The NHS Business Services Authority is building a new, dedicated AI function - and theyre searching for an AI Lead to build it, shape it, and set its strategic direction from day one.
This is a career-defining opportunity to create a capability with strong backing, diverse stakeholders, and the ability to deliver value across a system that touches millions of lives. From prescriptions and dental services to digital workforce systems, NHSBSA manages £100bn+ in spend and plays a pivotal role in ensuring the NHS runs efficiently, transparently and sustainably. Data and AI sit at the heart of their future strategy.
Youll work with a brilliant, dedicated team in an organisation that genuinely invests in its people recognised in the 2025 Global Top 100 Most Inspiring Employers, a 2025 UK Inspiring Workplaces finalist, and named by Best Companies as one of the UKs best places to work.
What do we offer?
* 27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidays
* Flexible working (we are happy to discuss options such as compressed hours)
* Hybrid working model (we are currently working largely remotely)
* Career development
* Active wellbeing and inclusion networks
* Excellent pension
* NHS Car lease scheme
* Access to a wide range of benefits and high street discounts
Main duties of the job
The AI Lead will be responsible for shaping and delivering how artificial intelligence is used across NHSBSA to improve services, support staff and deliver better outcomes for users.
You will identify and prioritise opportunities where AI can make a real difference, working closely with colleagues across digital, data, policy and operations. You will lead the delivery of AI solutions from idea to implementation, ensuring they are safe, transparent and aligned with organisational goals.
The role will provide clear leadership across a portfolio of AI initiatives, balancing short-term improvements with longer-term strategic change. You will ensure benefits are measured and understood, and that learning is shared across the organisation.
You will lead and develop the AI team, setting direction, supporting learning and creating a positive, inclusive environment where people can do their best work. This includes planning future capability, overseeing training and managing the AI budget responsibly.
As the AI lead, you will set standards and guidance so AI is used consistently and ethically. You will work with senior leaders, partners and suppliers to build trust, encourage adoption and embed AI into wider transformation activity. You will represent Data and AI at governance forums and contribute to the overall leadership and direction of digital, data and technology at NHSBSA.
About us
Here at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), what we do matters.
We manage the NHS Pension scheme, process prescription payments and much more. Our services are used by NHS organisations, contractors and the public: were proud to be part of something meaningful, that touches millions of lives.
We design our services around customer needs and place people at the heart of our organisation. Thats why when you join us, youll be empowered and supported to help your career grow.
As one of the UKs Best Big Companies to work for, were connected to our values: Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable and Energetic. We care about our people, our purpose, and your progress.
We strive to offer a fantastic colleague experience, where every colleague is heard, supported and respected. Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion is at the centre of this, and you can join our Lived Experience Networks who help us bring our authentic selves to work.
Were committed to being a flexible employer and we try to offer a working pattern that suits you where possible, through hybrid working, flexible hours and more.
Alongside a competitive salary with pay progression, we offer a people-centric benefits package, connecting you to the rewards and benefits you value most!
Ready to join us in delivering business service excellence to the NHS, helping people live longer, healthier lives? Apply today and see where the NHSBSA can take you.
We are people connected to care.
Job responsibilities
In this role, you are accountable for:
1. AI strategy, delivery and impact
o Leads the end-to-end AI delivery lifecycle, including identifying and scoping high-value AI opportunities in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to meet user needs.
o Overseeing delivery of AI solutions, ensuring they are ethical, explainable, and aligned with organisational goals.
o Embedding robust evaluation frameworks to measure the impact of AI initiatives on outcomes, efficiency, and user experience.
o Oversees the AI roadmap, ensuring a balanced portfolio of short-term wins and long-term strategic investments.
o Facilitates co-design and ensures AI solutions meet real-world needs.
o Leads cross-functional teams to deliver design, architecture and delivery of AI solutions ensuring clarity of roles, timelines, and outcomes.
o Produces well-written and technically sound project reports and provides constructive review and assurance of reports authored by others.
o Drives awareness and adoption of AI through compelling communication, storytelling, and showcasing successful use cases across the organisation and system.
o Develops and maintains the NHSBSA AI strategy, ensuring it aligns with national policy, emerging technologies, and organisational priorities.
o Horizon scanning of new emerging technology and its impact across the business and more widely.
2. AI team
o Leads recruitment, mentorship and continued professional development of the core AI team. Sets clear goals and expectations, celebrates success and encourages learning through failure.
o Responsible for design and sourcing, creation and delivery of all AI Core Training and Development Programmes across the organisation in line with the NHSBSA, DDaT and Data Strategies.
o Responsible for both long-term and short-term planning for the team, positively driving forward development and performance of the NHSBSA, in accordance with its business plan.
o Manages AI financial budget in accordance with NHSBSA policies, financial regulations and legislative requirements.
o Ensure AI is embedded in wider digital transformation efforts.
o Owns continuous professional development, maintaining expertise in AI strategy, trends, technologies and risks.
o Contributes to the leadership of Data & AI, including strategic direction aligned with NHSBSA strategy.
