Director of National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) (Newcastle, GB)

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.

How to Apply

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

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Stephanie Glendinning, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering [email protected] or Nick Parker, Dean of Strategic Projects, Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering [email protected]

Role Profile

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 pathway to impact across the academic and research base. They will bring substantial leadership experience and a strong track record of success in the field of AI skills or a closely related area, underpinned by a PhD or equivalent professional standing. As a senior leader, you will be an inspirational role model, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence within your team. You will demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional growth, both your own and that of those you lead and bring the energy, enthusiasm, empathy, and strategic vision required to deliver at pace and scale.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Management

Leading on the development and delivery of the Centre’s long-term strategic plan. Establishing and maintaining strategic relationships with national and regional policymakers, influencing the development and implementation of AI skills policy by leveraging NICD’s demonstrable expertise and track record in delivering impactful programmes. Providing strategic and academic leadership in the design and development of innovative AI skills programmes that address the evolving needs of industry, the public sector, and society, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and sector trends. Directing and overseeing the effective delivery of the Centre’s portfolio of activities, ensuring that all programmes are delivered to a high standard, achieve intended outcomes, and contribute to the Centre’s strategic objectives. Promoting the development of experiential learning throughout the curricular and ensuring that NICD acts as a pathway to impact across the academic and research base. Assessing and appropriately managing risks.

Leadership & Development

Providing strategic and thought leadership for NICD. Acting as an advocate for the centre, promoting the Centre’s expertise, impact, and strategic vision at institutional, regional, national, and international levels. Working closely with academics and professional services at Newcastle University to achieve NICD and institutional goals. Leading the development of major funding proposals and strategic partnerships to secure significant investment, enabling the growth, reach, and sustainability of AI skills initiatives that align with the centre, institution, regional, and national priorities. Leading the design and implementation of robust, pedagogically informed evaluation frameworks and reflective practices to support continuous programme enhancement and inform the future development of policy and practice within the sector. Ensuring NICD complies with its legal, regulatory and contractual obligations and building the operational processes and tools required to achieve on-going compliance. Developing the necessary organisational and operational structures for NICD to deliver its services. Taking responsibility for the recruitment and delivery of the NICD team. Creating and delivering a programme of activities that focus on ‘AI innovation education’ both internally (students) and externally (business, governmental, at technical and executive level). Providing leadership in embedding principles of equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of programme design, delivery, evaluation, and engagement.

Financial Responsibilities

Working to secure private and public funding in line with the business plan. Taking responsibility for the NICD Budget and for headcount of circa 20 colleagues.

Stakeholder Management

Refine and deliver on a communication and engagement plan which engages key stakeholders and partners;

Internal Relationships

Working closely with colleagues from the SAgE Faculty, including the Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Heads of School and Deans; Working closely with colleagues from other academic and professional service Units.

External Relationships

Establishing strong relationships and active collaborations with government, industry and the public sector; Establishing strong relationships with other relevant, data-focussed research and innovation centres e.g.UK Catapults; Establishing strong relationships with the members of the NICD Strategic Advisory Group and the internal management board so as to elicit constructive advice and feedback; Establishing strong relationships with other UK Universities

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be a strategic and visionary leader with a track record of delivering impact in the fields of AI, data science, or digital skills. They will bring substantial senior leadership experience and the ability to shape regional and national policy, build high-level partnerships, and deliver large-scale, innovative programmes that respond to the evolving needs of industry, the public sector, and society.

Essential Criteria

Leadership and Strategic Vision

Substantial senior leadership experience within a complex organisation, with a proven ability to set strategic direction and deliver against institutional objectives. A recognised profile as a thought leader in AI, data science, or digital skills development, with a demonstrable contribution to national or international debates, policy forums, or advisory bodies. Demonstrable experience of leading large-scale, multi-partner, high-impact data and AI-focussed skills programmes or initiatives at a strategic level. Proven ability to shape and influence policy and strategy at regional and national level through effective engagement with senior stakeholders, policymakers, and external partners. Credibility with senior figures in industry, academia and government.

Programme Development and Delivery

Significant experience in the design, development, and delivery of innovative skills or education programmes within the AI, data, or digital skills domains. A strong track record of embedding innovative, pedagogically robust approaches and evidence-informed practice into skills programme design and evaluation. Experience of establishing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure impact, drive continuous improvement, and ensure quality enhancement. Knowledge of how Universities manage research and teaching, and how the skills and innovations these develop can translate into benefits to industry, government and civil society.

External Engagement and Partnership Building

Proven success in building and sustaining strategic partnerships across government, industry, academia, and the public sector. Demonstrable experience in leading major funding bids and securing significant investment to support organisational growth and strategic objectives. Strong profile as a senior representative or advocate in relevant regional, national, or international contexts. Proven ability to represent an organisation’s strategic vision and impact to diverse audiences, including policymakers, funders, industry leaders, and academic partners. A strong record of securing significant funding from a range of sources, including government, research councils, industry partnerships, and philanthropic organisations. Experience of representing an organisation or initiative at a senior level on national or international committees, panels, or boards.

People and Culture Leadership

Evidence of successful leadership of multi-disciplinary teams, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and high performance. Proven ability to support the professional growth of others and to develop leadership and team capability. Evidence of embedding principles of equality, diversity and inclusion across programme design, delivery, evaluation, and engagement.

Attributes and behaviours

A strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate future trends, challenges, and opportunities in AI and data skills. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively at the most senior levels internally and externally. High levels of enthusiasm, empathy, and resilience, with a proven ability to deliver at pace and scale. A collaborative, inclusive leadership style and a commitment to the mission and values of the Centre and the University.

Qualifications

A PhD or equivalent professional standing in a relevant field (e.g. data science, AI, digital skills, or a closely related discipline). Evidence of continuing professional development and a commitment to ongoing leadership and subject expertise.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 28911