About the Role

Artificial Intelligence represents a significant opportunity to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of university operations. Edge Hill University’s emerging AI Strategy identifies business optimisation as a strategic priority, with a focus on improving processes, service quality, staff experience and organisational effectiveness through the responsible adoption of AI technologies. 

You will provide leadership for the operational and administrative dimensions of the University’s AI Strategy, supporting the identification, evaluation and delivery of AI enabled improvements across Professional Services functions. 

Working closely with colleagues across DDaT, HR, Finance, Registry, Student Services, Library and Learning Services, Marketing, Research Services and other Professional Service areas, you will lead a portfolio of AI enabled business improvement activities that enhance service delivery whilst ensuring appropriate governance, compliance, data protection and human oversight. 

The role will act as the principal advocate for AI enabled business transformation and will support the development of institutional capability, innovation and operational effectiveness through the responsible use of AI technologies. You will be a member of the AI Strategy Delivery Group and lead the business optimisation workstream of the University’s AI Strategy.

Please note this secondment opportunity is only open to current Edge Hill University Professional Services staff members who are within a substantive post of Grade 10 or above. 

Please ensure you upload your most up to date CV to your application.

For informal enquiries about this vacancy, please contact: Will Thompson, Director of Digital, Data and Technology at Will.Thompson@edgehill.ac.uk 

About You

As Professional Services Lead for Artificial Intelligence (Business Optimisation), you will have:

• Significant experience of leading business transformation or service improvement initiatives
• Experience of process redesign and organisational change
• Experience of working across multiple stakeholder groups in a complex organisation
• Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and its operational applications
• Experience developing business cases and benefits realisation frameworks
• Understanding of AI governance, risk and compliance requirements
• Ability to identify and deliver operational improvement opportunities

At Edge Hill University we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

Rewards & Benefits

• Discounted membership to our onsite state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities
• Staff benefits scheme, which provides you with discounts across the high street, supermarket shopping, cinema tickets, dining out and more.
• Employee assistance programme with access to free confidential counselling sessions, legal & financial advice, and health & wellbeing resources
• A wide range of development programmes to enhance your career
• Beautiful award-winning on-campus working environment.
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme 

About Us

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before. 

Today, the effect we have has a far-reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in, and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students, and award-winning staff.

Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world. 

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” – Times Higher Education.

Closing Date: 15 Oct 2026

Department: Support

Salary: £53,301 to £59,966 per annum pro rata
Fixed Term until 31/08/2028