Head of Data, Analytics and AI Automation

Overview

Buckinghamshire Council is driving forward a major transformation in how data, analytics and AI shape decision‑making and service design across the organisation. To lead this ambitious agenda, we are seeking a highly experienced Head of Data, Analytics & AI Automation—a senior leader with a track record of delivering large‑scale data and AI transformation in complex environments.

This is a role with substantial visibility and influence. Reporting directly to the Director of IT, you will shape the future of our data strategy, strengthen our technical foundations, and steward the responsible and ethical use of data, automation and AI.

Competitive Salary

About us

At Buckinghamshire Council, you’ll be part of something bigger. As a large and forward-thinking unitary authority, we’re on a mission to make Buckinghamshire the best place to live, raise a family, work, and do business. This is your chance to help shape the future of our county—supporting residents, driving innovation, and making a real difference every day.

The IT Department is essential in providing dependable Digital and IT services to both employees and residents. This position reports directly to the Service Director of IT. As a service, we prioritise innovation, collaboration, and ongoing improvement, and are committed to fostering a workplace environment where all individuals are empowered to succeed.

About the role

This is a strategic leadership position with responsibility for setting the long‑term vision for data, analytics, AI and automation across the Council. You will lead the development and delivery of the organisation‑wide Data Strategy, ensuring that data is consistently managed, trusted and used to drive decisions at every level.

Your role will encompass the oversight of our data platforms, governance frameworks and data quality standards, ensuring our infrastructure is scalable, secure and able to meet rising demand. You will also lead the Council’s automation and AI capabilities, supporting the development and responsible deployment of machine learning models and digital automation tools.

Leadership is a central element of the role. You will manage a sizeable multi‑disciplinary team—six direct reports and up to 36 indirect reports—covering data engineering, analytics, AI/ML and automation.

Please see the job summary attached for a full list of duties and responsibilities.

About you

You will be an accomplished senior data leader or leading looking to move up with extensive experience gained in a large, complex organisation. You’ll have previously led significant data or AI transformations, delivering cultural change, modernising platforms and improving organisational data maturity at scale.

You will bring a deep understanding of modern data practices, including data engineering, analytics, governance, AI/ML and automation. You will be comfortable engaging executives, influencing stakeholders and articulating the opportunities data and AI present to the organisation.

You will also be someone who leads through others: empowering teams, developing capability and creating a culture where curiosity, innovation and accountability thrive.

Above all, you’re driven by making a real difference—building services that are modern, resilient and responsive, and ensuring data and AI are used ethically, responsibly and to maximum effect.

Other information

If you would like to have an informal conversation with the recruiting manager, please contact: Sarah Barnes on [email protected]

Interviews will be held in-person on 25th and 26th February

Previous applicants need not apply.

Any-Desk: As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of days a week.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/