Job Description

Description

Salary: 90,000 - 105,000 - We will work with you to determine a competitive salary that reflects the skills and experience you bring to the role, based on our discussions during the interview process.

Location: Kings X, London; Tues - Thurs (3 days) at HQ, Monday + Friday, anywhere

Employment Type: Full-time

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 03.11.25

About ARIA

ARIA is a new kind of R&D funding agency. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK's world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on.


We are growing our team to develop bold new approaches that can scale - from programmes to systems, processes and everything in between. If that sounds fun, come and build ARIA with us.
Learn more about how we work here.

Role Summary

As the Head of Data & Technology, you will lead ARIA's Data & Tech function. You will be accountable for maintaining robust cyber and data governance, ensuring resilient core systems and infrastructure, and driving an innovative and forward-looking approach to how ARIA leverages data, technology and AI to achieve its mission. You will lead a team of technical experts and partners and collaborate with leaders and functions across the organisation to optimise ARIA's technology and data ecosystem, strengthen organisational capabilities, and ensure ARIA has the right tools, information, and insight to achieve its mission.

What you'll do

Governance

Oversee governance and risk frameworks for ARIA's data and technology domains, encompassing cyber security, data governance, information management, and emerging technologies such as AI. Maintain clear and cohesive frameworks, policies, processes, and controls across ARIA's data and technology domains to ensure compliance, security, and resilience. Lead proportionate and proactive risk management, reporting, and assurance activities for data and technology risks to ensure these risks are identified, monitored, and effectively mitigated.
Support executive and board-level reporting through clear, evidence-based insights on ARIA's technology, data, and security position.



Functional and Team Leadership

Provide strategic management for the Data & Technology function, defining remit, roadmap, and priorities to meet organisational needs. Lead, and develop a high-performing team, including direct line management of the Data & Insights Manager and IT Manager and oversight of specialist contractors and service providers. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, empowering the team to deliver with impact.
Build and evolve the team's capabilities to anticipate and meet the organisation's future data and technology needs.



Strategy, Roadmap and Collaboration

Shape and deliver ARIA's data, technology, and AI strategies, setting the direction for how technology enables the organisation's mission. Collaborate across ARIA's leadership and functions to identify opportunities and guide cross-functional initiatives that drive alignment, innovation, and organisational capability.
Lead communication, visibility, and learning initiatives to build organisational understanding and engagement with data and technology.



Technology, Data and Portfolio Management

Oversee ARIA's full data and technology portfolio -- spanning infrastructure, systems, tools, data architecture, and insights -- ensuring these elements work cohesively to meet organisational needs. Provide oversight and sign-off on key technical decisions, frameworks, and investments to ensure they are strategic, secure, and aligned with ARIA's priorities. Support and advise team members in vendor selection, negotiation, and implementation to build effective partnerships and ensure value for money. Oversee the Data & Technology budget and provide input on technology-related spend across other organisational budgets, ensuring effective prioritisation and value for money.

Who you are

An experienced leader with a track record of building and guiding high-performing technical teams. Skilled in governance and risk management, with experience owning or contributing to enterprise-level risks and assurance. Proven ability to lead across IT, data, cybersecurity, and AI portfolios, with broad technical acumen to oversee specialist experts. Experienced in managing budgets, vendors, contracts, and outsourced service providers. Strong communicator, able to influence and collaborate effectively with peers across functions and at board/executive level. Able to balance strategic leadership with hands-on project guidance and oversight. Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, with the ability to set direction while managing a complex and evolving portfolio.

Benefits

Bonus:

A discretionary, non-contractual annual bonus.

Pension:

A defined contribution pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution.

Annual Leave:

27 days per year, in addition to statutory bank holidays and the option to buy or sell up to three days of leave.

Wellbeing & Support:

+ Access to a free, confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme.
+ Life Assurance coverage equivalent to three times your annual base salary.

Additional Benefits:

+ Participation in the Cycle to Work scheme.
+ Two days of paid volunteer leave annually.
+ Enhanced family leave arrangements.



Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don't worry. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you're new to this, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role.



If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests are intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process.



ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility. You can read our policy here.

Our research and development activity will abide by the 3Rs principle. You can read about those here.

About ARIA