Director of Data & AI

Commuting Distance to London/Portsmouth | £95k-120k per annum + Bonus + Car Allowance + Private Healthcare (dependent on skills and qualifications)

Fulltime | Hybrid

Competitive pension scheme – Enhanced maternity/paternity pay – Life assurance – HolidayPlus – Cycle2work Scheme & more

REQ5045

As SGN’s top internal expert on Data and AI, the Director collaborates with executive colleagues to develop data-enabled solutions for strategic challenges and influences the adoption of advanced technologies such as machine learning, generative AI, and digital twins. They must communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. Externally, the role involves engaging with the board, shareholders, and regulators to demonstrate responsible, secure, and compliant use of data and AI, aligning with best practices and regulatory expectations.

We deliver safety, warmth, and comfort to homes and businesses. Every role, whether in the office or on the front line, plays a key part in this mission. Here’s how you will contribute…

• Lead SGN’s enterprise data and AI strategy, aligning with corporate and regulatory goals.
• Build and manage a high-performing team across data engineering, analytics, and data science, setting priorities and development goals.
• Provide leadership on data architecture, design, and delivery of data capabilities within transformation programmes.
• Drive adoption of Power BI for enterprise reporting and self-service analytics, enhancing business literacy.
• Establish and oversee data governance, including policies, standards, quality, access control, and compliance.
• Develop AI prototypes to address strategic challenges, leveraging predictive models, optimization, and large language models.
• Serve as SGN’s internal and external expert on responsible AI, advising stakeholders and engaging with regulators.
• Promote data and AI as essential to digital transformation, fostering a data-driven culture across the organisation.
• Engage with the board, Ofgem, and other stakeholders to communicate the value, regulation, and innovation potential of data and AI.
• Manage the team’s budget and headcount, escalating issues to the CIO as needed and seeking cost efficiencies.

What you will need

• Proven senior leader in data, analytics, or AI within complex, regulated, or asset-intensive organisations.
• Deep expertise in data strategy, governance, architecture, and enterprise data platforms.
• Extensive experience delivering large data programmes, ideally alongside CRM or ERP transformations.
• Strong technical knowledge of AI/ML, cloud data platforms, and visualization tools like Power BI and Azure.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, translating business goals into data-driven solutions.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence and build trust across stakeholders at all levels.
• Bachelor’s degree required; postgraduate qualifications in Data Science, Computer Science, or related fields preferred.
• Experience working with regulators, auditors, or assurance frameworks related to data and AI is advantageous.
• Skilled in stakeholder management, collaboration, and turning principles into measurable outcomes.
• Capable of developing talent, coaching teams, and building a future talent pipeline.
• Confident in leading, making clear decisions, and managing standards and patterns.
• High-energy, action-oriented, with a strong drive to succeed.

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 criteria. 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 is a leader in pioneering research and development toward a net-zero energy system. Our cutting-edge technologies and innovative thinking are driving change in the gas industry, all while keeping people safe and warm.

About us | Benefits | Diversity and inclusion

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