Head of Artificial Intelligence Risk and Governance in Bristol

Location: Bristol / York / Norwich / Manchester / Perth

Salary: £110,000 – £135,000

Overview: This is a great job for someone who is an experienced risk, governance or technology risk leader with deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence and is excited by the challenge of shaping AI risk standards. This role would suit someone who enjoys leading specialist teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and working at the intersection of technology, regulation and business strategy. If you’re passionate about enabling innovation safely and building strong, future‑focused control environments, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact.

A bit about the job: As Aviva delivers increasingly transformative Artificial Intelligence capability, our risk and control environment must evolve to enable innovation while protecting our customers, colleagues and business. This role exists to provide enterprise‑wide leadership on AI risk and governance, acting as the technical authority across Aviva.

Responsibilities: You’ll lead the Artificial Intelligence Risk and Governance team, accountable for the design, implementation and ongoing assurance of robust AI risk management frameworks and controls. Working collaboratively with technology, data, business and risk teams, you’ll identify and manage emerging AI risks, ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards, and embed strong risk management practices into day‑to‑day operations. You’ll also provide expert advice, oversight and challenge to senior stakeholders, ensuring Aviva continues to deliver AI responsibly and in line with our strategy and Values in Action.

Skills and experience:

• Strong technical literacy, experience working alongside advanced technology or AI teams.
• Design and ownership of AI risk management frameworks and control environments and an expert understanding of AI risk types (model risk, bias, explainability, data privacy, security, ethical use).
• Deep understanding of UK financial services regulations, emerging AI regulations and standards, and industry best practices for model and technology risk.
• Extensive delivery experience, demonstrating deep expertise in leading and embedding transformation at scale within complex, regulated environments.
• Ability to provide credible challenge, assurance and influence.

What you’ll get for this role:

• Salary: £110,000 – £135,000 (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications)
• Bonus opportunity – 25% of annual salary. Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.
• Generous pension scheme – Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.

Equity and inclusion: We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Even if you don’t tick every box we encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Once you’ve applied, please send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability, and we’ll interview you.