Head of the Office for AI

Head of the Office for AI - Welsh Government (Grade: SCS1)

Location: Pan - Wales

Working Pattern: Full-Time / Flexible

Salary: 81,000 to 92,791 (+ Development Allowance)

Must be Eligible for SC Clearance

Yolk Recruitment is proud to be the exclusive recruitment partner to the Welsh Government.

We're working together to deliver modern, impactful digital services for the people of Wales - and we're looking for talented individuals who want to be part of this mission.

About the Role:

The Head of the new Office for AI will be a key role in meeting Ministerial ambitions in driving forward AI adoption, policy, guidance and capability across Welsh Government services and the wider public sector. They will do this by working closely with Ministers, senior civil servants across government, the wider digital leadership in Wales, and building strong partnerships with UK Government, industry and academic partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy leadership on all aspects of AI in public services in Wales, supporting Ministers in developing priorities for AI as part of their wider digital transformation ambitions for services in Wales, but within the context of our AI principles and the fair, ethical and sustainable use of data and technology.
• Internal leadership of digital transformation enabled by AI across Welsh Government for externally facing bilingual digital services delivered directly to citizens.
• external representation of Welsh Government at UK Government and devolved administrations as well as other UK bodies and the Welsh public service. Also, to represent Welsh Government internationally on AI matters.
• Leading and setting strategic direction for the Strategic AI Advisory Group which brings together experts from industry, academia, and the public sector to advise Ministers. Their goals include identifying AI opportunities in public services, supporting decisions, promoting AI literacy, responsible innovation, and strengthening Wales's AI ecosystem.
• Leading on AI related regulation and legislation whether in consideration of devolved aspects of UK Government legislation or where Ministers may also want to regulate in devolved areas.
• Advising the Permanent Secretary, Executive Committee and Ministers accordingly on strategic direction on AI for Welsh Government
• Leading on internal capability and supporting other parts of Welsh Government in exploiting AI tools for internal use, and ensuring appropriate guardrails are in place to support our values, ethics AI principles and social partnership commitments.
• Working closely with the Centre for Digital Public Services and the AI Leadership Group for Wales in driving forward practical guidance and adoption for the Welsh public service
• Developing a programme to raise AI capability across the public sector, working with industry partners.
• Managing 10 staff and working collaboratively with other parts of DDaT and Welsh Government, including the Data Science Unit in driving forward adoption and capability within the organisation managing a 2.5m programme budget including a delivery fund to support projects directly related to the adoption of AI tools in the public sector.

You will have the opportunity to work with multiple projects and programmes across many areas of Welsh Government, with staff at all levels in many different roles and aspects of government business. We provide training specific to your role as well as to develop you for the next one, and we operate shadowing schemes for key areas where staff can experience the work of others first hand.

The successful Head of the Office for AI will be rewarded with the following:

• Basic salary of 81,000 to 92,791 (+ Development Allowance) (+ DDaT Allowance) + incremental pay progression
• Civil Service pension of 30.3%
• 31 days annual leave + 2 privilege days + 8 bank holidays
• Hybrid working model and offices across Wales
• Staff wellbeing and active diversity networks

Inclusion & Diversity

At Yolk Recruitment and Welsh Government, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, supported and able to thrive. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds - including underrepresented groups such as women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people.

We believe diversity drives innovation and better outcomes for everyone.

How to Apply

Apply now via Yolk Recruitment and be part of something meaningful. Our team will support you throughout the process, ensuring a smooth and fair application journey.

Closing Date: 5th November August (4pm)

Interview Date: TBC

For more information or to apply, contact Luke Cox at Yolk Recruitment - Candidate packs will be issued to every person that applies