At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative data platforms that drive discovery and policy.
- Company: Join UK Research & Innovation, a leader in advancing knowledge and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong commitment to diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's public data ecosystem and shape the future of research.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in data technology leadership and cloud-native environments.
The predicted salary is between 86731 - 96368 £ per year.
Location: Swindon, UK
Salary: 86,731 - 96,368 per year
Employment: Full time
Category: IT
Posted: 2026-08-02
Valid to: 2026-08-20
Employer: UK Research and Innovation
Job summary
UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) is seeking a permanent Deputy Director of Data Technology. This is an SCS1-equivalent position, where you will shape one of the UK’s most significant public data programmes — building the platforms that will power discovery, policy, and innovation for years to come. You will be joining a collaborative organisation with a unique mission to advance knowledge, improve lives, and drive growth, that values inclusion, professional growth, and impact at scale.
Job description
UKRI is investing in the future of research and innovation — and data is at the heart of it. We are building a modern, cloud-native, AI-ready data ecosystem to unlock insights, power discovery, and strengthen UK competitiveness. We invest 10 billion of public funding each year to support world-class research and innovation. From medicines and climate research to advanced engineering and AI, our investments help advance knowledge, improve lives and drive growth. These projects are undertaken across Universities, companies and other research organisations (including UKRI’s own institutes and centres) in the UK and internationally. UKRI offers flexible working arrangements, strong commitment to professional development, and an exciting chance to collaborate with talented colleagues across multiple research councils solving challenging problems at the intersection of data, governance, and organisational transformation.
As Deputy Director of Data Technology, you will provide the technical leadership that turns UKRI's data strategy into reality. Acting as our enterprise authority for data technology, you'll set the standards, platforms and architecture that enable UKRI to operate as a single data-driven organisation. This role sits at the centre of UKRI's ambitions for modern data platforms, AI-enabled insight and trusted research intelligence. Working closely with the Chief Data Officer, you'll shape one of the UK's most important public-sector data ecosystems. You'll combine deep technical expertise with the ability to influence at scale, driving adoption across councils, programmes and functions without direct line authority.
Person specification
In order to demonstrate your ability to fulfil this role, applicants should be able to demonstrate experience with the following essential criteria within their application:
- Leadership of large-scale data platforms (cloud-native, enterprise environments)
- Experience in complex, federated organisations
- Strong expertise across: Data architecture, Data engineering, Platform delivery
- Track record of delivering transformation, not just strategy
- Experience building and leading high-performing technical teams
- Ability to influence and align senior stakeholders without direct control
- Familiarity with modern data ecosystems, including: Lakehouse platforms, streaming, orchestration APIs and data integration patterns, DevSecOps and platform engineering
- Data governance, privacy, and security-by-design
- Leadership qualities that combine a systems mindset, the ability to operate at scale, strong judgement, a firm but collaborative style – you will have a focus on outcomes and impact, not just technical delivery
For full details on the role, organisation and personal specification, please review the candidate pack.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of 86,731, UK Research and Innovation contributes 25,125 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Learning and development tailored to your role. An environment with flexible working options. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity. A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Selection process details
In order to apply, applicants must submit the following by 17:00 on Thursday 20th August to UKRI@allenlane.co.uk:
- A CV (no more than 4 pages is advised).
- A statement of suitability (no longer than 1,250 words) explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the criteria and Success Profiles in the person specification.
- A completed Mandatory Diversity Monitoring Form.
In addition to this brilliant and fulfilling role, the UKRI will provide you with excellent employee benefits, including eligibility for a defined benefit pension scheme (employer contribution of 28.97%) and 30 days annual leave (+ 10.5 public and privilege days). This role is based at UKRI’s locations in Swindon, Harwell, or Nottingham (hybrid working policy of 1-2 days per week on site). The UKRI Data team is predominantly based out of the Swindon office location. Unfortunately, relocation costs will not be reimbursed.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in digital and technology leadership. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
For enquiries relating to the role or recruitment process, please contact Allen Lane at UKRI@allenlane.co.uk. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements.
Working for the Civil Service
Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Apply and further information
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact: Name: UKRI@allenlane.co.uk
Email: UKRI@allenlane.co.uk
Recruitment team Email: UKRI@allenlane.co.uk
Deputy Director of Data Technology in Cheltenham employer: UKRI
The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the LMB provides comprehensive training opportunities and encourages continuous learning, making it an ideal place for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the scientific community. Located in the vibrant Cambridge Biomedical Campus, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork, ensuring a rewarding career path in Human Resources.
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