Head of AI & Analytics

About the job

Successful candidates may be based in any of our office locations – Cardiff, Glasgow, or London. We especially welcome applicants from Cardiff and Glasgow. (20% hybrid, 1 day per week)

Job summary

The UK energy system is changing at pace. Decarbonisation, affordability, energy security and consumer protection are creating complex choices that depend on better use of data, analytics and AI. At Ofgem, this role offers the opportunity to apply those capabilities to problems that matter nationally, helping shape a fairer, more secure and sustainable energy future.
Ofgem is on a significant transformation journey. Within the Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS) directorate, we are building a modern data and AI capability to support better decision-making and improved outcomes. This includes growing our data science and analytics functions, embedding AI into services and ensuring that data-driven insight underpins organisational strategy.

As Head of AI and Analytics, you will lead and shape Ofgem’s data science and analytics capability. You will be responsible for setting direction, building teams and ensuring that AI and analytics deliver measurable value across the organisation. You will champion the use of data science, working closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities where advanced analytics and AI can support regulatory and operational priorities.
This is a senior, high-impact leadership role requiring deep expertise in data science and analytics, combined with strong strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement. You will define how Ofgem uses AI and data insight to drive better outcomes, ensuring that innovation is balanced with strong governance and ethical practice.

SC is required for this role. Information and eligibility guidance can be found here: SC - Guidance Pack for Applicants - GOV.UK Before applying, ensure you can achieve and maintain SC clearance.

Job description

You will be responsible for:
Leading the organisation’s AI, data science and analytics capability, setting direction, standards and best practice across the community.
Building and developing high-performing teams of data scientists and analysts, including mentoring senior specialists and growing organisational capability.
Identifying and shaping opportunities for AI and advanced analytics, ensuring they deliver meaningful business value and support organisational priorities.
Overseeing the development and deployment of data science solutions, including models, dashboards and analytical products.
Championing the responsible and ethical use of data and AI, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and fostering a strong data ethics culture.
Working with senior stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into data-driven solutions and insights.
Managing resources, budgets and external partnerships to support the successful delivery of AI and analytics initiatives.
Contributing to the wider data and AI strategy, working collaboratively with platform, engineering and governance teams.
Promoting a culture of experimentation, iteration and continuous learning across the data science and analytics function.
Staying at the forefront of emerging AI and analytics techniques, ensuring Ofgem continues to innovate and evolve its capabilities.
Ensuring analytical and AI products are adopted into real workflows, with clear ownership, measurable benefits and appropriate controls.

We are looking for:

A credible, strategic and technically strong leader who can operate effectively across data science, analytics and organisational transformation. You will bring deep expertise in AI and analytics, alongside the ability to influence at senior levels and drive meaningful impact.
You may come from a data science, analytics or AI leadership background, but you will demonstrate:

Extensive experience designing, developing and embedding data science and AI solutions that deliver business value
Strong leadership experience, building and developing high-performing data science or analytics teams
Deep expertise in AI and analytics tools and techniques, including platforms such as Python, Azure Machine Learning, SQL and Power BI
Strong understanding of data ethics, privacy and responsible AI practices
Proven ability to identify opportunities and translate them into scalable, impactful solutions

Experience in product delivery, government or regulated environments, and familiarity with AI and data challenges in complex organisations would be beneficial.

This is a chance to shape a capability that will influence how Ofgem regulates, operates and makes decisions in the years ahead. If you want to use AI and analytics on complex public-interest problems, build teams and standards from the ground up, and help turn ambition into practical delivery, this role offers a distinctive opportunity

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Extensive expertise in designing, developing and embedding data science solutions that enable organisations to achieve their goals and deliver business impact. (Lead Criteria)
Extensive expertise using a variety of AI and data science tools and techniques, particularly those used at OFGEM (Python, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Foundry, Copilot Studio, SQL, Power BI) (Lead Criteria)
Proven experience of identifying and creating opportunities to deliver data science and AI products.
Extensive expertise of data ethics and privacy matters and having contributed to the continuous improvement of an ethical framework and culture.
Demonstrable evidence of contributing to building data science capability

Desirable Criteria

Demonstrable understanding and experience of AI or Data product delivery, and effective decision-making on priorities.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Seeing the Big Picture
Making Effective Decisions
Leadership

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection p