Service Design Lead- AiOps

SSE plc; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare discounts

Gym memberships discounts

Online GP

24/7 counselling service

Cycle to Work scheme

Interest-free loans for tech and 1/2/1

Maternity and adoption pay

Paternity leave

Job summary

SSE plc is seeking a Design Lead – AI Ops to lead the design, adoption and evolution of AI-powered operations across the ServiceNow platform. You will collaborate with product owners, architects, engineers and business stakeholders to embed AI, automation and predictive operations into core IT and business processes.

This role shapes how SSE leverages AI capabilities to deliver scalable, secure and future-ready digital services across the enterprise.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and delivering AI, automation or operational intelligence solutions within complex enterprise environments.
• Strong understanding of IT operations, cloud platforms, observability, monitoring and service management practices.
• Knowledge of AI technologies and their practical application to operational challenges.
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and translating business requirements into technical solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance innovation and risk.
• Excellent communication, leadership and collaboration skills, with experience influencing across technical and non-technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of AI Ops capabilities across SSE’s technology estate.
• Define target operating models, standards and best practices for AI-driven operations.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, data specialists and business stakeholders to deliver AI-based solutions.
• Ensure AI platforms and services are secure, compliant, resilient and aligned to enterprise architecture.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation, predictive analytics and operational insights.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams and delivery partners.

Skills

AI Ops design

Automation

Operational intelligence

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Leadership & collaboration

Tools

ServiceNow

Job description

Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations : Glasgow, Perth, Reading or Havant

Salary: £51,600 - £77,400 + performance-related bonus and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: | Permanent |Full Time

The Role

As Design Lead – AI Ops, you will lead the design, adoption and continuous evolution of AI-powered operational capabilities across the ServiceNow platform. You will work with product owners, architects, engineers and business stakeholders to embed AI, automation and predictive operations into core IT and business processes, improving service performance, user experience and operational efficiency. The role will shape how SSE leverages ServiceNow AI capabilities to deliver scalable, secure and future-ready digital services across the enterprise.

You will

• Lead the design and implementation of AI Ops capabilities across SSE’s technology estate.
• Define target operating models, standards and best practices for AI-driven operations.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, data specialists and business stakeholders to deliver AI-based solutions.
• Ensure AI platforms and services are secure, compliant, resilient and aligned to enterprise architecture.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation, predictive analytics and operational insights.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams and delivery partners.

You Have

• Experience designing and delivering AI, automation or operational intelligence solutions within complex enterprise environments.
• Strong understanding of IT operations, cloud platforms, observability, monitoring and service management practices.
• Knowledge of AI technologies and their practical application to operational challenges.
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and translating business requirements into technical solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance innovation and risk.
• Excellent communication, leadership and collaboration skills, with experience influencing across technical and non-technical teams.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're building the world's largest offshore wind farm. Transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.

Our IT division powers growth across all SSE business areas by making sure we have the systems, software and security needed to take the lead in a low carbon world. They provide expertise, advice and day-to-day support in emerging technologies, data and analytics, cyber security and more.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [e-mail] / 01738 275 846 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.