Head of Data Science and AI in Manchester

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance and advice on promoting high quality health, public health and social care. As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome everyone from all backgrounds to apply so we can continue to create a workforce which is representative of the communities we serve. If you are suitably qualified and have an interest in remote, hybrid, full time or part time working, we encourage you to get in touch as we are happy to discuss potential flexible working opportunities. We have modern offices in Manchester city centre and Stratford, London. Please take into consideration that you may be required to commute to one of our offices for business purposes if necessary.

Do you want to do meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to society? Our main purpose here at 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!

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.

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.

We can offer you a great place to work with good benefits, flexible working, and a supportive, friendly, and inclusive environment. NICE benefits include:

• 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.

If you feel this is the type of environment you will enjoy working in, apply today!

To be considered for this role, you should be able to particularly demonstrate the person specification criteria in the job advert in your application. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate all essential criteria through the entirety of the recruitment process to be considered for the job.

Important - Due to NICE’s use of anonymised recruitment practices, we ask all candidates not to include any personal details within their application. Please ensure you provide sufficient detail in the supporting information section to allow our team to make an informed judgement about your suitability for this role at this stage. CVs will not be considered. We reserve the right to close any vacancies from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist. Please ensure you apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role. Candidates must ensure that all information provided in their application is factually accurate. Any examples provided must be taken from personal experience. NICE abides by honesty and integrity as part of its organisational values; if evidence of plagiarism is found, applications may be withdrawn. By submitting an application, you agree that it may be rejected or subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Please contact [email protected] if you wish to discuss any additional needs or reasonable adjustments which may support you with your application and/or at interview.