Deputy Director, Central Data Science and AI

Location: The locations for this role are Newport, Titchfield (Fareham), Manchester & London.

We operate a flexible hybrid working model across the UK, with colleagues linked to one of our contractual locations and working between office and remote throughout the week. All Senior Civil Service colleagues are required to work from their contractually allocated site for at least 60% of their working time.

Closing Date: Apply before 11:55pm on Sunday 1st March 2026

Central Data Science and AI (CDS-AI) is part of Strategic Innovation and Analysis Directorate and applies data science, and builds skills, for public good across the UK and internationally. Our role is to apply data science and AI in impactful ways to improve statistics, the operations of the Office for National Statistics, and wider public sector (domestic and international) decision-making. The CDS-AI is an internationally renowned centre of excellence with an international reputation in leading the data science and AI agenda, particularly as it applies to National Statistical Organisations such as the ONS.

CDS-AI is looking for a new Deputy Director to help lead the next phase of data science capacity building throughout ONS and across government. CDS-AI and SIA is a friendly, diverse and collaborative environment, and this leadership role oversees established applied data science and programme teams situated across our four UK hubs.

You will be responsible for over 80 CDS-AI staff – data scientists, developers, project delivery, and programme managers who deliver data science projects and programmes. Our remit stretches beyond improving official statistics and supports better decision making in the UK and internationally.

For a full job description and details of the skills & experience we are looking for, please click the APPLY button to see our full advert on Civil Service Jobs.

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• ✔A market leading pension scheme - our employer contribution rate is around 29%
  
• ✔Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of 26 weeks full pay (subject to qualifying criteria)
  
• ✔Opportunities to learn new technology & skills on the job, utilising blocked out Protected Learning Time in your weekly schedule and taking advantage of the support of our Communities of Practice
  
• ✔Employee Assistance Programmes
  
• ✔Diversity Network Groups
  
• ✔Mental Health Allies
  
• ✔Civil Service Sports and Social club
  
• ✔Generous holiday allowance – 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years service in addition to 9 public holidays
  

For more information about this role, a full application pack, and to apply, please hit APPLY to be taken to Civil Service Jobs.