Chief Data & AI Officer

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nottingham seeks a visionary Chief Data & AI Officer to shape data, analytics and AI strategy across our UK, China and Malaysia campuses. You will report to the Chief Digital & Information Officer and lead the design of modern data platforms and AI services to support teaching, research and operations.

You will establish robust governance, promote data literacy, and oversee AI ethics while leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging with senior stakeholders to drive innovation

Qualifications

• Visionary leadership in data strategy, AI and analytics.
• Experience leading data platforms, governance and AI services.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of an ambitious institutional data/AI strategy.
• Oversee governance, ethics and data literacy across the university.
• Build and manage multidisciplinary teams spanning data engineering, analytics and AI.
• Drive data-driven decision making to support teaching, research and operations.

Job description

Salary

£113,200 to £138,400 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Area

CDO Office

Location

Jubilee Campus

Closing Date

Sunday 11 October 2026

Interview Date

To be confirmed

Reference

DTS1891626X1

Following the appointment of a new Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) and internal restructure of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Digital & Technology Services (DTS) are seeking an outstanding leader to join us as Chief Data & AI Officer. Reporting directly to the CDIO, this pivotal role will shape the university's approach to data, analytics and artificial intelligence across our global campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia.

As the university's senior authority for data and AI, you will lead the development and delivery of an ambitious institutional strategy that enables data-driven decision making, unlocks the value of our data assets, and drives responsible innovation. You will champion the design of modern data platforms, advanced analytics capabilities and AI services, ensuring that data is trusted, accessible and used effectively to support teaching, research and operational excellence.

Working closely with UEB colleagues, academic leaders and Professional Services teams, you will establish robust governance frameworks, oversee AI ethics and promote a culture of data literacy and evidence-based decision making. You will also lead multidisciplinary teams spanning data engineering, analytics and AI, developing capabilities that support long-term institutional transformation.

We are looking for a visionary leader with a strong track record in data strategy, AI, analytics and organisational change. You will combine technical expertise, commercial awareness and exceptional stakeholder engagement skills to help shape the university's digital future and deliver lasting impact through data and AI.

Join us and help shape the University of Nottingham's digital future.

What the university offers:

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

Further information is available in the role profile.

Your working hours will be 36.25 hours per week. If you are interested in part-time work (minimum 29 hours per week), we encourage you to apply. Please specify your preferred hours in your application. We may also consider job share arrangements.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) employer . Increasing the diversity of our community is extremely important to us and we are committed to the aims of Disability Confident Scheme.

We are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

Discover our benefits, visit Your Benefits website.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.