Executive Director: BHF Data Science Centre

Overview

Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is the UK’s national institute for health data science, accelerating the trustworthy use of data to enable discoveries that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership with the NHS, academia, charities, industry and the public, HDR UK is transforming how large-scale health data is accessed, linked and used to advance patient care, biomedical discovery and public health.

Embedded within HDR UK, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Data Science Centre is a nationally recognised centre of excellence for cardiovascular data science. Launched in 2020, the Centre plays a critical role in delivering user-focused data infrastructure and services that enable high-quality, data-driven research to improve the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The Centre has already demonstrated its impact at scale, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it enabled rapid access to linked national datasets to inform clinical and policy responses to the pandemic at pace.

We are now seeking an exceptional Executive Director to lead the next phase of the BHF Data Science Centre’s development. This is a highly visible, nationally and internationally significant leadership role, offering a rare opportunity to shape a world-leading centre at the forefront of data-enabled cardiovascular research. You will set the strategic direction for the Centre, guiding its evolution into a sustainable, high-impact national asset at the heart of the UK’s health data ecosystem.

In this role, you will be responsible for delivering an efficient, secure and user-focused data infrastructure and suite of services that enable large-scale, high-quality cardiovascular research. You will lead complex programmes that combine data services, digital infrastructure and operational excellence, while working across organisational and sectoral boundaries to accelerate innovation and deliver public benefit. You will champion collaboration across clinical, academic, technical, industry and public domains, ensuring that the Centre’s work is trusted, accessible and impactful.

You will bring deep expertise across data service development and delivery, data engineering, health informatics, data infrastructure and AI-driven innovation, alongside a strong understanding of data governance, privacy, security and ethical considerations. As an outstanding collaborator and system leader, you will build and sustain high-value partnerships across the UK and internationally, engaging senior leaders in the NHS, academia, government, charities and industry, as well as patients and the public.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Health Data Research UK on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit  using reference ABICD
. Alternatively email  Applications should be received by midday on Monday 16 February 2026
.