AI Transformation Lead at Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, London, 5 months, £Contract Rate

On behalf of DESNZ, we are looking for a AI Transformation Lead for a contract ending on March 2026 Inside IR35 contract based Hybrid with 3-4 days in either 

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is focused on the energy portfolio from the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The responsibilities for the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero are:

• Delivering security of energy supply.
• Ensuring properly functioning energy markets.
• Encouraging greater energy efficiency.
• Seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries.

We encourage our colleagues to be bold, be collaborative, be inclusive and to be big on learning. If you want to take part in meaningful work that makes an impact in the UK as well as abroad, then look no further than the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

As a AI Transformation Lead , your main responsibilities will be to:

• Map and analyse workflows (e.g., evidence synthesis) to identify priority areas for AI adoption
• Select and implement AI tools - whether internally provided, commercial, or developed in-house - to support priorities.
• Collaborate with department corporate services and GO-Science colleagues to procure, whitelist and integrate tools, ensuring compliance and business continuity.
• Redesign workflows to integrate AI solutions effectively.
• Evaluate impact, measuring success and iterating improvements.
• Work with the wider department to scale successful projects and explore resource-sharing opportunities.
• Champion AI adoption, supporting workforce upskilling and fostering a culture of innovation across GO-Science.

Essential:

• Proven experience leading through change and in programme or project management, ideally in a transformation or technology-driven context.
• Good understanding of AI technologies and their application in organisational workflows.
• Ability to engage and influence stakeholders across multiple teams and departments.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a track record of delivering measurable outcomes.
• Familiarity with procurement processes and governance in a public sector or regulated environment.

Desirable:

• Experience in evidence synthesis or related scientific workflows.
• Knowledge of government science policy and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Understanding of cybersecurity and data governance in AI deployment

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DESNZ guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

DESNZ guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.