Deputy Director: Head of Data and AI - DEFRA - SCS1

Are you ready to lead the future of AI and data at Defra? This role places you at the forefront of AI-driven transformation and technological innovation.

This year, the Prime Minister introduced the AI Opportunities Action Plan, aiming to accelerate AI adoption across the UK. This initiative is designed to stimulate economic growth, create future jobs, and enhance everyday lives. Your role will be crucial in scaling AI within Defra, making a significant impact on the nation.

Job description

You will provide leadership across Defra in our adoption of AI in line with the AI Opportunities Plan, identifying business opportunities, shaping proposals and influencing senior executives. You will provide thought leadership around how we organise ourselves 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. The role is part of the Architecture, Data Information, and Innovation (ADII) team, within the Digital, Data, Technology, and Security (DDTS) function.

In this role, 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.

Be a key player in Defra’s digital transformation. Enhance data exploitation, improve data quality and integration, modernise technology platforms, and advance the use of AI. Apply now to make a significant impact!

Responsibilities

• Manage three functional areas in ADII: Data Exploitation, Data Access, and AI.
• Oversee approximately 30 highly skilled data, innovation, and AI professionals.
• Showcase the power of technical data services and innovation, supporting Defra’s strategic goals.
• Develop roadmaps for building and delivering enterprise-level data and technical capabilities.
• Advance AI adoption by leading trials and operationalizing them to ensure they deliver value.
• Enhance data integration by improving the quality and consistency of data across digital services, driving efficiencies and reliability.
• Build and maintain key senior relationships with data services suppliers. Manage commercial aspects to ensure the delivery of critical capabilities.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in leading data and AI teams with a track record of delivering at pace.
• Deep understanding of data exploitation, data access, and AI technologies.
• Ability to shape strategic direction and develop comprehensive roadmaps.
• Experience overseeing large-scale data projects.
• Excellent collaboration skills to work closely with senior executives and external partners.
• Extensive experience in AI-enabled transformation to achieve strategic outcomes.