Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 21st June 2026
Job summary
The UK Hydrographic Office is seeking a senior leader to establish and lead its Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Data capability.
Reporting to the Chief Digital Technology Officer, the Head of Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Data Capability role is responsible for defining and delivering the organisation’s enterprise data and AI strategy, ensuring that data is governed, secure and fit for purpose, and that AI, automation and advanced analytics are adopted responsibly and effectively across the organisation.
The role is strategically important in ensuring UKHO can rely on high‑quality data and scalable AI capabilities to support safe maritime operations, regulatory compliance and long‑term commercial performance.
You will act as a head of profession for UKHO, provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams, and work closely with senior stakeholders to translate strategic intent into sustainable data platforms, clear governance and measurable business outcome.
This job role can be worked on a hybrid basis, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, working between the office in Taunton and remotely within the UK. However, as this is a leadership role, it is expected that the successful candidate will attend our offices at least 60% of their working time.
Additional information
This role might be considered on a part-time basis of 4 days.
* The role holder will be part of the Technology SLT and will provide empowering and inspiring leadership across the division. They will be a line manager with direct and indirect reports and will provide leadership for AI and enterprise data capability strategies.
* Define, deliver and operationalise and translate corporate strategy into an actionable enterprise data & AI roadmap, aligned to UKHO’s strategies.
* Act as the head of the profession for enterprise data and AI related roles within the Government Digital and Data profession, providing leadership for data skills, capability development and professional standards.
* Will develop and own the AI strategy, ensuring alignment with business priorities, oversee the development, deployment, scaling of AI solutions, embedding an MLOps discipline.
* Implement and assure effective governance including standards, stewardship models, data quality controls, including compliance monitoring.
* Guide the development and evolution of enterprise data and AI platforms, including cloud alignment and integration standards.
* Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to identify, prioritise and realise value through AI and data causes.
* Build, manage, coach and develop high performing multidisciplinary data & AI teams, and develop a clear and effective operating model.
Person specification
* Experience of providing leadership for AI and/or data capability in a complex organisation to set direction, make decisions, ensure delivery and influence strategy. Balancing governance decisions with strategic requirements.
* Experience of leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams to drive innovation and change to deliver organisational impact.
* Experience in data quality and metadata management, including standards, monitoring and improvement.
* Experience setting direction for cloud‑native data platforms, including strategic use of cloud services to enable data and AI capability.
* Strong working knowledge of data protection and regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, the Public Records Act and related statutory obligations
* Experience of providing senior oversight of enterprise data architecture, including defining integration patterns that support interoperability, scalability and long‑term sustainability.
Behaviours
We\'ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Leadership
* Changing and Improving
* Making Effective Decisions
* Seeing the Big Picture
Alongside your salary of £76,184, UK Hydrographic Office contributes £22,070 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
At the UK Hydrographic Office, it\'s very important to us that our people feel valued.
We offer a huge range of benefits such as training and development, well-being support, flexible/ homeworking, a fantastic state of the art building, high spec equipment, and so much more.
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