Women in Tech
Deputy Director of Data Technology
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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.
Role
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
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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.
In order to apply, applicants must submit the following by 17:00 on Thursday 20th August
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location