Head of Responsible AI

About Us

Every day, we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses, connecting people to the energy they need for their lives. Our expertise and track record position us uniquely to shape the sustainable future of our industry as the pace of change accelerates. To succeed, we must anticipate customer needs, reduce energy delivery costs, and pioneer flexible energy systems. This requires delivering on our promises and seeking opportunities for growth. 

In IT and Digital, we collaborate closely with the diverse energy businesses within the National Grid group, revolutionizing operations through technology. Embracing modern methodologies and digital mindsets, we drive efficiency and bring new capabilities to internal and external customers as we lead the charge toward a carbon-free future. 

Our work is critical, as National Grid powers millions of homes and businesses across the UK and US, and the technology we employ is vital to this task. The successful applicant for this position will play a crucial role in our mission, supported by our multicultural, customer-centric global team, with opportunities for professional development. 
 

#LI-Tierra #LI-Hybrid 

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Head of Responsible AI (RAI) to join our Chief Data Office team. This pivotal role will develop and implement National Grid’s global AI governance framework, collaborating closely with our Data Science and Governance teams, and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning. The successful candidate will balance risks and opportunities, ensuring robust governance for safe and responsible AI usage.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in AI ethics, policy, governance, and risk management. They will be a trusted advisor and advocate for responsible innovation, working cross-functionally with teams to ensure our AI systems and solutions are fair, accountable, explainable, unbiased, and compliant with ethical standards and applicable law.

What You'll Do

• AI Ethics and Governance: Lead the creation and execution of AI ethics frameworks and governance structures to ensure responsible AI development and deployment across the organization.
• Policy Development: Collaborate with legal, compliance, and regulatory teams to ensure AI policies align with global standards and regulations, including data privacy laws and emerging AI legislation.
• AI Awareness:

1. Educate internal stakeholders on National Grid’s internal AI systems. Clearly define system ownership and usage policies.
2. Define and communicate National Grid’s AI policies, processes, and procedures with impacted vendors, partners, and other third parties.
3. Develop and socialize RAI training materials. 

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with AI development and deployment by developing and instigating assessment methodologies and controls, ensuring operations are within a defined risk appetite. 
• RAI Automation: Recommend and implement technology solutions to automate and streamline RAI processes.
• Thought Leadership: Serve as a thought leader on responsible AI, influencing company strategy and contributing to public discussions on the ethical and social implications of AI technologies.
• Horizon Scanning: Keep abreast of external developments (e.g., new laws, regulations, frameworks, standards, etc.) to ensure ongoing value and manage new risks. 

About You

• A Bachelor’s degree OR a Master’s degree in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, Law, or a related field.
• 8+ Years of experience in AI, data science, data governance or a related field, with significant exposure to AI ethics and responsible AI practices.
• Strong understanding of Analytics and AI (including Generative AI), and an interest in the growing impact that these types of solutions can play in achieving business objectives. 
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance environments that our company operates in, including but not limited to: EU AI Act, NIST AI Risk Framework, UK GDPR, ISO 42001, ISO 23894, US DoE AI Guidance and OFGEM Data Best Practice. 
• Expertise in ethical AI frameworks.
• Experience in a leadership or management role, preferably in a data or AI-related field, with a focus on governance, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to navigate complex legal and ethical landscapes around AI and advocate for responsible innovation.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills. Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Preferred: Experience working in an asset-heavy industry, including Utilities, Energy, Mining, Engineering, or Manufacturing.
 

What You'll Get

Along with a competitive base salary, you will get access to some great perks - a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

DEI Commitment
At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.