AI Data & Governance Advisor

Location/s: London or Bristol
Recruiter contact: Nikki George
Hiring manager contact: Naomi Bishop Bunn

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices. 

We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual. 

Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you’re surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.

About the business unit  

Mott MacDonald’s support services are the driving force behind our organisation enabling us to run efficiently and effectively. The team works collaboratively to offer specialist advice, best practice and technology to all areas of our business specifically designed for our global reach.

Make a Difference. Grow Your Potential. Shape Our Societal Impact. 

At Mott MacDonald, we believe that harnessing the power of AI and data can drive meaningful change—both for our clients and society as a whole. As an AI and Data Governance Advisor, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our adoption of advanced technologies is responsible, inclusive, and impactful. You’ll guide teams on best practices, proactively manage risks, and champion ethical, secure, and effective use of AI and data. 

Your Purpose and Contribution 

You will be at the heart of embedding responsible AI and robust data governance within operational and project activities. Your work will help unlock innovation while safeguarding our reputation and the communities we serve. 

What You’ll Do 

• Support the Group AI Governance Lead develop, implement, and continuously refine comprehensive AI and data governance policies, standards, and frameworks aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements (e.g., EU/UK GDPR, EU AI Act). 
• Review risk assessments focused on AI and data usage, identifying ethical, legal, security, and reputational risks; propose mitigation strategies. 
• Monitor emerging trends in AI regulation and data governance to ensure organizational compliance and proactive adaptation, including horizon scanning and stakeholder updates.  
• Collaborate cross-functionally with project teams, data scientists, AI engineers, legal, compliance, and product teams to embed governance principles into development and operational processes. 
• Lead training programs and workshops to educate staff on AI and data governance policies, ethical AI principles, and responsible data management. 
• Oversee audits and compliance monitoring of AI systems and data handling procedures. 
• Develop and track key metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of AI and data governance initiatives. 
• Serve as a primary liaison with external regulators, industry bodies, and partners on AI and data governance matters, including planning for authority engagement where required. 
• Provide clear and actionable guidance and reporting on governance issues to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders. 
• Project management including coordinating risk assessments, reporting status to regional AI leads, and producing information for board reports. 
• Project manage the AI and data governance projects including planning, securing resources, organising meetings, tracking actions, and reporting progress. 
• Produce programme and project updates and reports for various stakeholders. 
• Manage the AI governance mailbox and respond to queries from the business. 

Who You’ll Work With 

You will collaborate widely partnering with digital, technical, legal, and project teams. We celebrate teamwork, diversity, and inclusion valuing each unique perspective and building trust at all levels. 

About You 

• You are passionate about advancing society through ethical digital innovation. 
• You bring experience in AI governance, risk, or data management, and are excited by new challenges and learning. 
• You balance curiosity and technical know-how with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to individual and collective wellbeing. 
• You embrace growth, celebrate the successes of others, and are inspired by making a real, positive difference. 

Required Qualifications and Skills: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Law, Data Science, Public Policy, Ethics, or a related field. 
• Proven experience (5+ years) in AI governance, data governance, compliance, or related advisory roles. 
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, machine learning workflows, and associated governance challenges. 
• In-depth knowledge of data privacy and protection laws including the EU/UK GDPR, UK regulations, and emerging AI regulatory frameworks. 
• Excellent analytical, risk assessment, and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of articulating complex governance concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Project management experience and ability to work independently and collaboratively. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Professional certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), or ethics-focused credentials. 
• Experience working in regulated industries (e.g., finance, healthcare) with strong data governance needs. 
• Familiarity with AI bias mitigation techniques and fairness in machine learning. 
• Experience with AI ethics frameworks and standards. 

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. 

#LI-NG

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

Agile working  

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion 

We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Accessibility

We want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

Health and wellbeing

• Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues.
• Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.
• Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.
• A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family.
• Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.

Financial wellbeing

• We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.
• Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.
• Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury.
• Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing.
• As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.

Lifestyle

• A minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.
• Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service.
• Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.

 Enhanced family and carers leave

• Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.
• Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.
• Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.

Learning and development

• Primary annual professional institution subscription.
• A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.

Networks, communities, and social outcomes

• Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.

Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.