AI & Machine Learning, Principal

Overview

In this role you will lead Ofcom’s strategic thinking on AI and machine learning for online safety, shaping governance and assurance frameworks. You will direct major technical programmes, advise senior leaders, and assess AI systems used by regulated services. You’ll translate complex evidence into practical regulatory insight and mentor colleagues to build capability. This is a high-impact, cross-functional role with influence across policy, enforcement and industry engagement. You’ll join a mission-driven team focused on safer, trusted AI at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead major AI/ML work programmes and align delivery with organisational priorities
• Act as trusted technical adviser, translating evidence into clear recommendations
• Apply judgement under uncertainty to identify risks and propose practical paths forward
• Lead assessment of AI systems, evaluating effectiveness, fairness, transparency, safety and accountability
• Shape AI governance, Responsible AI, and model evaluation approaches
• Oversee evaluation methods and tools to ensure proper interpretation of evidence
• Lead technical research, horizon scanning and analysis of emerging AI capabilities
• Produce technical papers and briefings to inform policy and regulatory decisions
• Drive delivery of complex programmes, managing priorities and resources
• Represent Ofcom in technical forums and build cross-sector relationships
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams through coaching and knowledge sharing
• Create an inclusive, collaborative working culture and clear accountability for delivery

Key requirements

• Deep expertise in AI/ML with knowledge in Responsible AI, AI assurance, model evaluation or related areas
• Experience assessing AI systems for fairness, robustness, transparency and safety
• Track record of setting direction and delivering significant technical projects in complex environments
• Strong influencing ability with senior stakeholders and cross-disciplinary teams
• Experience developing others through coaching and mentoring
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work independently with credible, evidence-based recommendations
• Experience representing an organisation externally to government, regulators, industry or academia
• Ability to maintain independence and impartiality in challenging contexts

• strong reasoning
• persuasive communication
• collaborative and inclusive leadership
• AI governance
• AI assurance
• model evaluation

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