Director of Data & AI

Permanent full time (34.5 hours), we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours. Hybrid - Split between home and our London Office. Our Hybrid model for this role will mean 1 day per week in the office.

Salary Range: 120,000 - 128,000 - benefits and recognition.

Help shape the future of data and AI at Macmillan Cancer Support. At Macmillan Cancer Support, we're here to do whatever it takes for people living with cancer. Every conversation, every service and every innovation is driven by one purpose, to help people get the support they need when they need it most. We're embarking on an ambitious transformation of how we use data, technology and artificial intelligence to improve the lives of people living with cancer. To help us achieve this, we're looking for an exceptional Director of Data & AI to join our senior technology leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to define and lead Macmillan's Data & AI strategy, creating the trusted foundations, governance and capabilities that will enable better decisions, more personalised support, stronger partnerships and greater impact across the organisation.

Reporting to our Chief Technology & Data Officer, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring data and AI become practical tools that help us deliver more for the people who rely on us.

About the role:

In this role you'll help Macmillan become a truly connected, insight-led and AI ready organisation by bringing together people, platforms and processes to unlock the value of our data responsibly and ethically. Working closely with colleagues across Technology, Insight & Performance, Fundraising, Partnership, Services and Corporate functions, you'll create the conditions that allow high-quality insight and AI innovation to flourish safely and at scale. You'll be responsible for shaping strategy, strengthening governance, building modern data capabilities and leading the safe adoption of AI across the organisation.

What you'll be doing:

• Develop and deliver Macmillan's organisation-wide Data & AI Strategies, ensuring they support our charitable mission and digital transformation ambitions.
• Build trusted data foundations by improving governance, quality, ownership and consistency across key business domains.
• Lead the development of modern, secure and scalable data platforms that enable trusted insight, reusable data products and AI-ready datasets.
• Create the frameworks that ensure AI is adopted safely, ethically and responsibly across Macmillan.
• Identify, prioritise and deliver data and AI opportunities that improve decision-making, supporter engagement, operational efficiency and outcomes for people living with cancer.
• Partner with senior leaders across the organisation to embed data-informed decision making and maximise organisational impact.
• Advise the Executive Team and Board on strategic opportunities, investment decisions, organisational maturity and emerging technologies.
• Build and inspire high-performing teams while developing data and AI capability, confidence and literacy across Macmillan.

About you:

We're looking for an inspiring strategic leader who combines technical credibility with exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills. You'll bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience across data, analytics, digital and AI.
• A proven track record of developing and delivering enterprise Data, Analytics and AI strategies within complex organisations.
• Experience establishing strong data governance, improving data quality and creating trusted, reusable data assets.
• Deep understanding of modern data platforms, AI technologies, data architecture, governance, privacy and responsible AI.
• Experience building investment cases, prioritising transformation portfolios and demonstrating measurable organisational value.
• The ability to influence Executive teams, Boards and senior stakeholders while leading through collaboration and partnership.
• Experience leading organisational and cultural change that enables lasting transformation.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to make complex technical concepts accessible to non-technical audiences.
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style and a genuine passion for using technology and data to create positive social impact.
• Experience within the charity, healthcare, public or other regulated sectors would be advantageous, as would knowledge of NHS data, interoperability or large-scale data operating models, but these aren't essential.

Recruitment Process:

Application deadline: August 30th at 23:59. First interview dates: W/C September 14th. To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We are an organisation that is committed to setting candidates up for success, so we can support you to be at your best during the application or selection process, please contact Macmillan TA Team TATeam@macmillan.org.uk for advice, or a conversation on reasonable adjustments.

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.

Salary From: 120,000 Salary To: 128,000 Region: UK Wide Location: Hybrid London Advertised Job Category: Technology Department: Technology Exec Office Job type: Permanent Closing Date: 30 August 2026