Director of Research Innovation and Data

Overview

As Director of Research Innovation and Data at Ofcom, you will shape the data strategy and elevate the R&I function through advanced data methods and AI. You’ll lead cross-cutting data capabilities, align tools and processes, and drive user-friendly access to insights for policy and decision-making. The role sits with SRG alongside the Directors of Market Research and Market Intelligence, focusing on innovation, data ethics, and impact across the organisation. This is a chance to advance a future-ready research function in a mission-driven regulator.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible working arrangements
• inclusion and diversity commitment
• Disability Confident Leader (interviews for disabled applicants)
• opportunities for external engagement and impact
• rewards and wellbeing mentioned on careers page

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver R&I’s data strategy
• Drive data innovation using leading-edge data science techniques and AI
• Collaborate with cross-Ofcom teams to implement organisation-wide data and insight delivery systems
• Align tools, platforms, and ways of working to support innovation and efficiency
• Maximise impact of data and insights through accessible, visually compelling outputs
• Ensure rapid and responsible data processing to meet stakeholder needs
• Lead best practice in QA, data ethics, analysis and presentation
• Create frameworks and culture for experimentation in research methods
• Strengthen cross-organisational collaboration and define roles with data management teams
• Oversee programme management, including resource planning and budget tracking
• Represent Ofcom externally to share practices and build reputation

Key requirements

• Data science / AI capabilities for large, complex datasets
• Data ethics and responsible/legal data use
• Strong understanding of research methodologies for consumer/market insight
• Programme management experience with budgets and people
• Experience developing and delivering strategy
• Management and leadership experience
• Relationship building and change leadership
• Ability to communicate complex analysis to diverse audiences
• Track record applying data-driven insights to regulatory or policy contexts
• Agile and responsive, balancing speed and quality under pressure

• leadership
• relationship building
• effective communication
• data science / AI
• data ethics
• research methodologies

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