Group Manager Innovation Hub

The ICO’s Regulatory Risk Executive Directorate is responsible for anticipating, understanding and shaping the impacts of emerging technology and innovation on people and society. Our work ranges from understanding the data protection implications of the metaverse through to advising digital start-ups on how to engineer information rights into the fabric of their innovations.
The Innovation Department leads the ICO’s work with innovators to embed data protection by design principles into new products and services. We provide hands-on support to encourage innovation, prevent harm, and reduce the likelihood of future infringements. We also develop and implement strategic policy relating to emerging technologies and innovative uses of personal data.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.
As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful., This post drives, plans and steers the workload of the Innovation Hub, and manages the team that delivers its outputs.
The Innovation Hub is critical to the delivery of the ICO’s ICO25 enduring objective to empower responsible innovation and sustainable economic growth.
The Hub collaborates with partners, including Government Departments, Innovation agencies such as Catapults, and other regulators to reach groups of innovators and train or mentor them to build Data Protection by Design into their developing products. The Hub’s work increases regulatory certainty for innovators through inclusive and empathetic engagement.
The Group Manager for the Hub will be responsible for the management and ongoing development of the Hub workstreams as well as its effective and efficient delivery. This includes the running a professional and proactive service, seeking out new potential projects, and leading, developing and motivating the Hub team., + Developing new and existing programmes of work with innovation supporting organisations in line with the Innovation Department’s business plan and objectives.
+ Shaping the forward programme for the Hub and to developing new relationships with regulators or other bodies that could bring new opportunities to interact with a wider range of innovators.
+ Liaising clearly and confidently with all internal and external stakeholders to plan, agree, schedule and deliver Hub activities and act as a key point of contact for these activities where required.
+ Ensuring the effective allocation of resources to deliver the Hub’s services and activities.
+ Oversight of deliverables produced by the Hub for internal and external stakeholders, to ensure it meets strategic objectives and quality standards.
+ The development, monitoring and review of operational policies, processes and procedures for the Hub, ensuring activities are delivered consistently and within agreed timescales.
+ Working with the Head of Innovation to monitor and demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of the Hub, and use this information to continually improve standards and effectiveness.
+ Manage and lead department projects and initiatives as required, ensuring they meet strategic objectives and implementation is achieved on time and in budget
+ Deputise for the Head of Innovation as necessary
+ The recruitment, management and development of Senior Policy Officers and staff within the department including the monitoring and review of individual performance and supporting individual development. This includes ensuring that team members are clear about expected standards of performance, motivated and professionally developed.
+ The work will involve a degree of travel and working away from home. This will vary depending on priorities.
+ Comply with ICO policies and procedures

+ Substantial experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
+ Substantial experience working in a compliance/regulatory/policy environment
+ Excellent intellectual and analytical ability in order to apply complex legislation to practical circumstances. Including good knowledge of data protection law, with the ability to apply it to new contexts.
+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Essential criteria assessed during interview:
+ Excellent intellectual and analytical ability in order to apply complex legislation to practical circumstances. Including good knowledge of data protection law, with the ability to apply it to new contexts.
+ Ability to lead teams to deliver complex and timebound projects.
+ Experience of managing teams and/or complex projects operating in an assurance or compliance/regulatory/policy environment
+ Strategic thinker, able to take the lead and work to achieve organisational goals.
+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills
+ Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and maintain good relations with senior stakeholders
+ Ability to manage and develop individuals to deliver team and personal objectives.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion, Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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.

Salary: £55,591 - £62,974, with potential for further progression to £70,907 with our pay progression scheme.
Location: Hybrid
Contracted to our Wilmslow, 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.
Why work for the ICO?
+ Pay progression scheme.
+ Hybrid and flexible working options.
+ 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.
+ Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).
+ Pension (employer contribution around 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 our website ., Alongside your salary of £55,591, Information Commissioner's Office contributes £16,104 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.