AI and Automation Manager at Ministry of Defence, Remote/Bristol, 6 Months, £Contract Rate

An active SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. (Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.) 

Job Description

As the AI and Automation Lead within the J2C Commercial Programme, you will lead the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, automation and digital innovation across Defence Commercial. You will identify opportunities to transform ways of working, improve productivity and simplify processes through the effective use of AI-enabled technologies.

Acting as the focal point for AI adoption and automation, you will work across Commercial, Digital and CSM teams to drive cultural change, deliver measurable efficiency improvements and ensure responsible, secure and compliant use of AI technologies.

Key Responsibilities

AI Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the development and delivery of the Commercial AI and Automation roadmap.
• Identify and prioritise opportunities where AI and automation can improve business outcomes.
• Promote an AI-first culture and champion innovation across the Commercial Function.

Automation and Productivity

• Drive the adoption of Microsoft Copilot, Power Platform and other AI-enabled tools.
• Identify repetitive activities and implement automation solutions to reduce manual effort.
• Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency and user experience.

Adoption and Change

• Develop communications, engagement and learning activities that increase AI confidence and capability.
• Establish communities of practice and promote sharing of AI use cases and best practice.
• Support leaders and teams to embed AI into everyday ways of working.

Governance and Data

• Work with our technical experts to ensure AI solutions comply with MOD security, data governance and responsible AI requirements.
• Work with stakeholders to improve data quality, accessibility and readiness for AI adoption.
• Provide advice on AI risks, opportunities and assurance requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships across Defence Commercial, Digital and CSM teams.
• Act as the principal advisor on AI and automation opportunities within J2C Commercial.
• Collaborate with suppliers and delivery partners to support successful implementation.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Experience leading AI, automation, digital transformation or business improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Generative AI, automation technologies and their application in business environments.
• Experience driving organisational adoption and behavioural change.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Copilot, Power Platform or equivalent digital productivity tools.
• Track record of creating and implementing agentic AI.
• Ability to develop business cases, roadmaps and benefits realisation plans.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including influencing senior leaders.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate business challenges into technology-enabled solutions.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of Defence Commercial processes and operating environments.
• Experience with Copilot Studio, Power Automate, Power Apps and AI-enabled analytics.
• Understanding of AI governance, ethics and information management requirements.
• Experience delivering transformation within Defence, Government or other regulated organisations.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the MOD guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

The MOD guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.