Director of Enterprise and Innovation
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Posted on:
4 days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Director of Enterprise and Innovation (Level G2)
This vacancy is being handled by our Executive Search Partner Berwick
Partners. Please apply via the following link:
Director of Enterprise & Innovation Information Commissioners Office
Reports to: Executive Director Regulatory Risk and Innovation
Salary: 91276-104513pa with progression to 117748 with our pay progression framework.
Location:Hybrid
Contracted to our Manchester London Edinburgh Cardiff or Belfast office however we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need. Please note from Autumn 2026 our head office will relocate from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.
From Autumn 2026 our head office willrelocatefrom Wilmslow to Manchester city will be contracted to the Manchester office; however we offer hybrid working options and you will be able to split your time between home and office.
Closing date: 11:55pm on Sunday 3rd May 2026
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights empowering people through a data-driven world we protect and safeguard the public by providing advice and enforcing the law taking action where warranted. This includes providing advice guidance and support to organisations to enable compliance with legal obligations responsible innovation and economic growth.
We oversee and enforce ten pieces of legislation. This includes the Data Protection Act 2018 UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
About the Role
The Director for Enterprise and Innovation has senior leadership responsibility for two highimpact departments: Enterprise and Innovation. They will also act as the ICOs sponsor Director for the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) working closely with Ofcom the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to drive alignment on major digital regulatory issues.
They will have oversight of major programmes including significant regulatory interventions into the digital economy and the management delivery and continuous improvement of the ICOs suite of innovation services. Horizon scanning and anticipatory policy development are key aspects of the role. This will be achieved through collaboration with the Technology Directorate to position the ICO on frontier technologies such as agentic AI neurotechnology and quantum computing.
You will:
- Provide strategic leadership for the Enterprise & Innovation directorate ensuring delivery of ICO priorities alignment to corporate objectives and effective organisational design as the operating model evolves.
- Lead inspire and develop highperforming Enterprise and Innovation teams promoting professional development inclusion wellbeing and strong resource management.
- Oversee major programmes and regulatory interventions including innovation services and significant digitaleconomy regulatory activity ensuring impact value for money and continuous improvement.
- Drive forwardlooking policy and horizon scanning working closely with Technology to position the ICO on frontier technologies such as agentic AI neurotechnology and quantum computing.
- Represent and influence on behalf of the ICO acting as sponsor Director for the DRCF and engaging senior government parliamentary industry and international stakeholders to build trust and shape the digital regulatory landscape.
- Ensure robust governance risk management and corporate contribution providing assurance escalating issues appropriately and playing an active role in collective Senior Leadership Team decisionmaking.
About You
Candidates will have deep expertise and credibility in digital regulation technology policy or a related strategic field. This will require significant experience operating at a senior level and a sound understanding of emerging technologies and their societal economic and ethical implications. Strong leadership credentials are critical with a track record of inspiring highperforming teams. They will bring intellectual authority visible leadership and the ability to deliver at pace in a landscape defined by complexity scrutiny and rapid technological change.
Why work for the ICO
- Interesting and challenging work.
- Pay progression scheme.
- Hybrid and flexible working options.
- 25 days paid holiday per year plus privilege and public holidays.
- Pension (employer contribution 28.9%).
- Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets retailers gyms restaurants insurance providers and many more.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.
- Further details can be found on the benefits section of ourwebsite.
Equality diversity and inclusion
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality diversity and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.
Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICOs commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.
As part of the ICOs commitment to our EDI objectives and creating a workplace that represents the communities and societies we serve we guarantee an interview to candidates who declare they identify as belonging from an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy
How to apply
This vacancy is being handled by our Executive Search Partner Berwick Partners. Please apply via the following link:
Director of Enterprise & Innovation Information Commissioners Office
If you would like to know more about the role or selection process please contact Clare Bromley or Elizabeth James from our Executive Search partners Berwick Partners by emailing or
Clearance Required for this role:
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)Required Experience:
Director
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