The North Sea is undergoing profound change as energy security, decarbonisation, emerging technologies and the transition to a lower-carbon future reshape both the industry and the role of its regulator. The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) regulates the UK's oil and gas, offshore hydrogen and carbon storage industries, operating at the intersection of government, industry and a rapidly evolving energy system. Fundamental to this change is our approach to digital and data, and we are looking for an exceptional Director of Digital and Data to help shape our next chapter, leading the capabilities, technology and information assets that underpin our regulatory work and enable us to support energy security, reduce emissions and accelerate the UK's energy transition.

The opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, sitting on the Leadership Team and working closely with our Board, you will be our most senior digital and data leader. You will help determine how digital, data and technology can strengthen regulation, enable major programmes of work and support an organisation whose remit and responsibilities are set to grow.

The scale of the opportunity is significant. The NSTA holds almost two petabytes of data, providing an extraordinary resource spanning the UK's energy infrastructure and supporting investment, regulation, energy security and the transition to net zero.

Your challenge will be to ensure we make the very best use of it.

You will lead a directorate of around 30 specialists, providing strategic leadership across digital, data, technology, cyber security and information governance. You will oversee a significant portfolio of programmes, ensure our technology and digital services remain secure and resilient, and continue to develop the platforms and capabilities the NSTA will need for the future.

But your influence will extend well beyond the organisation.

Working with government, industry, operators, partners and the NSTA's members and stakeholders, you will explore how data, digital services, analytics and emerging technologies can create greater value, improve regulatory outcomes and support better decision-making across an entire sector.

Could this be you?

The role

• Providing strategic leadership for the NSTA's digital, data and technology functions.
• Ensuring digital services, data platforms and technology estate remain secure, resilient and fit for the future.
• Leading cyber security, information governance and digital transformation activity.
• Overseeing delivery of a significant portfolio of digital and technology programmes.
• Championing the effective use of data, analytics and emerging technologies.
• Acting as the principal source of advice and assurance to the Board and Leadership Team.
• Building an inclusive, high-performing culture.

What we are looking for

To be successful in this role, we are looking for an accomplished digital, data and technology leader who can operate with credibility at Board and Executive level combining strategic leadership with technical expertise.

We are looking for evidence of experience and impact across the following areas

Strategic digital, data and technology leadership

A successful track record of leading digital transformation, data strategy and/or technology delivery within complex organisations; setting direction at Board or Executive level and translating strategic ambition into tangible organisational outcomes.

Technology, data and resilience

Strong strategic understanding of enterprise technology, cloud infrastructure, cyber security and resilience, together with expertise in data governance, information stewardship and the effective use of data, analytics and emerging technologies.

Transformation, delivery and risk

Proven experience of leading complex technology-enabled change and portfolios, while maintaining and improving resilient services and effectively managing organisational, operational and delivery risk.

Stakeholder leadership and influence

Evidence of successfully navigating complex stakeholder environments, building trusted relationships and influencing at senior levels internally and externally to achieve organisational outcomes.

Leadership of people and capability

A collaborative, inclusive and empowering leadership style, with experience of leading high-performing, highly skilled multidisciplinary teams and creating the conditions in which experts can thrive and deliver.

Experience within regulated sectors, government or the wider public sector would be welcome, but is not essential.

Why join us

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of digital and data within an organisation at the heart of the UK's energy transition. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will influence strategic direction, steward nationally important data assets and help ensure the NSTA is equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities. The NSTA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on achieving government net zero targets, team members benefit from unique opportunities to influence industry practices while working closely with leading operators in the UKCS. Our culture promotes continuous learning and engagement, ensuring that every employee plays a vital role in shaping the future of energy transition and sustainable practices.

How to apply

When applying, please ensure that the following documents and information are submitted by 9.00am on Monday 5 October:

• Your CV (PDF format).
• A supporting statement (PDF format, maximum two pages) outlining your motivation for applying and demonstrating your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the five areas set out in the 'What We Are Looking For' section.
• Contact telephone numbers and your personal email address.
• A completed diversity monitoring form (included within the online application process).

Your CV and supporting statement will be assessed together against the requirements set out in the job description and person specification.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or for further insight into the opportunity and application process, please contact our executive search partners at GatenbySanderson, who will be pleased to assist.

Sarah Luxford, Partner

Khadeeja Khalid, Senior Researcher

Email: NSTADigital@gatenbysanderson.com

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

About the employer

Hear directly from Stuart as he shares his thoughts on the role and the opportunity ahead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ijQJMLojRE

Documents

North Sea Transition Authority Candidate Pack 07.09.26 Final.pdf

Recruitment Timetable

Closing Date for Applications
Monday 5 October 2026 @ 9am

Final Panel Interview (In Person - London)
Wednesday 14 October 2026

Final Panel Interview (TBC In Person/Online)
w/c Monday 19 October 2026 and/or w/c Monday 26 October 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com