Head of Data Science and AI
Job summary
Do you want to do meaningful work that makes a genuine difference to society? Our main purpose here at The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (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! Please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Please refer to the DirectGov website for more information on eligibility.
We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive sufficient applications, so please don't delay your submission.
Main duties of the job
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:
o Provide clear strategic leadership for data science and AI, setting vision, priorities, and long-term roadmaps aligned to organisational goals.
o Build and lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams, developing capability, professionalism, and a strong culture of innovation.
o Champion ethical, responsible, and transparent use of data science and AI, ensuring robust governance and compliance with legal standards.
o Translate complex analytical insights into clear, compelling messages that influence senior leaders and decision-makers.
o Drive the adoption of data science and AI to deliver tangible value, improving services, outcomes, and decision-making.
o Oversee data science platforms, pipelines, and products to ensure quality, sustainability, and scalability.
o Develop strong partnerships with internal teams, external stakeholders, academia, and suppliers to advance innovation.
About us
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!
Job description
Job responsibilities
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.Please see job description attached for full list of responsibilities.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
- Holds highly developed specialist knowledge and expertise acquired through a master's degree level or equivalent qualification/experience in data science or related subject. Additionally, holds specialist knowledge of the relevant area(s) of expertise as outlined in the person specification, acquired through relevant practical experience and training/development.
Education/Qualifications
- Artificial intelligence certification.
Experience
- Proven experience leading data scientists and data engineers to design and deliver data driven decision making for the organization
Experience
- Extensive experience in managing data science services and platforms, including decision science models and data science pipelines.
Experience
- Expert in applying ethical principles to real-world scenarios and developing frameworks for ethical decision-making in the context of AI.
Skills/Knowledge
- Expert in setting direction in data science and AI, ability to develop long term strategies and roadmaps for data science and AI services.
Skills/Knowledge
- Demonstrable in-depth understanding of a wide range of data science techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing, and detailed knowledge of at least one specialism
Skills/Knowledge
- Extensive expertise in stakeholder management, ability to strengthen relationships, and adopt the appropriate communication methods with stakeholders at all levels. Ability to explain highly complex processes behind AI tools.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Employer details
Employer name
NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Address
Manchester or London
Manchester
M1 3BN
Employer's website
https://www.nice.org.uk/