Senior Solution Architect (AI)

Job summary

Across government, the adoption of artificial intelligence is reshaping how organisations design services, make decisions and deliver outcomes. As AI capabilities expand, the need for robust architectural design becomes critical to ensure solutions are scalable, secure and aligned with both organisational strategy and ethical standards. Ofgem plays a vital role in the UK’s energy system, protecting consumers and enabling a more secure, fair and sustainable energy future, and the responsible use of AI is central to delivering this mission.

Ofgem is on an ambitious transformation journey. Within the Digital, Data and Security Services (DDSS) directorate, we are building a modern data and AI capability to support innovation, improve decision-making and enhance service delivery. This includes designing and deploying AI-driven solutions that are integrated into wider enterprise architecture and governed by strong standards around security, transparency and ethics.

As a Senior Solution Architect (AI), you will lead the design and assurance of AI and data-driven solutions across a range of programmes and services. You will work closely with data scientists, engineers and business stakeholders to ensure that AI systems are scalable, secure and aligned with organisational goals. You will also play a key role in shaping architectural standards and governance, ensuring that AI is implemented responsibly and effectively.

This is a senior role requiring a strong blend of technical expertise, architectural thinking and stakeholder engagement. You will operate across multiple initiatives, balancing strategic direction with hands-on design and assurance responsibilities.

Job description

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the architectural design and assurance of AI and machine learning solutions, ensuring they meet standards for scalability, security and performance.
• Ensuring alignment between AI solutions and Ofgem’s enterprise architecture, promoting interoperability and reuse across systems and platforms.
• Defining and maintaining architecture artefacts and documentation using recognised frameworks such as TOGAF and modern data modelling approaches.
• Working closely with stakeholders, including data scientists, engineers and business teams, to translate requirements into effective technical designs.
• Providing architectural governance and assurance, identifying and mitigating risks across multiple programmes and delivery teams.
• Evaluating emerging AI technologies and recommending solutions that enhance capability while ensuring compliance with ethical and governance frameworks.
• Supporting the development of AI architecture standards and best practice, promoting responsible and explainable AI across the organisation.
• Communicating complex architectural concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, influencing decision-making at senior levels.
• Coaching and supporting other architects, contributing to capability development and consistency across architecture practices.

We are looking for:

A technically strong and strategically minded architect who can design and assure AI solutions within a complex organisation. You will bring experience of solution architecture, alongside an understanding of AI and data-driven systems, and the ability to influence across a wide range of stakeholders.

You may come from a solution architecture, data architecture or AI engineering background, but you will demonstrate:

• Experience designing and assuring AI or data-driven solutions within an enterprise environment
• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture principles and frameworks
• Knowledge of AI governance, ethical AI and data management considerations
• The ability to balance technical design with business requirements and strategic priorities
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate complex concepts clearly

Relevant certifications such as Azure AI Engineer, AI Solutions Architect or equivalent architectural qualifications are expected (or willingness to obtain).

Experience designing AI solutions in Azure environments, including tools such as Azure Machine Learning, Copilot Studio or AI Foundry, would be beneficial.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping how Ofgem designs and delivers AI solutions. You will ensure that AI adoption is architecturally sound, scalable and responsible, supporting innovation while maintaining strong governance and trust.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrates proven experience in designing and assuring AI technical solutions that align with enterprise architecture principles and business objectives. (Lead Criteria)
• Demonstrates understanding of ethical AI, data governance, and explain ability frameworks within enterprise or public sector contexts. (Lead Criteria)
• Applies sound understanding of responsible and explainable AI principles to ensure solutions are ethical, secure, and transparent in their operation and outcomes.

Holds or can obtain the following certifications or equivalent within 6 months:

• Formal Architectural Qualification such as Microsoft Certified Azure AI Engineer Associate, Microsoft Certified Agentic AI Business Solutions Architect or IBM Applied AI Professional.

Desirable Criteria

• Experienced in designing or deploying AI and machine learning services on Azure, such as Azure Machine Learning Co-pilot, Co-pilot studio and AI foundry.

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Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

• You will also be asked to conduct a Technical Test. Full details of the Technical Test will be disclosed if you progress through sift stage.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £49,452, OFGEM contributes £14,326 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).Ofgem can offer you a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes; 30 days annual leave after 2 years; Excellent training and development opportunities; The opportunity to join the generous Civil Service pension which also includes a valuable range of benefits; hybrid working (currently 1 day a week in the office but this is kept under review), flexible working hours and family friendly policies. Plus lots of other benefits including clean and bright offices based centrally, engaged networks and teams and an opportunity to contribute to our ambitious and important targets of establishing a Net Zero energy system by 2050. This exciting blend of professional challenge and personal reward identifies career opportunities at Ofgem as something to get excited about.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

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