NHS England

Chief Solution Architect AI

The closing date is 06 April 2026

Job summary

NHS England's Data and Analytics Directorate is supporting the NHS to become data enabled over the next 10 years. Our vision is to put patients in control of their data and care, support clinicians, decision-makers and researchers with access to trusted, real-time and high-quality data.

The Chief Solution Architect (AI) will lead and shape the future of AI within NHSE. This is a high-impact role with responsibility for overseeing the AI Factory, a critical function driving the development, deployment, and scaling of AI solutions that can truly impact our Patient and Staff experiences.

NHSE operates a hybrid working policy but we are open to applications for any office base location. There will be requirements for regular travel to Leeds and London offices.

Main duties of the job

Key aspects of this role will be to: -

Lead and provide strategic direction for the NHS AI Factory: This includes setting the vision, strategy, and roadmap for developing, deploying, and scaling AI solutions within the NHS.
Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of AI solutions: From identifying opportunities and developing solutions to deploying, monitoring, and iterating on them, the Deputy Director will oversee the entire process.
Ensure alignment with regulations and ethical considerations: The Deputy Director will be responsible for ensuring that all AI solutions are developed and deployed in compliance with relevant regulations and ethical guidelines.

About us

The NHS England board have set out the top-level purpose for the new organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all, which will inform the detailed design work and we will achieve this purpose by:

Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential.
Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
Delivering value for money.

If you would like to know more or require further information, please visithttps://www.england.nhs.uk/.

Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.

Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.

If you are successful at interview, we will run an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) in the Electronic Staff Record system (ESR). This transfer gathers valuable information from a previous or current NHS employer to support the onboarding process, including; statutory and mandatory competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You will have the opportunity throughout the recruitment process to inform us if you do not consent.

Date posted

23 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 9

Salary

£146,616.60 to £168,717.90 a year Inclusive of 30% RRP payment (exclusive of London Weighting)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

990-TDD-D&A-EC1512-E

Job locations

Any NHSE Office

Nationally (requirement to travel to Leeds and London)

LS1 4AP

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please note, this role is part of a Solutions Architect community and this assignment will be the first assignment. As business priorities evolve, the post-holder may be required to move to other solutions architect roles in NHSE.

The post of Chief Solution Architect AI has been awarded a Recruitment and Retention Premia (RRP) in response to current labour market conditions. In recognition of this, the role attracts an additional monthly RRP payment equal to 30% per annum.

Please be aware that RRP is non-contractual and subject to review.

You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please be aware that RRP is non-contractual and subject to review.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, techniques, and best practices within healthcare. This includes familiarity with a range of ML approaches (supervised/unsupervised learning, deep learning, etc.) and their applications in healthcare.
Strong understanding of data privacy, security, and ethical considerations in AI. This is crucial for ensuring responsible AI development and deployment within a sensitive healthcare context

Qualifications

Essential

Educated to Masters level or equivalent level within a technical field such as computing, engineering, statistical analysis
Equivalent experience of working at a senior level in specialist area (such as Computing, Scientific, Mathematical, Engineering, Statistical or related field).

Experience and Skills

Essential

Experience building and deploying AI solutions at scale, ideally within a healthcare setting.
Experience driving and developing multi-disciplinary teams to translate business problems into solutions, with strong leadership skills displayed.
Experience working with senior stakeholders, ministers and officials to support policy development

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, techniques, and best practices within healthcare. This includes familiarity with a range of ML approaches (supervised/unsupervised learning, deep learning, etc.) and their applications in healthcare.
Strong understanding of data privacy, security, and ethical considerations in AI. This is crucial for ensuring responsible AI development and deployment within a sensitive healthcare context

Qualifications

Essential

Educated to Masters level or equivalent level within a technical field such as computing, engineering, statistical analysis
Equivalent experience of working at a senior level in specialist area (such as Computing, Scientific, Mathematical, Engineering, Statistical or related field).

Experience and Skills

Essential

Experience building and deploying AI solutions at scale, ideally within a healthcare setting.
Experience driving and developing multi-disciplinary teams to translate business problems into solutions, with strong leadership skills displayed.
Experience working with senior stakeholders, ministers and officials to support policy development

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

NHS England

Address

Any NHSE Office

Nationally (requirement to travel to Leeds and London)

LS1 4AP

Employer's website

https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/working-for/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

NHS England

Address

Any NHSE Office

Nationally (requirement to travel to Leeds and London)

LS1 4AP

Employer's website

https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/working-for/ (Opens in a new tab)