Head of Data Services in Liverpool

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton or Liverpool

Permanent Full time (37 hours per week)

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish. We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes. The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture. Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

As Head of the Data Services Group, you will combine leadership of the group with strategic leadership of a portfolio of key externally-funded activities. You will have overall responsibility for the British Oceanographic Data Centre, providing data services to the national and international marine communities, and to the wider environmental science community as part of the NERC Environmental Data Service. You will work as part of the NOC senior leadership team to develop the strategic direction of NOC’s capabilities in data services, ensuring that they respond to the needs of society and adapt to a rapidly-changing technological landscape. You will use your excellent communication and engagement skills to build relationships and collaborations at the national and international level.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of projects and collaborations and drive the future strategic direction of the group’s research
• Develop, mentor, and inspire a team with a wide range of skills
• Oversee the pipeline of external income into the group
• Contribute to strategic planning within NOC
• Develop and lead relationships with our strategic partners and stakeholders

About you

We’re looking for someone who can bring the following qualities to the position:

• Ability to develop a clear strategy for data services and manage resources for delivery
• Strong experience in environmental data management in a research environment
• Experience of securing funding to support data management and innovation activities
• Ability to engage with a range of stakeholders, including funders and other NERC centres

The following qualities are highly desirable:

• Strong understanding of the national and international landscape in marine data management
• Experience with delivering data services outside a research setting (e.g. for policy or industry)

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
• access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
• we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position can be based in Southampton or Liverpool. Our Southampton site is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. The Liverpool centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station. We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

Submitting an application

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in the position. Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07955 851648. As part of your application you will be asked the following: 'How can we unlock the full value of environmental data to accelerate science, drive economic growth and deliver public benefit?' (Maximum 300 words).

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification. We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard. Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Date advert posted: 6 July 2026. Closing date: 3 August 2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants. Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.