Internal vacancy The RNLI actively promotes continuous development within the organisation and is only seeking applications from current RNLI employees and volunteers at this time. If this position is not filled internally it may be re-advertised openly. LI-DNI About us Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. For 200 years, our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have shown selfless courage to rescue those in peril on the water. Behind them is a dedicated, talented team making it all possible. This is your chance to join that team and use your skills to help save lives every day. About the Role As Interim Head of Data, you will ensure our crews and lifesavers are backed by the best possible information. Covering a 12-month secondment, you will be a credible leader within the Senior Leadership Team, shaping our data strategy alongside the CDIO and Executive Team. You will champion a data-led culture, iterative delivery, and DataOps, ensuring our resources and tools provide the evidence needed to drive the RNLI forward. What You’ll Lead Strategy & Delivery: Execute the RNLI-wide data strategy and enhance our platforms to increase operational efficiency. Culture & Governance: Foster an environment that treats data as a strategic asset and establishes ethical innovation including AI and Machine Learning. Portfolio Management: Oversee the data requirements within a multidisciplinary change portfolio spanning insight, reporting, and data management. Team Leadership: Direct leadership of c.8 direct reports and a wider community of c.42 FTE (plus 30 change FTC), managing a budget of up to £4m. About You We are looking for a practical, outcomes-focused internal leader who can hit the ground running. You bring: Strategic Experience: A track record in data strategy execution and leading change across diverse stakeholder groups. Technical Credibility: Strong analytical skills and an understanding of how to introduce effective DataOps processes. Collaborative Leadership: Experience managing large, multi-disciplinary teams and a commitment to "One Crew" behaviours. Ways of Working & Eligibility Location: Hybrid between home and Poole with an average of 2 days per week working in the office. Contract: Temporary: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment (up to 12 months) Requirement: Please confirm your line manager’s support for this secondment prior to applying. How to Apply Please click 'Apply' and submit your CV and a statement (maximum 500 words) outlining your vision for leading the RNLI’s data culture and the specific outcomes you aim to deliver during this 12-month period. Closing Date: 05th Feb 2026 (midnight) Interviews: w/c 9th Feb 2026 (Face-to-face in Poole. Includes a panel interview and a presentation on a topic TBC). Handover: 16th – 27th Feb 2026 Expected Start: 3rd March 2026 We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives in our teams. We welcome applications from everyone. Safeguarding The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process). Diversity at the RNLI Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.