Director Digital Data & AI

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Digital Data & AI to lead and expand our efforts in AI, digital transformation and secure data environments (SDEs) for research.

Main duties of the job

You will champion digital innovation, drive adoption across health and care systems and position KSS as a national leader in this space.

About us

Kent Surrey Sussex AHSN (trading as Health Innovation KSS) is one of 15 HINs set up by NHS England in 2013 and relicensed from April 2018 to operate as the key innovation arm of the NHS.

Our work is all about transforming lives through innovation. We aim to improve the health and wellbeing of all citizens within our communities and contribute to a vibrant local economy.

Covering an area with a population of 4.8 million people, and a health and social care workforce of over 200,000 people, we seek to understand the needs of our health system and be well placed to broker innovative solutions. We develop projects, programmes and initiatives that reflect the diversity of our region and healthcare challenges.

Health Innovation KSS is commissioned by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), NHS England and NHS Improvement, to deliver a programme of work which underpins the acceleration, creation and adoption of health innovations. Our aim; to deliver improved outcomes for the population and generating economic growth, regionally and nationally with helping to enable companies/innovators to scale and create new jobs and investment.

Job responsibilities

APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED VIA NHS JOBS. PLEASE REFER TO THE HEALTH INNOVATION KSS CAREERS/VACANCIES WEBSITE FOR THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE. FURTHER DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

Role: Director Digital Data & AI

Benefits: Include flexible working and 33 days annual leave per annum + UK Bank Holidays (please see our career site landing page for full details of employee benefits)

Hours: 1.0 WTE / Full-time, 37.5 hrs per week (part-time / job share applications welcomed and encouraged)

Contract: 2-year fixed term contract on KSS AHSN Ltd Terms (trading as Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex)

Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer

Hybrid/remote role. Health Innovation KSS's primary office is in West Sussex, with other satellite offices in East Sussex and Surrey. The successful candidate is expected to be based in or be able to attend meetings in the Southeast region and London.

NB: There is potential for a job-share arrangement

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Develop and execute a digital, data and AI strategy for Health Innovation KSS aligned with our vision and growth objectives.
• Identify long-term opportunities to expand the use of SDEs and AI in healthcare, ensuring responsible adoption and mutual value creation.
• Lead engagement with NHS, industry and research partners to drive impactful digital transformation.
• Market and promote the region's digital & data assets, including the SDE to national and international stakeholders.
• Stay ahead of emerging digital and AI trends, ensuring Health Innovation KSS remains a leader in the field.
• Oversee AI adoption, ensuring alignment with ethical and regulatory frameworks.
• Manage digital transformation projects, including AI applications, data analytics and digital marketing initiatives.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a thought leader, representing Health Innovation KSS at conferences and external events.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team.
• Drive collaboration with system partners, providing education, training and support for AI adoption.
• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer to optimise demand and resource planning.
• Lead and manage a P&L, ensuring financial sustainability and growth.
• Secure funding to drive adoption of digital and AI through partnerships and grants.
• Develop long-term relationships with life science and med tech sector, including development of research pipeline for the SDE.
• Track and measure the impact of digital and AI initiatives, refining strategies based on performance data.
• Ensure compliance with data security and regulatory requirements.

Key Outcomes & Success Measures

• Achievement of annual income and growth targets.
• Increased adoption of AI and digital solutions within the KSS region.
• Enhanced positioning of Health Innovation KSS as a leader in digital innovation and translational research.
• Strengthened partnerships with healthcare, academic and industry stakeholders.
• High-impact projects delivered on time and within budget.

If the role sounds of interest, please review the full job description and apply via our Career Site.

Person Specification Qualifications

• Degree or advanced degree in Business Management, Data Science, IT, Digital Health, or related fields.

Experience

• Proven leadership experience in AI, digital transformation or data-driven healthcare innovation.
• Strong understanding of NHS, healthcare systems and regulatory frameworks.
• Business development experience, including securing external funding and negotiating commercial partnerships.
• Experience managing high-value projects, budgets and P&L.
• Expertise in AI applications, data governance and secure data environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of influencing and negotiating at senior levels.
• Background in MedTech, HealthTech, Life Sciences or NHS digital transformation.

Skills and Leadership Qualities

• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into action.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving ability, capable of navigating ambiguous and politically sensitive environments.
• Passion for driving innovation and improving healthcare outcomes through digital and AI solutions.