Full job descriptionDigital Infrastructure and Innovation LeadLocation: Aylesbury
OverviewAt Buckinghamshire Council, we’re ambitious for our places, our businesses and our communities. We are committed to creating the conditions for sustainable growth while ensuring that innovation and opportunity are accessible across the whole county.
Buckinghamshire is home to a thriving business community, world-class businesses and a growing technology sector. Technology, innovation and connectivity are transforming the way economies grow and compete. Buckinghamshire has the opportunity to build on its strengths in innovation and enterprise to create even greater economic opportunities for residents and businesses.
As our Digital Infrastructure and Innovation Lead, you will play a key role in shaping the county’s economic future by developing strategies and programmes that improve digital connectivity, support innovation and help businesses embrace new technologies.
You’ll join a collaborative and forward-thinking team that works across some of the most important economic growth, investment and infrastructure challenges facing Buckinghamshire.
Working within the Economic Strategy Team, you will collaborate with businesses, communities, government departments, universities, digital infrastructure providers and other strategic partners to deliver impactful initiatives that enhance productivity, attract investment and ensure residents and businesses benefit from high-quality digital infrastructure. This role combines strategic thinking and analysis, partnership development and programme delivery to create meaningful economic outcomes across Buckinghamshire.
About usThe Economy and Investment Service drives sustainable economic growth in Buckinghamshire through developing and delivering economic strategy, supporting business growth and attracting investment to enable our towns and economy to thrive. Working across a range of council services, strategic partners and businesses the team is focused on creating the conditions for economic growth across our varied sectors and communities.
About the roleAs Digital Infrastructure and Innovation Lead, you will:
*Lead the development and delivery of innovation, technology and digital infrastructure strategies that support sustainable economic growth.
*Drive initiatives that encourage businesses to adopt emerging technologies and innovative ways of working.
*Develop and strengthen Buckinghamshire’s innovation ecosystem by connecting businesses with universities, research organisations, investors and government programmes.
*Lead the Council’s digital infrastructure and connectivity agenda, supporting improvements to broadband, mobile coverage and future digital networks.
*Secure external funding and investment opportunities, developing business cases and funding proposals to support strategic priorities.
*Build and manage relationships with senior stakeholders across the public and private sectors.
*Commission and utilise research, data and market intelligence to inform policy and strategic decision making.
*Manage complex programmes and projects, ensuring successful delivery against agreed objectives, budgets and timescales.
*Represent Buckinghamshire Council at regional and national forums, championing opportunities for growth, investment and innovation.
Any-Desk:
As an ’any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.
About youWe’re looking for an experienced and strategic professional who can confidently navigate the worlds of economic development, innovation and digital infrastructure.
You will bring:
*Significant experience within economic development, innovation, technology or digital infrastructure or a closely related field.
*Experience of developing and delivering strategic programmes that drive economic growth, productivity or connectivity improvements.
*Strong understanding of innovation policy, digital infrastructure and the wider economic growth agenda.
*The ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders across government, business, academia and infrastructure sectors.
*Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
*Experience securing funding, developing business cases and managing complex projects or programmes.
*Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations and actionable plans.
*A proactive and innovative mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities and drive positive change.
We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.
Other informationFor more information about this role, please contact Claire Phillips at [email protected] for an informal discussion.
Closing date: 01 December 2026
Proposed interview date: 10th December 2026
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
*All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions
For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro
This post is politically restricted under the terms of the Local Government Act 1989.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Our values and cultureWe have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are - Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:
*a fair and inclusive culture
*the chance to really make a difference to those around you
*health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
*a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
*ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
*opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength...