- Company Name
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Job Title
- Director General for Emerging Technology and Artificial Intelligence
- Job Description
-
**Job title:** Director General for Emerging Technology and Artificial Intelligence
**Role Summary:**
Senior government role responsible for shaping, implementing, and regulating the UK’s strategy for emerging technologies—AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, robotics, engineering biology, and advanced materials. Leads cross‑departmental coordination, investment, risk management, and international engagement to secure national competitiveness, security, and public trust.
**Expectations**
- Deliver the AI Opportunities Action Plan and associated milestones.
- Align national policies, investment, and regulation across interlinked technology domains.
- Maintain a balance between innovation, security, and public confidence.
- Foster inclusive talent development and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Represent the UK in global technology governance forums and secure strategic partnerships.
**Key Responsibilities**
- Lead implementation of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, AI Growth Zones, public sector compute capacity, and AI skills programmes.
- Oversee the National Quantum Strategy, Semiconductor Strategy, and emerging tech missions; manage funding, delivery partnerships, and programme alignment with resilience and growth goals.
- Direct the AI Security Institute, ensuring it remains a recognised centre for frontier‑AI evaluation and risk assessment.
- Pioneer DSIT’s online safety and digital harms agenda, working with Ofcom and the Home Office on the Online Safety Act and evolving policy.
- Represent the UK internationally on emerging tech governance: follow‑up to AI Safety Summits, bilateral/multilateral engagements, and standard‑setting.
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of ~500 staff, promoting collaboration, inclusion, and capacity growth across policy, technical, and analytical functions.
- Advise ministers, Parliament, and senior officials with evidence‑based, clear recommendations on technology policy, investment, and regulation.
**Required Skills**
- Strategic planning and policy development for complex, high‑impact technology programmes.
- Cross‑functional leadership and stakeholder engagement (government departments, industry, academia, regulators).
- Risk assessment, national security and public trust management in technology contexts.
- Experience with large‑scale programme delivery, budgeting, and partner management.
- Digital policy expertise, particularly online safety, digital harms, and regulation.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and representation skills at ministerial and international levels.
- Ability to build inclusive, high‑performance teams and develop technical talent pipelines.
**Required Education & Certifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Public Policy, or related field.
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) preferred in a relevant STEM or policy discipline.
- Proven track record in public‑sector technology leadership, preferably within the UK government, or equivalent global context.
- Leadership or public‑sector management certification advantageous (e.g., UK Civil Service Leadership Programme, equivalent).