Director of Technology Regulation (Level G2)
This vacancy is being handled by our Executive Search Partner Berwick
Partners. Please apply via the following link:
Reports to: Executive Director Regulatory Risk and Innovation
Salary: £91,276-£104,513pa with progression to £117,748 with our pay progression framework.
Location: Hybrid
Contracted to our Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office, however, we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need. Please note, from Autumn 2026 our head office will relocate from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.
From Autumn 2026 our head office will relocate from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre. You will be contracted to the Manchester office; however, we offer hybrid working options and you will be able to split your time between home and office.
Closing date: 23:55 Sunday 3rd May 2026
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights – empowering people through information. In a data-driven world, we protect and safeguard the public by providing advice and enforcing the law, taking action where warranted. This includes providing advice, guidance, and support to organisations to enable compliance with legal obligations, responsible innovation and economic growth.
We oversee and enforce ten pieces of legislation. This includes the Data Protection Act 2018, UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
About the Role
The Director for Technology will provide strategic, visible and authoritative leadership across the ICO’s Technology directorate. They will bring credible expertise and clarity to debates where technological potential and societal risk intersect. Leading two technology‑focused departments, they will guide high‑profile regulatory interventions and deliver sophisticated policy work that keeps the ICO at the forefront of global innovation governance. This role requires intellectual authority, exceptional leadership and the ability to deliver at pace in a complex environment.
You will:
1. Provide strategic leadership for the Technology directorate, ensuring delivery of ICO priorities, alignment to corporate objectives and effective organisational design as the operating model evolves.
2. Lead, inspire and develop high‑performing technology teams, setting vision, allocating resources and fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, wellbeing and professional growth.
3. Oversee major regulatory interventions and complex policy programmes across areas such as online tracking, AI, biometrics and children’s privacy, ensuring impact, value for money and continuous improvement.
4. Ensure cutting‑edge, robust technology policy development, bringing deep expertise in both technology and policy to shape authoritative, future‑facing ICO outputs.
5. Represent and influence on behalf of the ICO, engaging senior government, parliamentary, industry and international stakeholders to build trust and shape the wider technological and regulatory landscape.
6. Ensure strong governance, risk management and corporate contribution, providing assurance, escalating issues appropriately and playing an active role in collective Senior Leadership Team decision‑making.
About You
Candidates must be able to provide deep expertise in both technology and policy development, ensuring outputs are robust, future‑facing and authoritative. This will require significant experience operating at a senior level and a sound understanding of emerging technologies and their societal, economic and ethical implications. Strong leadership credentials are critical, with a track record of inspiring high‑performing teams.
Why work for the ICO?
7. Interesting and challenging work.
8. Pay progression scheme.
9. Hybrid and flexible working options.
10. 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.
11. Pension (employer contribution 28.9%).
12. Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.
13. Health Cash Plan.
14. Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.
15. Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website .
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.
Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO’s commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.
As part of the ICO’s commitment to our EDI objectives and creating a workplace that represents the communities and societies we serve, we guarantee an interview to candidates who declare they identify as belonging from an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy
How to apply
This vacancy is being handled by our Executive Search Partner, Berwick
Partners. Please apply via the following link:
If you would like to know more about the role or selection process, please contact Clare Bromley or Elizabeth James from our Executive Search partners, Berwick Partners by emailing or
Clearance Required for this role:
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)