At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data science and AI initiatives to improve health and care decision-making.
- Company: Join NICE, a key player in health and care innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a rewarding NHS pension.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to ethical data use.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society through data-driven innovation.
- Qualifications: Master's degree in data science or related field with AI certification.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Do you want to do meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to society? Our main purpose here at The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is to improve health and wellbeing by putting science and evidence at the heart of health and care decision-making. As an organisation we all collaborate to achieve this goal by empowering our workforce to do great things!
Main duties of the job
- The Head of Data Science and AI provides strategic leadership for data science and artificial intelligence across the organisation.
- The role sets direction, builds organisational capability, and ensures that data science and AI are applied ethically, effectively, and at scale to deliver meaningful impact for health and care decision-making.
- The post holder acts as a senior advocate for data-driven innovation, bridging technical expertise and business needs, and influencing internal and external stakeholders.
What the successful candidate will bring:
- Provide clear strategic leadership for data science and AI, setting vision, priorities, and long‑term roadmaps aligned to organisational goals.
- Build and lead high‑performing multidisciplinary teams, developing capability, professionalism, and a strong culture of innovation.
- Champion ethical, responsible, and transparent use of data science and AI, ensuring robust governance and compliance with legal standards.
- Translate complex analytical insights into clear, compelling messages that influence senior leaders and decision-makers.
- Drive the adoption of data science and AI to deliver tangible value, improving services, outcomes, and decision‑making.
- Oversee data science platforms, pipelines, and products to ensure quality, sustainability, and scalability.
- Develop strong partnerships with internal teams, external stakeholders, academia, and suppliers to advance innovation.
About us
The Architecture & Data team sits at the heart of NICE's digital transformation, setting the direction for how data, analytics and architecture are used across the organisation. As a centre of excellence, the team defines standards, embeds strong data governance, and enables high‑quality, impactful delivery. Working closely with teams across NICE, it supports responsible innovation and ensures data is used effectively to improve health and care outcomes.
Benefits
- Generous NHS Pension – Secure your future with one of the most rewarding pension schemes in the UK.
- Flexible Working – Enjoy a healthy work‑life balance with options like remote working, compressed hours and flexible start/finish times.
- Exclusive Discounts – Save on shopping, dining and more with a Blue Light Card.
- Time to Recharge – Start with 27 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Inclusive Staff Networks – Join supportive communities like Women in NICE, Race Equality Network, Disability Advocacy and NICE and Proud – we celebrate diversity.
- Tailored Development – Grow your career with personalised learning and development opportunities.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
- Holds highly developed specialist knowledge and expertise acquired through a master's degree level or equivalent qualification/experience in data science or related subject.
- Additionally, holds specialist knowledge of the relevant area(s) of expertise as outlined in the person specification, acquired through relevant practical experience and training/development.
- Artificial intelligence certification.
Experience
- Proven experience leading data scientists and data engineers to design and deliver data‑driven decision making for the organization.
- Extensive experience in managing data science services and platforms, including decision science models and data science pipelines.
- Expert in applying ethical principles to real‑world scenarios and developing frameworks for ethical decision‑making in the context of AI.
Skills and Knowledge
- Expert in setting direction in data science and AI, ability to develop long‑term strategies and roadmaps for data science and AI services.
- Demonstrable in-depth understanding of a wide range of data science techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing, and detailed knowledge of at least one specialism.
- Extensive expertise in stakeholder management, ability to strengthen relationships, and adopt the appropriate communication methods with stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to explain highly complex processes behind AI tools.
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.
Head of Data Science and AI in Manchester employer: NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
At NICE, we are dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through evidence-based decision-making, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about meaningful work. Our inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while our commitment to employee development ensures that you will have tailored opportunities to grow your career in a supportive environment. With benefits like a generous NHS pension, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on diversity, joining our team means contributing to impactful change in health and care.
Contact Detail:
NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Science and AI in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at NICE on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching NICE's recent projects in data science and AI. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their mission to improve health and wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice articulating our experience with ethical data use and decision-making frameworks. This is key for the Head of Data Science and AI role, and we need to demonstrate our expertise clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the NICE team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Science and AI in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data science and AI. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at NICE, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As the Head of Data Science and AI, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive innovation. Use your application to share examples of how you've successfully managed projects or led teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your passion for improving health and care shines through.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need there!
How to prepare for a job interview at NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in data science and AI. Be ready to discuss your experience with machine learning, natural language processing, and ethical frameworks. This role is all about strategic leadership, so be prepared to share how you've set direction and built teams in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Data Science and AI, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams. Think of examples where you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and fostered a culture of innovation. Highlight how you've influenced stakeholders and driven data-driven decision-making.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to translate complex analytical insights into compelling messages for senior leaders. Practice explaining your work in simple terms, focusing on the impact it has on health and care decision-making. Use real-world examples to illustrate your points and make them relatable.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about NICE's vision for data science and AI. Ask about their current projects, challenges they face, and how they envision the role contributing to their goals. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
