At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of data and AI in UK high-performance sports.
- Company: Join UK Sport, the trusted experts powering our greatest athletes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and impactful career opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on ethical AI and digital governance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sports with cutting-edge technology and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex environments and strong strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Fixed Term Contract - 18 months
Who are UK Sport?
We are the UK’s trusted high-performance experts, powering our greatest athletes, teams and sports to achieve extraordinary success on the world stage. Through National Lottery and Government investment, we support Olympic and Paralympic sports to reach world leading potential — and help bring the world’s biggest sporting events to the UK. Our purpose is to lead high-performance sport to enable extraordinary moments that enrich lives. We are on a mission to create the greatest decade of sporting moments — inspiring, reaching and uniting the nation.
About the Role
This is a unique and high impact opportunity to transform how the UK’s high-performance system uses data, digital tools and artificial intelligence. As Data, Digital & AI Lead, you will lead the strategic delivery of the People and Performance pillars of UK Sport’s Data, Digital & AI Strategy — shaping how athletes, coaches and practitioners learn, connect, collaborate and make decisions. From building early AI driven prototypes, to developing systemwide digital capabilities, through to driving long-term planning for LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 — your work will directly influence the future of UK high-performance sport. This role is for someone who thrives in complexity, sees the possibilities of modern technology, and is energised by shaping a bold, insight driven future.
What you’ll lead
- Strategic Leadership • Lead delivery of the People and Performance pillars of the UK Sport Data, Digital & AI Strategy • Translate strategic ambitions into clear, practical implementation plans • Shape system wide digital and data direction while supporting the Growth & Productivity pillars
- Digital Delivery & Innovation • Deliver early high value digital and AI solutions, including MVPs and proofs of concept • Prioritise opportunities that can drive performance impact — including the LA28 cycle • Guide build vs buy decisions, sequencing, and readiness
- System & Stakeholder Engagement • Work collaboratively with partners including UKSI, NGBs, Home Nations, BOA and BPA • Drive adoption of system tools such as the Performance Hub and system membership models • Support alignment with long-term system planning for Brisbane 2032
- Partnerships & Supplier Management • Develop strong, values aligned relationships with technology and delivery partners • Oversee supplier ecosystems to ensure strong performance, value for money and ethical AI practice
- Collaboration, Governance & Impact • Embed best practice in digital governance, data ethics and trust across the system • Demonstrate measurable system impact and ROI for digital and AI initiatives • Contribute to building a culture of shared learning, insight and evidence based decisions
About you
You’re a strategic, forward thinking leader with a strong track record of delivering transformation in complex environments. You build relationships easily, influence effectively and move comfortably between high level system strategy and hands-on delivery.
You’ll bring:
- Experience working in complex, multi stakeholder environments
- Strong strategic thinking — able to turn ideas into clear, actionable plans
- Proven ability to lead complex programmes and drive change at pace
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Confidence working with technical, commercial and delivery partners
- Experience leading or contributing to interdisciplinary teams
Even better if you also have:
- Leadership experience across digital, data or AI transformation
- Understanding of high-performance or elite performance environments
- Experience designing or implementing digital/data operating models
- Knowledge of AI ethics, data governance or modern digital delivery practices
How to apply
Strategic Data, Digital & AI Leader for High-Performance in Loughborough employer: UK Sport
UK Sport is an exceptional employer, dedicated to empowering athletes and teams to achieve extraordinary success on the world stage. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, employees benefit from a dynamic work culture that encourages professional growth and the opportunity to make a significant impact in high-performance sport. Located in Loughborough, London, or Manchester, with regular remote working options, UK Sport offers a unique environment where strategic thinkers can thrive while contributing to the nation's sporting legacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Data, Digital & AI Leader for High-Performance in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to high-performance sport. This will help you tailor your responses and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Data, Digital & AI Lead. Highlight your strategic thinking and ability to drive change in complex environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at UK Sport and contributing to high-performance success.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Data, Digital & AI Leader for High-Performance in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data, digital tools, and AI. We want to see how your skills align with the strategic goals of UK Sport, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a strategic leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to drive change and influence stakeholders. Use specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully led complex programmes or initiatives that had a significant impact.
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 high-performance sport shines through.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our mission at UK Sport!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Sport
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in UK Sport’s mission and the specifics of the Data, Digital & AI Strategy. Brush up on recent developments in AI and digital tools relevant to high-performance sports. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic thinking and ability to lead complex programmes. Think about times when you’ve successfully driven change in multi-stakeholder environments. Be ready to discuss how you can translate strategic ambitions into actionable plans for UK Sport.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships by discussing your experience working with various partners. Share specific instances where you’ve collaborated effectively with technical, commercial, or delivery partners, and how that led to successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Ethical Practices
Given the focus on ethical AI and data governance, be prepared to discuss your understanding of these areas. Share your thoughts on best practices in digital governance and how you would ensure trust and transparency in the initiatives you lead.
