Director of National Innovation Centre Data; NICD

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Requisition

Location:

Newcastle, GB

Contract Type:
Open Ended

Working Pattern:
Full Time

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 11 January 2026

Newcastle University is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to become the next Director of the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) a national asset dedicated to closing the UK’s data skills gap and accelerating innovation across industry, government, and the public sector.

Through its unique collaborative model where organisations work side‑by‑side with data experts, NICD builds long‑term capability, supports digital transformation, and delivers real economic impact. NICD partners with businesses, public services, and government bodies, helping them improve productivity, unlock value, and grow their data confidence.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to influence national policy, shape the UK’s AI and data skills landscape, and lead a high‑performing team delivering impactful, real‑world change.

As Director you will lead the development and delivery of long‑term strategic plans for NICD, shape and influence national AI and data skills programmes aligned to organisational needs and emerging sector trends and strengthen links with Newcastle University by promoting experimental learning and enabling research impact.

You will represent NICD regionally, nationally, and internationally as a trusted leader in AI and data skills, build and sustain partnerships with government, industry, Catapult centres, funders, and universities and lead on major investment bids, securing funding to support NICD’s strategic growth and national impact.

You will be a recognised leader in AI, data science, or digital skills, with the strategic insight and credibility required to influence policy, build national partnerships, and deliver large‑scale programmes. You will be an outstanding communicator, a collaborative senior leader, and an advocate for innovation and inclusive practice.

Applications should include a CV and a detailed cover statement of no more than 2 A4 sides demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria.

The National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) Director will play a key role in driving forward a successful innovation centre that is having a material impact on the UK economy through its work to address the data skills gap in industry. This will require strong and visible leadership, and an ability to work effectively and credibly with industry, government and academia alike.

The Director will provide strategic leadership for the Centre’s work in advancing the UK’s AI and data skills agenda, driving innovation, productivity, and impact through the transfer of high‑demand data science expertise into organisations across the public and private sectors.

They will play a pivotal role in shaping the national conversation on AI skills, building and sustaining high‑level relationships with national and regional policymakers, influencing the development of effective policy, and positioning NICD as a trusted partner in delivering the UK’s skills ambitions. A key aspect of the role will be leading the development of major funding bids and strategic partnerships to secure significant investment for the design and delivery of innovative, impactful programmes that align with AI skills priorities.

The Director will provide strategic oversight of programme development and delivery, ensuring that initiatives are evidence‑informed, pedagogically robust, and continuously refined through rigorous evaluation. This work will not only support the growth and effectiveness of NICD’s programmes but also shape future policy and practice across the sector.

Through NICD, the Director will also act as a champion for innovation across Newcastle University - promoting the development of experiential learning throughout the curricular and ensuring that NICD acts as a…