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- Tasks: Lead the transformation of data and AI in UK high-performance sport.
- Company: Join UK Sport, the trusted experts powering our greatest athletes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible remote work, and impactful career opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of sports with cutting-edge technology and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex environments and strong strategic thinking skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on ethical AI and digital governance.
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
- 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
- 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
- Develop strong, values aligned relationships with technology and delivery partners
- Oversee supplier ecosystems to ensure strong performance, value for money and ethical AI practice
- 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 here.
Strategic Data, Digital & AI Leader for High-Performance in Manchester employer: UK Sport
Contact Detail:
UK Sport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Data, Digital & AI Leader for High-Performance in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨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 answers 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 seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at UK Sport and making an impact in high-performance sport.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Data, Digital & AI Leader for High-Performance 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, 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 Data, Digital & AI Leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead complex programmes. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. We love seeing real-world impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your thought process better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Sport
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in data, digital tools, and AI. Be prepared to discuss how these can be applied in high-performance sports, especially in relation to the People and Performance pillars of UK Sport’s strategy.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to translate strategic ambitions into actionable plans. Think about how you’ve successfully led complex programmes in the past and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Build Relationships on the Spot
Since this role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, practice how you would engage with partners like UKSI and NGBs. Highlight your relationship-building skills and how you can influence effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Impact
Be ready to discuss measurable outcomes from your previous projects. Show how your work has driven performance impact and contributed to a culture of shared learning and evidence-based decisions, which is crucial for this role.