Executive Director – Environmental Data, Innovation and Growth

UK Research and Innovation

. Set and deliver NERC’s strategy for data, innovation and transformation, aligned with NERC, UKRI and national research priorities .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeSwindon • United KingdomLead💰 £97,304 - £110,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strategic leadership in environmental data innovation and digital transformation, with a strong focus on governance, risk management, and financial acumen. Capable of building high-performing, multidisciplinary teams and fostering partnerships to drive measurable outcomes in the UK research and innovation landscape.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Direction SettingEnvironmental Data GovernanceDigital Transformation LeadershipFinancial and Commercial AcumenCross-Boundary Partnership Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data Ecosystem UnderstandingDigital Platform DevelopmentComputational Research InfrastructureArtificial Intelligence GovernanceRisk ManagementBudget ManagementOrganisational Change LeadershipData-Intensive ResearchInteroperabilityInvestment Management

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationInfluencing SkillsTeam BuildingInclusivityCredibility

Certifications & Qualifications

Baseline Personnel Security Screening (BPSS)Relevant Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

NERCUKRIEnvironmental ScienceData InnovationDigital Research InfrastructureCyber SecurityIntellectual PropertyOperational ResilienceInvestment PortfolioSustainable Digital Platforms

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set and deliver NERC’s strategy for data, innovation and transformation, aligned with NERC, UKRI and national research priorities
Act as NERC’s executive lead for environmental data innovation and digital needs
Establish an enterprise-wide data and digital function across NERC, BAS and BGS
Provide strategic leadership for stewardship, governance and utilisation of NERC-funded environmental data
Lead the strategic development of NERC’s requirements for UKRI digital research infrastructure and transformation programmes
Drive coherent and sustainable digital platforms, services and computational capabilities
Oversee delivery, governance and benefits realisation of major data investments
Lead future development of Environmental Data for Research UK (EDRUK)
Lead NERC’s responsible approach to artificial intelligence, including governance, ethics, transparency and security
Develop external investment, partnerships, innovation opportunities and commercial pathways across NERC’s investment portfolio
Lead and develop a high-performing, inclusive and multidisciplinary team
Hold accountability for assigned budgets, programmes, services and associated benefits
Ensure robust governance, risk management, financial control, value for money and regulatory compliance
Report directly to the NERC Executive Chair and contribute to the NERC Executive Team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong record of setting strategic direction and delivering enterprise-scale data, digital or technology-enabled transformation, creating measurable scientific, organisational, societal or economic value
Established credibility in environmental science, data-intensive research or a related field
Strong understanding of the UK research and innovation landscape
Strong understanding of data ecosystems, digital platforms, computational research infrastructure, interoperability, and opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence
Proven ability to lead major programmes, organisational change and cross-boundary partnerships in complex and fast-moving environments
Strong governance, assurance and risk-management capability across data, cyber security, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, investment and operational resilience
Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience managing significant budgets and investments, building strategic partnerships, and translating scientific or technological capability into commercial outcomes
Inclusive and credible senior leadership, with excellent communication and influencing skills and a record of building multidisciplinary, high-performing teams across organisational boundaries
Relevant security clearance, or willingness to undergo it
Baseline Personnel Security Screening (BPSS) is a pre-condition of employment
CV and cover letter no longer than two A4 pages each, using a minimum font size of 11

Benefits

Comp & perks

An excellent defined benefit pension scheme
30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
Flexible working options
Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
Reasonable accommodation for disabilities during application, interview and essential job functions