Deputy Director - Data & AI

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Sheffield
1 month ago
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Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for data and AI? Do you want to play a crucial role in shaping the future of environmental policy and digital transformation in the UK?


DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Deputy Director - Data & AI to lead their data and AI capabilities and drive innovation across the organisation.


This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of AI-driven transformation and technological innovation, aligning with the Prime Minister's AI Opportunities Action Plan to accelerate AI adoption across the UK.


Salary:£76,000 - £100,000

Closing date:Wednesday 9th April, 9:00 AM

Location:Bristol, London, Newcastle, Reading, York or Warrington

Clearance requirements:Please note this post requiresCounter Terrorist Check clearance. To gain CTC clearance, applicants will usually need to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 3 years. If this requirement is not met, the individual will not be able to progress their application further.


About the Role

As the Deputy Director - Data & AI, you will be instrumental in driving data excellence across DEFRA. You will lead efforts to enhance data exploitation, ensuring that data is leveraged to its fullest potential to support decision-making and strategic initiatives. Your expertise in data technologies will be crucial in modernising DEFRA's technology platforms and embedding AI at scale.


You will provide leadership across DEFRA in their adoption of AI in line with the AI Opportunities Plan, identifying business opportunities, shaping proposals, and influencing senior executives. Providing thought leadership around how they organise themselves for AI both from a business and digital perspective, your leadership will ensure the quality, accessibility, and coherent use of data, enabling transformative digital services.


This role is part of the Architecture, Data Information, and Innovation (ADII) team, within the Digital, Data, Technology, and Security (DDTS) function. You will report to the DEFRA group’s Chief Technology Officer and work closely with the Chief Data Office.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage three functional areas (Data Exploitation, Data Access, and AI) within ADII.
  • Oversee a team of approximately 30 data, innovation, and AI professionals.
  • Drive data exploitation by showcasing the power of technical data services to support Defra's goals.
  • Develop strategic roadmaps for building enterprise-level data and technical capabilities.
  • Advance AI adoption through trials, operationalization, and value delivery.
  • Enhance data integration, quality, and consistency across digital services.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key data service suppliers, managing commercial aspects.
  • Provide leadership and professional oversight to data experts, fostering innovation and an inclusive culture.


Why Join DEFRA?

Joining DEFRA offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact by contributing to their ambitious agenda of optimising the use and value of data and information, directly influencing environmental policy and digital transformation. You'll be at the forefront of AI adoption and data innovation within the government, leading a highly skilled team and collaborating with experienced professionals in a dynamic and supportive environment to develop your career. You will play a key role in shaping the future by helping deliver the Government's digital and data transformation strategy.


Timeline

Close: Wednesday 9th April 9.00am

Longlist: 16th April

Shortlist: 30th April

Assessments: 1st-9th May

Final Interview: W/C 12th May


How to Apply

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for data and AI, and you are ready to lead a talented team to deliver impactful results, we encourage you to apply! Please follow the “EasyApply” process which will register your interest and add you to the distribution list for our dedicated microsite. For any further information, please reach out to Lauren French or Daniel White on , or via email at .

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