Deputy Director of Data Technology

Location: Swindon, UKSalary: 86,731 - 96,368 per yearEmployment: Full timeCategory: ITPosted: 2026-08-02Valid to: 2026-08-20Apply: UK Research and InnovationJob summaryDeputy Director of Data Technology UK Research & InnovationPermanent86,731–96,368 per yearSwindon (1-2 days per week onsite)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 descriptionUKRI 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 specificationIn 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 organisationsStrong expertise across: Data architecture, Data engineering, Platform deliveryTrack record of delivering transformation, not just strategyExperience building and leading high-performing technical teamsAbility to influence and align senior stakeholders without direct controlFamiliarity with modern data ecosystems, including: Lakehouse platforms, streaming, orchestration APIs and data integration patterns, DevSecOps and platform engineeringData governance, privacy, and security-by-designLeadership 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 deliveryFor full details on the role, organisation and personal specification, please review the candidate pack.BenefitsAlongside 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. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%Things you need to knowArtificial intelligenceArtificial 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. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process detailsIn 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 – click here to complete.In addition to this brilliant and fulfilling role, the UKRI will provide you with excellent employee benefits, including eligibility a defined benefit pension scheme (employer contribution of 28.97%) and 30 days annual leave (+ 10.5 public and privilege days).This role is be 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.ukFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful 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 (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis job is broadly open to the following groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals 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) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for 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 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServicePlease 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 InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further informationOnce 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 applicantsJob contact : Name : UKRI@allenlane.co.ukEmail : UKRI@allenlane.co.ukRecruitment teamEmail : UKRI@allenlane.co.ukFurther informationAttachmentsUKRI - Deputy Director of Data Technology - Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 2443kB)