Customer Technology and AI Strategic Lead

Join Early Years - the organisation for young children as Customer Technology and AI Strategic Lead Location: Early Years Headquarters, Belfast, BT12 6TA, a hybrid working policy is in place Hours: 37 hours per week Tenure: fixed term: two year contract Salary: Point 47-50, £59,705.73-£63,329.08 per annum pro rata Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education? Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential? Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.

At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education. In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.

The role Take a strategic leadership role in the management, development and integration of technology and AI services across the organisation so that they are key enablers of business transformation, innovation and service delivery. The postholder will lead the development and delivery of the organisation's Technology and AI Strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities, and embedding digital innovation into organisational processes. The Customer Technology and AI Strategic Lead will have overall responsibility for all customer-facing technology platforms, ensuring effective governance, performance, and continuous improvement.

The role will provide relevant input across specialist groups including the Data Management Group and Information Management Group, ensuring robust governance, compliance and insight-driven decision making. The postholder will work closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure technology solutions support high quality, evidence-informed services for children, families and communities. We're looking for people who: At the closing date have: Essential criteria A third level qualification in Information Technology, Computing, Digital Innovation or a related discipline or appropriate professional qualification OR A minimum of 5 years' senior management experience in a technology or digital leadership role involving similar scale and complexity.

Demonstrable experience of developing and implementing technology and/or data strategies. Proven experience of managing enterprise systems and customer-facing digital platforms. Experience of data management, data governance and analytics frameworks.

Experience of leading or implementing AI or digital innovation initiatives. Experience of managing multidisciplinary teams and driving organisational change. Strong knowledge of cyber security, data protection and information governance.

Experience of budget management and procurement of IT/digital services. Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders. Knowledge of current and emerging developments in technology and AI.

A full current driving licence enabling the holder to drive in NI and have the use of a vehicle for official purposes or have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full. Desirable criteria Qualification in IT Service Management, Project Management or Agile methodologies. Qualification in Information Governance or Cyber Security.

Experience working in the public or voluntary sector. To find out more about the role and to apply, visit our website by clicking the Apply button below. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 24 July 2026.

For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Wednesday 12 August 2026. Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.