Head of AI

The Head of AI will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the organisation’s artificial intelligence capability. AI is a strategic enabler within the wider digitalisation agenda, and this role exists to move the business from early adoption into safe, scalable, value‑driven delivery. Operating in a highly regulated environment, the Head of AI will be responsible for building AI capability largely from the ground up, establishing governance, prioritising use cases, and embedding AI safely across corporate and field operations. This is a hands‑on leadership role with strong executive exposure and significant autonomy.

Here’s how you will contribute…

• Lead the organisation’s AI agenda from strategy through to delivery, shaping the AI roadmap in line with the wider digitalisation strategy and acting as the senior SME on AI across the business.
• Build AI capability largely from the ground up, establishing an effective operating model, governance frameworks, and an AI Centre of Excellence that enables safe adoption across corporate and field operations.
• Identify, shape, and prioritise AI use cases by working closely with business leaders, translating opportunities into robust business cases and helping determine which initiatives should progress.
• Ensure all AI solutions are designed and delivered in line with regulatory, safety, and ethical requirements, embedding governance, assurance, and compliance (including UK guidance and the EU AI Act) into day‑to‑day delivery.
• Lead enterprise adoption of Microsoft Copilot and the M365 AI ecosystem, while assessing and introducing additional AI or agentic tooling where it adds value and fits the regulatory environment.
• Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, including directors and executives, clearly communicating AI progress, benefits, risks, and trade‑offs to build confidence and engagement.
• Work effectively with internal teams and external partners to deliver AI solutions pragmatically, balancing momentum with data maturity, organisational readiness, and financial constraints.
• Help establish a strong data and AI community of practice, fostering collaboration, shared standards, and capability growth across the organisation.

What you will need:

• Senior‑level experience leading AI or technology initiatives at enterprise scale, with a track record of turning AI concepts into practical, enterprise‑ready solutions that deliver real business value.
• Hands‑on experience deploying AI solutions, ideally including Microsoft Copilot.
• Experience working in highly regulated, complex environments (utilities, government, infrastructure, finance, or similar).
• Experience working in regulated or safety‑critical environments (e.g. utilities, infrastructure, government, financial services or similar), with a strong appreciation of governance, security, risk, and ethical AI.
• Familiarity with UK regulatory guidance and the implications of the EU AI Act is highly desirable.
• Comfortable operating where data maturity is still evolving and ability to balance innovation with realism and long‑term sustainability.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the credibility to engage executives, directors, and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Able to clearly explain AI opportunities, risks, and trade‑offs in a way that builds trust and momentum.
• A proactive, resilient mindset with the motivation to take ownership, work with ambiguity, and drive progress within clear regulatory and organisational boundaries.

Not sure you meet every requirement? Research shows some people – particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds – may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criterion. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for – now or in the future.

Why SGN? SGN leads pioneering research and development for a net-zero energy system. Our innovative technologies are transforming the gas industry while keeping people safe and warm. We are an award-winning employer, including CCA Gold Awards for Great Places to Work and Inclusivity and Accessibility, and a proud Gold member of the Armed Forces Covenant.

If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We're here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.