Join our dynamic Digital Innovation team at Wokingham Borough Council and take a leading role in shaping the future of our digital landscape. We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Digital Innovation Engineer to join our Innovation Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Full Time, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract. As a Digital Innovation Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of identifying and implementing cutting-edge technologies that have a direct impact on our residents and streamline council operations. This is not just a job; it's an opportunity to drive real change and see your innovations come to life. You'll be a key player in the council's ongoing digital programme, helping us to implement design principles that reduce demand, improve customer experience, and streamline operations. This is a unique opportunity to work on exciting, innovative projects with significant professional development potential in digital and AI technologies and you'll have plenty of scope to innovate with this role that provides a platform to showcase your skills and creativity, leaving a lasting impact on our community. Benefits: Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including: ⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays ⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme ⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline ⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts ⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office) ⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes ⭐ And much more Key responsibilities: Identify, shape, and deliver of proof-of-concept projects that leverage cutting-edge digital technologies, such as AI and alongside technical colleagues, help put in place foundational interoperability using APIs and where needed, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), to enhance organisational efficiency and service capabilities. Serve as a technical point of reference during project deliveries, providing expert advice to internal stakeholders, partners, and suppliers. Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges collaboratively, maintaining a high standard of technical problem-solving. Continuously explore and maintain current knowledge of emerging technologies, conducting horizon scanning to identify potential opportunities for innovation, and independently updating technical knowledge to ensure the Council remains at the forefront of digital transformation. Perform technical feasibility assessments and risk evaluations of new technologies, considering governance, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and ethical design principles Support and work with the Digital Innovation Service Manager to find and deliver efficiencies, savings, and demand reduction across the organisation through digital innovation. Demonstrate flexibility and creativity in developing innovative solutions, utilising agile methodologies to create rapid prototypes and technical solutions that have extensibility and interoperability across the Council’s digital ecosystem. Candidate requirements: Experience of deploying successfully, AI applications/services, automation and emerging technologies. Experience of leading proof of concepts, pilots and projects within a programme of projects or equivalent experience. Strong experience of information governance and ethical use of AI Minimum 5-7 years of relevant professional experience (Desirable) Knowledge of local government and particularly transformational Government and efficiency agenda. Our Area Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. Click the link below and apply today. Alternatively, if you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please e-mail sarah.penawokingham.gov.uk Closing date: 9th March 2025, 11pm Interviews: TBC Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying. Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.