AI Accelerator Lead

You'll work as part of a multidisciplinary team exploring advanced AI techniques such as geo foundation models, agentic systems, and LLM orchestration. Your goal: deliver high-impact prototypes that evolve into scalable, production-ready solutions, embedding AI in real-world contexts to reduce adoption friction and build organisational confidence in responsible AI use. What You'll Do Programme Leadership: Design and operate the AI Accelerator as a structured, high-impact programme that drives experimentation, rapid prototyping, and capability development across OS. Exploration & Innovation: Investigate emerging AI techniques, identify high-value applications, and surface associated risks and opportunities for the business. Technical Delivery: Own the design and build of prototypes, write production-grade code, conduct code reviews, and guide the transition from concept to scalable solution. Capability Building: Mentor participants, energise the AI Guild, and curate learning resources to strengthen skills and foster a culture of responsible experimentation. Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with product, data, and technology teams to align initiatives with strategic priorities and ethical standards. Communicating Impact: Track and communicate outcomes, insights, and recommendations to senior stakeholders, informing roadmap decisions and future investment., OS conducts pre-employment checks for anyone made an offer of employment, including identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks (via Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS). Some of our roles may require additional security vetting. We will advise candidates during the recruitment process if additional vetting may be required for that specific role.

• Proven experience in AI/ML engineering, software development, and technical leadership
• Strong understanding of modern AI techniques (LLMs, agentic systems, orchestration frameworks)
• Ability to write production-grade code and define engineering best practices
• Skilled in programme design, stakeholder engagement, and the evaluation of impact
• Passion for responsible AI adoption, including human-in-the-loop workflows and ethical application
• Familiarity with AI governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and secure software engineering practices
• Ability to mentor, inspire, and influence across diverse teams
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with emerging AI technologies and industry best practices, Agile Principles, AI Governance, AI Integration, AI Systems, Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Cloud Development, Collaboration, Communication, Innovation, Problem Solving, Product Development, Project Delivery, Python (Programming Language), Responsible AI, Secure Software Development Lifecycle, Solution Architecture, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Thinking, Team Leadership, User Research
  
  We embrace a hybrid working model at OS, because we believe in flexibility and balance. You'll be based at our fantastic HQ in Southampton, Hampshire, where you'll spend 50% of your working week collaborating face-to-face with colleagues. It's all about combining the best of both worlds connection and autonomy to help you thrive., We are Ordnance Survey, Great Britain's national mapping service and a pioneer in geospatial technology. With over 230 years of trusted data, we empower better decisions, deeper understanding, and meaningful connections to the places we live, move through, and care for.
Three principles one direction
• Clear the path - Cut the noise. Simplify. Move at pace
• Seek the story - Listen. Understand. Speak up
• Do what matters - Focus on value
Our principles unite us in delivering our Data & Destinations strategy with more simplicity, more clarity, and renewed momentum for each other and for our customers. They're here to create more good days, and fewer harder ones but only if each one of us plays our part.


• Be at the forefront of AI innovation in geospatial technology
• Work on cutting-edge projects with real-world impact
• Enjoy a collaborative, inclusive culture with flexible working options
• Access to professional development, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment
The Rewards We want you to love what you do and feel supported to do your best work. Our benefits include:
• Competitive salary and pension (OS contribute up to 12.07%)
• Performance-related bonus (where applicable)
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Enhanced family leave, including paid partner leave
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• Learning and development support, coaching and mentoring
• Free subscription to OS Maps and access to wellbeing support
• Volunteering leave and matched fundraising