Location Bristol, London, York About the job Job summary Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. Digital, Data, Technology and Security (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group. We have around 1000 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all. Find out more about DDTS: Defra digital, data and technology blog LinkedIn Defra Jobs We are Government Digital and Data Candidate Information Pack V3 - 1 Job description The Head of Responsible AI and Assurance will provide senior leadership for Defra's approach to responsible, trustworthy and auditable AI, ensuring AI-enabled solutions are adopted in a way that is safe, lawful, ethical and operationally sustainable. The role exists to enable Defra to realise value from AI while maintaining public trust and meeting HMG's expectations for robust governance and proportionate assurance of digital and data activity. It establishes and operates the department's AI assurance approach, including assurance standards, risk tiering, and decision routes for high-risk AI use cases. The postholder will work with senior stakeholders across DDTS, Data Protection, Legal, Commercial and Delivery Group leads. They will also act as an escalation point on AI risk and assurance and ensure a consistent approach across delivery portfolios. The role will broadly: Set and maintain Defra's responsible AI and AI assurance framework, tools and associated standards. Lead assurance mechanisms (risk tiering, reviews/clinics, evidence requirements, and decision routes). Provide expert leadership on ethical, sustainable and societal considerations in AI adoption and use. Ensure AI solutions include appropriate controls for auditability, transparency, evaluation, validation and monitoring. Enable delivery through clear, proportionate guardrails rather than creating barriers. Please note for this role you will require SC Clearance. To gain SC clearance all applicants are required to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 5 years. If this requirement is not met, the individual will not be able to progress their application further. Person specification Responsibilities: Own Defra's responsible AI principles and assurance approach; ensure alignment to cross-government (HMG) AI guidance and digital functional expectations. Establish and chair (or deputise chairing of) AI assurance/design clinics and related governance forums, ensuring right expertise is engaged at the right time. Define risk rating and assurance requirements for AI initiatives (including evidence standards, evaluation expectations, sign-off routes, and escalation thresholds). Advise senior leaders and delivery teams on complex AI risks and mitigations (e.g., bias/fairness risks, performance drift, data protection concerns, human oversight). Ensure AI delivery includes technical and procedural controls for logging, auditability, model/prompt change control, and operational monitoring e.g., Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) / Large Language Model Operations (LLMOps). Oversee the development of reusable assurance artefacts (templates, checklists, decision records) and embed them into DDTS delivery pathways. Represent Defra's approach in cross-government and professional forums where appropriate. Skills: Governance and assurance: Ability to design proportionate, risk-based assurance models and frameworks for complex, high-impact systems. Data ethics and responsible AI: Ability to define and operationalise ethical frameworks, translating principles into enforceable controls and assurance processes. Stakeholder relationship management: Confidently influence senior stakeholders, clearly articulating risk trade-offs and enabling informed decision. Data science and AI innovation: Possess applied understating of end-end AI/ML lifecycle, evaluation and monitoring to assure system performance and reliability. This role aligns primarily with the Digital and Data Profession "Lead Data Scientist" role, with a specialist focus on AI governance, assurance and responsible AI. The role applies data science, risk and governance expertise at an organisational level to ensure AI systems are safe, ethical and effective. Demonstrable skills/experience aligned to the Lead Data Scientist (G6) role (technical skills outlined below), within the Government Digital and Data Profession. Applied maths, statistics and scientific practices: expert level Data engineering: expert level Data ethics and privacy: expert level Data science innovation: expert level Programming and build (data science): expert level Developing Data Science Capability: expert level For further information around the technical skills please see the framework. Experience: Leading governance/assurance in a regulated or high-assurance setting. Working across multidisciplinary teams to embed standards without blocking delivery. Handling novel, ambiguous risks and advising senior decision-makers. Read Less

Location This role may be located in one of the following locations; Blackpool and Manchester.

