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub and the Commissioning Hub.

We value the diversity of our employees and volunteers, and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across Greater Manchester. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of age, disability, trans status, non‑binary identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

We embrace AI to enhance our operations and innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. We understand that AI may be used as a reasonable adjustment; if using AI to support your application, please give a brief explanation why to help ensure a fair selection process.

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