3. AI leadership, governance and influence
o Acts as the technical lead for AI, influencing colleagues from across different teams and collaborating widely across the organisation.
o Leads development and implementation of AI governance frameworks, standards and policies to ensure consistent, ethical and effective use of AI.
o Represent the Director of Data and AI at relevant boards and committees, providing reports, papers and presentations to leadership.
o Serves as a senior member of the Data and AI leadership team, working collaboratively across all Heads of Service and Senior Managers.
o Fosters a culture of responsible innovation and continuous learning, enabling experimentation while ensuring alignment with governance frameworks and ethical standards.
o Supports capability building across the organisation by identifying skills gaps, providing strategic leadership for AI training initiatives, and fostering a community of practice.
o Engages stakeholders across NHSBSA and wider health and care system to build understanding, trust and support for AI adoption.
o Leads supplier, contract, and stakeholder engagement for sourcing AI solutions and resources from external organisations.
o Shapes national and cross-government AI policy by representing NHSBSA in external forums, working groups and strategic partnerships.
o Builds relationships with academia, industry and government to leverage external expertise.
o Deputises for the Director of Data and AI as required.
In addition to the above accountabilities, as post holder you are expected to
* Undertake additional duties and responsibilities in line with the purpose of your role and as agreed by your line manager.
* Demonstrate NHSBSA values and core capabilities in all aspects of your work.
* Encourage an environment where your own and colleagues safety and well-being is promoted.
* Contribute to a culture which values diversity and inclusion.
* Follow NHSBSA policies, procedures, and protocols as they apply to your role.
Working relationships
* Responsible to: Director of Data and AI
* Responsible for: AI Team
* Key relationships and connections: DDaT Directors, Head of DDaT Strategy and Data Management, Head of Data Science, Statistics and Advanced Analytics, Head of Data Services, Head of DDaT Governance, Head of Cyber Security & Infrastructure Services, Primary Care Organisations, National bodies, Department of Health and Social Care.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills
* Strong understanding of the role AI can have in furthering organisations objectives.
* Expert understanding of AI technologies and techniques including machine learning, natural language processing, generative AI, and responsible AI principles.
* Strong awareness of AI governance, including ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI.
* Awareness of strategic frameworks for AI adoption and delivery in public sector or healthcare contexts.
* Sound understanding of data quality, model interpretability, and risk management in AI systems.
* Strong understanding of statutory legislation relevant to AI, including freedom of information, data protection and equalities.
* Awareness of ISO/IEC 42001:2023 - Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS).
* Excellent communication and storytelling skills—able to translate complex AI concepts into clear business language and actionable insights for diverse audiences.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including negotiation and alignment across non-line management relationships.
* Ability to lead strategic planning and prioritisation of AI initiatives, aligning resources to deliver high-impact outcomes.
* Capable of critically appraising AI solutions and advising on strategic options and risks.
* Able to build strong relationships across technical, policy and operational domains.
* Able to operate in settings of organisational complexity and uncertainty.
* A doer with strategic mindset who takes personal accountabilities to scope, prioritise and drive AI initiatives with speed and effectiveness.
* Strong intellectual curiosity and an inquisitive approach to emerging technologies and strategic challenges.
* Personally motivated, proactive and resilient in navigating ambiguity and complexity.
* Committed to continuous professional development of self and to technical teams in AI, ethics and emerging technologies.
* Knowledge of UK Gov Code of Practice for the Cyber Security of AI, NCSCs Guidelines for secure AI system development and machine learning.
Experience
* Design, architecture, build and delivery of at least 2 significant projects through to production either in traditional AI (machine learning) and in AI (Gen AI) with knowledge graphs and model hubs at mid or large organisations.
* Building AI solutions using non-relational databases, vector and document databases.
* The evaluation experience of the AI technology landscape.
* Leading AI initiatives from concept to delivery, including strategic scoping, stakeholder engagement, and evaluation.
* Implementing production-grade AI solutions, ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance.
* Working with large, complex datasets and AI models in real-world environments.
* Mentoring or developing AI capability within teams.
* Change management and driving cultural transformation in large organisations.
* Stakeholder management with the ability to manage varied and complex relationships to facilitate change and improvement.
* Creating and embedding a culture focused on the delivery of high-quality results, transparent continuous improvement, work ethic and high standards.
* Develop, build and manage relationships to achieve agreed objectives and outcomes.
* Managing financial budgets.
* Proven experience of organisations which prioritise strategic, high impact applications of data and AI.
* Experience in public speaking or thought leadership in AI.
* Experience developing internal AI standards or playbooks.
* Experience promoting the value of AI across an organisation and influencing senior decision-makers.
* Mentoring, coaching and professionally developing people.
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering).
* Evidence of continuous professional development in AI (machine learning and GenAI) or related fields in ecosystems such as AWS, Azure.
* Masters degree or higher in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related discipline.
* Certification in cloud AI services, AI ethics, governance, or strategy (e.g. ISO/IEC, AI4People, Responsible AI frameworks).
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