Please find further information on the Corporate hub locations here. About the job Job summary Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. For further information, please see 'Selection process details'. The Desktop Engineering teams are responsible for delivering, supporting, and evolving the Department's modern endpoint services at scale, supporting over 100,000 Windows 11 devices. Operating across Live Running and Cloud-First engineering functions, the teams provide end-to-end ownership of desktop services, including operating system and application deployment, configuration, security, and day-to-day operational support. Working within a cloud-native environment, the teams leverage technologies such as Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Endpoint Management, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, alongside supporting platforms including Ivanti UWM, BitLocker, Citrix, VPN integrations, and Zscaler. They are accountable for both maintaining live services and driving continuous improvement through roadmap delivery, evergreen strategies, and the adoption of new and emerging capabilities. This is a fast-paced and evolving area, with a multi-year roadmap focused on enhancing user experience, strengthening security, and delivering business value. As service owners, the teams are responsible for architecture, design, feature onboarding, and operational change, ensuring the endpoint service continues to meet both strategic and day-to-day needs. We are looking for Infrastructure Engineers to join us, taking ownership of key End-User Computing (EUC) services, contributing to service innovation, and helping shape the future of desktop engineering within the organisation. There are excellent learning and development opportunities available, aligned to support your career growth. Job description We are seeking Infrastructure Engineers to join our Desktop Engineering team, supporting both live service operations and the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of a modern, secure, and resilient desktop environment. The role spans two key areas: the deployment of changes across the estate and the support of complex 3rd line incidents. You will be responsible for delivering documented work packages (including policies, applications, and bespoke solutions) into Model Office and Production environments, while also acting as a technical escalation point for high-priority desktop issues requiring collaboration across Digital teams. Working within a cloud-native, modern management environment, you will contribute to the deployment, configuration, and optimisation of endpoint services using technologies such as Microsoft Intune, Autopilot, Microsoft Configuration Manager, Defender for Endpoint, Entra ID, and Windows 10/11. You will also support integration across the wider desktop estate, including platforms such as Zscaler, Citrix, and related tooling. Key responsibilities include: Supporting live service operations, including management of 3rd line incidents Delivering technical changes and deployments to production environments Creating and maintaining technical documentation (HLDs, LLDs, and operational guides) Supporting project delivery through implementation and configuration Contributing to proofs of concept and onboarding of new technologies Representing the desktop service at governance, design, and change forums Supporting roadmap delivery and continuous service improvement You will also work with supporting technologies such as Windows Server, BitLocker, DHCP, GPO/configuration policies, software distribution (SCCM/Intune), SQL Server, monitoring tools, and scripting/reporting solutions (e.g., KQL, Power BI, Power Platform). This is a fast-paced role in a continuously evolving environment, focused on delivering a modern, reliable, and secure end-user experience through evergreen practices and industry best standards. You may be offered the opportunity to participate in out-of-hours on-call incident support on a rota basis. This is entirely optional, and full training will be provided. Person specification When giving details in your employment history and personal statement you should highlight your experience in line with essential criteria below: Documented design experience Proven exposure and experience producing/updating clear, accurate High-Level Designs, Low-Level Designs, installation and operational documentation for enterprise infrastructure or desktop services. Experience of managing pre-prod, dev and test environments. Modern endpoint management at scale Hands-on engineering or operational experience with Microsoft Intune, Windows Autopilot, Windows 10/11, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint in a large enterprise environment (10,000+ users). Core cloud and identity infrastructure Practical experience supporting or engineering core services including Azure, Entra ID (Azure AD), Conditional Access, and on-prem Active Directory (DNS, DHCP, GPO). Live service change and support Experience delivering and supporting technical change in a live service environment, including impact assessment, implementation, and post-change validation, alongside incident & problem management related activities. Enterprise service delivery experience working in a large, multi-supplier or multi-team environment, understanding dependencies, governance, and shared accountability. Desktop and application management Experience with software deployment and desktop management in an enterprise setting, including troubleshooting and lifecycle management. If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact . Read Less

Enterprise Architect

Position Description
At CGI, we partner with clients to architect large-scale transformation that delivers measurable business outcomes, from improved resilience and efficiency to accelerated digital growth. As an Enterprise Architect within our central large deals team, you will shape and lead complex, high-value engagements that redefine how organisations operate and compete. You will connect business ambition with practical, executable technology strategies, drawing on global delivery capabilities to design solutions that are innovative, commercially sound and outcome-driven. In a culture built on collaboration, accountability and continuous development, you'll have the autonomy to lead, the support to grow, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact across some of our most strategic client programmes.

CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and has been named a UK 'Best Employer' by the Financial Times. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare, plus a share scheme (3.5% + 3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee. We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you'll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We'll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go.

