Head of Service, Artificial Intelligence

Keele University - Information & Digital Services

Placed On: 9th April 2026

Closes: 28th April 2026

Job Ref: KU00004974

Keele University is actively pursuing the opportunities, complexities and challenges offered through artificial intelligence. The University is looking for a Head of Service in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spearhead building a coherent strategic cross-institutional approach. This will include policy development, ethical, technical and operational guiderails for identification, adoption and integration of AI technologies across the University including appropriate use within education, research and professional services.

This role will play a pivotal role in developing and delivering an AI strategy (to include GenAI), developing an ethical framework, championing AI literacy, and driving initiatives and services that enhance operational efficiency, and empower faculty, staff, and students through ethical and effective AI innovation.

This is your opportunity to coordinate institutional thinking for AI, working with both academic and professional service colleagues. You will guide AI projects and development, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and ensure AI is embedded in our institutional thinking.

You will lead on the adoption and integration of cutting-edge AI technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative AI, across the institution ensuring an appropriate governance to enable students and staff to benefit from responsible AI.

This role will act as primary contact point to ensure the University develops a coherent approach to AI whilst recognising the different requirements across education, research and professional services. As such the ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and be able to demonstrate a commitment to collaborative working.

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. We have a competitive benefits package available, including:

• Competitive rate of pay, annual increments within the grade
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
• Excellent staff pension scheme
• Access to continued personal, professional and career development
• On site ‘outstanding’ nursery
• Discounted health & fitness facilities
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

Agile working (blend of home and office based) would be considered for this role. Some out of hours working will be required.

The starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £200 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research.

Keele University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN charter, and values equity and diversity across our workforce. We strive to ensure that our workforce is representative of broader society, and therefore, we actively welcome applications from women for this role.

Keele University values equity and diversity across our workforce and ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

How to Apply

For full post details and to find out more about working at Keele click the 'Apply' button above.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Daniel Perry, CIO d.j.perry@keele.ac.uk. Applications to this address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 28th April 2026