AI (Artificial Intelligence) Lead

NHS Business Services Authority

Hybrid – 2-3 days onsite at Stella House, Newcastle upon Tyne

  • Location Hybrid – 2-3 days onsite at Stella House, Newcastle upon Tyne
  • Sector Central Government, IT
  • Client NHS Business Services Authority
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration Band 8C (£76,965 to £88,682)
  • Reference GSe129059
  • Closing Date Thursday 5th March 09:00

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) is a national organisation delivering critical national systems and services that support the health and care system across the UK. From managing NHS prescriptions and dental services to supporting workforce and digital transformation, our work touches the lives of millions. With more than 5,000 dedicated colleagues and managing over £100 billion in spend, NHSBSA plays a pivotal role in ensuring the NHS operates efficiently, transparently and sustainably

Data and AI are now among the top strategic priorities for the organisation as NHSBSA becomes even more data driven to make better decisions for the health and social care system. With strong executive sponsorship, a clear mandate and an established Data & Analytics capability, NHSBSA is creating a new, dedicated AI function to help deliver measurable value, support the NHS 10-Year Digital Plan, and build a future-ready workforce.

The opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a new AI function from a near-blank page – shaping strategy at national scale, tackling complex, high-impact challenges and working with diverse stakeholders and a collaborative values-driven team to deliver measurable change across the NHS. Could this be you?

As AI Lead, you will be the accountable owner of AI strategy and delivery across NHSBSA. You will define where AI delivers the greatest value, lead the prioritisation and delivery of AI use cases, and embed responsible AI governance that balances innovation with transparency, ethics and public trust. Working closely with senior leaders across DDaT and the wider organisation, you will translate ambition into action - moving from experimentation to production, and from ideas to outcomes.

You will build and lead a small, high-impact AI team, grow organisational capability through upskilling and engagement, and act as a visible champion for AI across NHSBSA.

This role suits a leader who has grown from technical or architectural roots into leadership, retains strong hands-on understanding and is motivated by impact. You may be drawn from consulting, technology, private equity–backed environments or other regulated sectors, but you will share a commitment to public value, collaboration and delivering AI that genuinely improves outcomes.

Could this be you?

What you will bring/Essential Criteria            

We do not expect candidates to meet every criterion in full. If you bring relevant experience, transferable capability and the motivation to deliver impact in this role, we would welcome your application. We are looking for a leader who can bring:

  • AI strategy and delivery: Demonstrable experience leading AI from strategic intent through to delivery, with accountability for prioritisation, execution and outcomes.
  • Delivery of measurable value through AI: A proven track record of using AI to deliver tangible value, such as efficiency, savings, service improvement or productivity, including the ability to define and evaluate success.
  • Responsible AI, governance and assurance: Strong capability in embedding ethical, legal, governance and risk considerations into AI delivery, ensuring transparency, accountability and public trust.
  • Technical credibility and architectural understanding: Sufficient depth of technical and architectural experience to shape AI direction, challenge design decisions, and accelerate delivery without losing rigour or quality.
  • Leadership, influence and capability building: Demonstrable ability to lead and develop AI teams, influence senior stakeholders across complex organisations, and bring colleagues with them through change in a values-led way.

Applications should be submitted no later than Thursday 5th March at 09:00.

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