Due to the secure nature of the programme, you will need to hold UK Security Clearance or be eligible to go through this clearance. This is a hybrid position in Leeds

Your future duties and responsibilities
In this role, you will operate as a senior architectural leader across CGI's most strategic and complex pursuits, shaping end-to-end solutions that align client ambition with executable delivery. You will take ownership of enterprise architecture across large deals, guiding clients from early engagement through bid, transition and transformation, ensuring every solution is commercially sound, scalable and outcome-focused. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will influence at executive level, translate strategy into value, and lead high-performing teams to deliver cohesive, innovative solutions.

You will bring together diverse teams across geographies and disciplines, fostering collaboration and alignment while maintaining high standards of architectural integrity. You will also play a key role in strengthening CGI's capabilities, contributing to service innovation and continuously improving how we deliver value to clients.

Lead & shape enterprise architecture across large, complex deals and transformation programmes
Engage & influence senior stakeholders, including CxO-level leaders
Design & deliver end-to-end managed service and IT transformation solutions
Align & integrate multi-tower services across global delivery models
Lead & mentor senior architects and cross-functional teams
Support & drive bid strategy, solution development and commercial alignment
Ensure & validate solution quality, scalability, security and compliance
Optimise & improve live services, driving performance, resilience and cost efficiency
Contribute & innovate within CGI's architecture and advisory capabilities

Required qualifications to be successful in this role
To succeed, you will bring extensive experience in enterprise architecture leadership within large-scale IT services or consulting environments, combined with strong commercial awareness and the ability to influence at executive level. You will be highly credible in both business and technology domains, with a proven track record of shaping and delivering complex, high-value solutions that drive measurable outcomes.

Proven experience in senior enterprise architecture or technology leadership roles
Strong track record leading large-scale bids and pursuits (ideally £50m+ deals)
Extensive experience designing managed services and IT outsourcing solutions
Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, including CxO-level
Strong background in complex, multi-supplier and global delivery environments
Experience with ITIL-aligned service design within Agile environments
Demonstrated success in leading and mentoring senior technical teams
Strong commercial awareness, including cost modelling and deal shaping
Knowledge of modern architecture patterns (cloud-native, API-led, event-driven, etc.)
Experience supporting digital transformation and service optimisation initiatives

Together, as owners, let's turn meaningful insights into action.

Life at CGI is rooted in ownership, teamwork, respect and belonging. Here, you'll reach your full potential because

You are invited to be an owner from day 1 as we work together to bring our Dream to life. That's why we call ourselves CGI Partners rather than employees. We benefit from our collective success and actively shape our company's strategy and direction.

Your work creates value. You'll develop innovative solutions and build relationships with teammates and clients while accessing global capabilities to scale your ideas, embrace new opportunities, and benefit from expansive industry and technology expertise.

You'll shape your career by joining a company built to grow and last. You'll be supported by leaders who care about your health and well-being and provide you with opportunities to deepen your skills and broaden your horizons.

Come join our team-one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. Read Less

Are you good at turning ideas into well run projects? Do you enjoy working with customers, managing budgets and making sure everything gets delivered properly? We're looking for a Commercial Project Manager to take ownership of industry funded projects, from first conversation through to delivery and close out. You'll work closely with customers and internal teams to make sure projects are clearly scoped, commercially sound and delivered on time. What you'll be doing • Turning customer needs into clear, deliverable projects • Scoping work: timelines, costs, resources and outcomes • Managing contracts and making sure projects run to plan • Acting as the main point of contact for customers • Coordinating internal teams and external partners • Keeping an eye on budgets, margins and delivery risks • Spotting opportunities to build longer term partnerships • Making sure projects follow agreed processes and standards What we're looking for: • Experience delivering commercial or client facing projects • Confidence managing budgets, timelines and stakeholders • A good understanding of contracts and commercial risk • Strong communication skills and comfortable dealing with customers • Well organised and able to juggle multiple projects • It is beneficial to have experience in agritech, agriculture, food or innovation What's On Offer • Competitive salary dependant on experience • Hybrid working • Opportunities to develop commercially and professionally • Room to grow as the role and organisation develop To apply: If this role is of interest and you would like more information, please call George Clayton on or email me at De Lacy Executive Recruitment will upload your CV to our database and retain some data about you in order to process your application. More information about our processing activities can be found at Please be assured that all contact is treated in complete confidence and your details will not be passed to a third party without your prior permission. Read Less

