Overview

Data & Intelligence Director (Online Safety) at Ofcom. This is an initial 18-month fixed-term appointment to lead the new Data and Intelligence function within the Online Safety Group, coordinating Ofcom’s online safety research programme and driving data-driven decision making.

Note: The application window closes at 00:01 on Friday 17 October (please apply by midnight on Thursday 16 October).

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Online Safety Group’s data and intelligence function, acting as the central hub for data strategy and insight.
• Develop a data and intelligence strategy and delivery plan with high-quality intelligence and advanced data analysis at the heart of the programme.
• Gather, refine and prioritise data and analysis requirements across the Programme and identify how best to meet those requirements from available data sources and techniques.
• Champion data architecture and infrastructure needs; collaborate with corporate data and ICT teams to deliver organisation-wide data approaches.
• Design and commission strategic intelligence outputs; ensure outputs drive decision making by policy and compliance teams.
• Coordinate commissioning of data and intelligence outputs to meet Programme needs; maintain a pipeline of data products, analysis, and infrastructure projects.
• Work with delivery partners (e.g., Research & Intelligence and Economics & Analytics Groups) and determine in-group analytics capability required.
• Coordinate and quality-assure data requests to regulated services; evaluate impact of the Programme and inform activities accordingly.
• Lead the Online Safety Group’s input into Ofcom’s major Digital, Data and AI projects overseen by the Transformation Director; establish and maintain partnerships with regulators, law enforcement and civil society as relevant.
• Set up and lead a new team, potentially reshaping team structure and resourcing during the OS Data and Intelligence Programme setup.

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills; ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams to deliver results.
• Strong track record of deriving valuable and actionable intelligence from diverse data sources; ability to evaluate evidence quality and methodological robustness.
• Experience leading significant strategic change programmes in a complex organisation (desirable: digital transformation).
• Proven leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Strong understanding of data governance, data architecture and data analytics (desirable).
• Knowledge of online safety policy or trust and safety practice (desirable).
• Commercial acumen in the technology sector and understanding of how organisations operate in this space.

Behavioural attributes

• Building Solutions: identify and solve complex issues with evidence-based methods.
• Harmonising Work: build trusted relationships and foster a collaborative, “one team” culture.
• Articulating Ideas: communicate clearly and concisely.
• Scanning Horizons: anticipate trends and align actions with long-term objectives.
• Embracing Change: lead confidently through uncertainty and guide others through transitions.

Inclusion

Ofcom is committed to making communications work for everyone and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applicants returning to work after a break. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application.