Are you an experienced crop trials professional looking for a role with real sector impact? A government-funded public private organisation is looking for a commercially minded Trials & Validation Lead to take ownership of crop testing activity within its Test, Trial & Demonstration function. The organisation works closely with innovative businesses, growers and research partners to help new technologies move from concept into commercial agriculture. This is a practical leadership role with real impact in the sector. You will plan and oversee crop trials from design through to delivery. Each trial must be specifically designed to specifically test the product or practise in question. You will ensure data is robust, commercially relevant and useful to growers and agri-tech businesses alike. The organisation is built around strong values including integrity, accountability, innovation, collaboration and real-world impact. The Role This role sits between innovation and adoption. Good ideas only matter if they work in the field. This requires good evidence of success which is produced by accurate trials, consistent protocols, reliable data and practical outcomes. You will lead crop trials across a range of farming systems and environments. This will include work around: Soil nutrition and soil health Precision farming technology Biological products and crop inputs Sustainable growing systems Water management Crop resilience and yield improvement The focus is trial quality, relevant evidence, commercial outcomes and farmer confidence. Responsibilities: Lead crop trial and validation activity across the organisation Manage Trials & Validation Coordinators and support team development Act as the key contact for agri-tech businesses, growers and supply chain partners Ensure trials are scientifically robust and commercially representative Coordinate field trial sites across varying soil types and growing conditions Maintain high standards in protocols, data quality and reporting Ensure trials reflect real farming environments and commercial practice Oversee delivery against timelines, budgets and programme KPIs Develop and improve crop trial platforms and testbed capability Support trials linked to soil nutrition, crop establishment and sustainable production systems Build relationships with growers, agronomists and early adopters Work closely with internal teams, research partners and external stakeholders Produce clear reporting for leadership teams, boards and funding bodies Drive continuous improvement across trial systems and delivery standards You Will Bring: You will understand that good evidence comes from discipline and consistency, not simply activity. Strong technical experience within crop production systems A background in trials, validation or applied agricultural R&D Experience managing people and coordinating delivery through teams Knowledge of crop agronomy and soil management principles Experience working across multiple trial sites and programmes Excellent stakeholder management skills The ability to assess data critically and communicate findings clearly A practical and delivery-focused mindset A degree in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy or a related subject, or equivalent industry experience A full UK driving licence Desirable: Experience with precision agriculture technology Knowledge of regenerative farming or soil health systems Experience working alongside data or modelling teams Exposure to government, research or industry bodies Project management experience The Opportunity This is an important position within the Test, Trial & Demonstration team. You will influence how crop technologies are tested, validated and proven before commercial adoption. Your work will help shape future farming systems across UK agriculture. For the right person, this is an opportunity to lead meaningful work with long term impact across the sector. To apply: For more information and an informal confidential discussion please call Rupert Kettle on: Office or e-mail your CV and covering letter to De Lacy Executive Recruitment will upload your CV to our database and retain some data about you in order to process your application. More information about our processing activities can be found at Please be assured that all contact is treated in complete confidence and your details will not be passed to a third party without your prior permission. Read Less

A leading agricultural business is seeking an experienced Fertiliser Procurement Manager to join its Agricultural Inputs team.This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional with strong fertiliser market knowledge to play a key role in developing supplier relationships, delivering value to members, and driving future business growth.The RoleWorking closely with senior leadership, you will be responsible for managing fertiliser procurement activities, developing strategic supplier partnerships, and ensuring members receive a first-class service and competitive pricing.Key responsibilities include:Leading procurement activities across a substantial fertiliser portfolioDeveloping and strengthening relationships with suppliers and industry stakeholdersIdentifying opportunities for business growth and increased member engagementMonitoring market trends and providing commercial insightManaging budgets, forecasting, and performance reportingDriving innovation and sustainable solutions within the fertiliser sectorSupporting and developing a high-performing teamActing as a trusted point of contact between suppliers and customersWhat's on Offer?Opportunity to influence and shape procurement strategyWork with an established and respected agricultural organisationCollaborative and supportive team environmentCompetitive salaryGenuine opportunity for career progression and professional developmentAbout YouTo be successful in this role, you will have:Proven experience within fertiliser procurementStrong technical and commercial understanding of the fertiliser marketExperience managing supplier relationships and negotiating commercial agreementsExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsPrevious people management experienceStrong commercial awareness and financial acumenFACTS qualification (essential)Experience within agricultural inputs, crop protection, seed procurement, or related sectors would be advantageous.For a confidential discussion and further information, please apply today or contact me. Hannah on or email me . Read Less