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- Tasks: Lead a major tech transformation and modernise IT services across the department.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking government department focused on digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving technological and cultural change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic tech leadership and managing complex platforms.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values collaboration and innovation in public service.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Chief Technology Officer to lead the next stage of our DDaT Strategy. This is a rare opportunity to reshape how DCMS works from the inside out. Reporting to the Chief Digital Information Officer, you will drive a major DDaT transformation to modernise IT, assurance, cyber security and technology services, while enabling digital delivery teams to innovate and build digital, data and AI capability across the department.
You will lead the transition to a new operating model that strengthens governance, improves service resilience and enables multidisciplinary teams to collaborate effectively. You will play a key leadership role in the strategic departmental moves to Microsoft from Google, Integrated Corporate Services and joining the cross government shared services programme of Matrix. We are looking for a senior leader who can turn technological possibility into operational reality, driving efficiency, maturing capability and leading DCMS through a three year change journey.
Critical for success in this role will not only be the ability to lead a technological shift but also a people‑centred and cultural shift. We are looking for exceptional leadership abilities to drive professionalism, modern ways of working and a customer‑centred philosophy of delivery.
The Chief Technology Officer’s team is the technical centre of DCMS, leading the department's major DDaT transformation and ensuring our digital foundations are secure, resilient, and high‑performing. Under the leadership of the CTO, the team is structured to deliver essential services and strategic change, encompassing:
- Technical services & IT service management: delivering and supporting all core IT infrastructure, platforms, and end‑user services, focusing on operational delivery, efficiency, and embedding best practices at scale.
- Cyber security: protecting the department's systems and data, owning our security strategy, and providing robust technical assurance.
- Information governance: managing Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) and Operational Data Protection to ensure compliance, proper data handling, and effective risk management across all technology usage.
Collectively, we define and execute the long‑term technical roadmap, translate emerging technology into secure reality, manage strategic supplier ecosystems, and drive cross‑government collaboration to deliver maximum public value.
Person specification
- Strategic digital and technology leadership: proven experience in setting direction and delivering technology strategies in complex organisations, to 1,000+ users, overseeing £5m+ annual budget. With experience of complex platform migration and integration (eg Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 or similar multi‑cloud environments).
- Operational technology delivery: track record of stabilising high‑risk live services and embedding best practice and a customer‑centric philosophy at scale. Demonstrable success managing the deployment and stabilisation of enterprise scale SaaS solutions in highly regulated or high‑security environments alongside establishing and maintaining Continuous Integration/ Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) practices for digital and data products and services.
- Information governance, risk, and cyber security: strong understanding of technology governance, KIM/data protection, risk management and cyber security principles, with the ability to balance innovation with compliance and operational resilience.
- Financial decision making for technology: ability to set budgets, justify investment in technology and make strategic trade offs between immediate operational needs and long‑term value.
- Stakeholder, supplier, and collaboration: demonstrable ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders, manage and drive accountability in complex supplier ecosystems and work collaboratively across government or large organisations.
- Modern Security Models: experience of establishing a DevSecOps and operational resilience testing practice to manage evolving threat landscape.
- Shared services: success driving value for money and financial control in shared services models.
Chief Technology Officer in England employer: Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Contact Detail:
Department for Culture, Media and Sport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Technology Officer in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend tech meetups, conferences, or webinars where you can meet potential employers and other professionals. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements. Whether it's a website, a GitHub repository, or a presentation, make sure it showcases your ability to lead tech transformations and drive innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its tech stack. Understand their current challenges and think about how you can contribute to their DDaT strategy. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Technology Officer in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Chief Technology Officer role. Highlight your experience with DDaT transformation and how you've led similar initiatives in the past.
Showcase Leadership Skills: We want to see your exceptional leadership abilities! Share examples of how you've driven cultural shifts and fostered collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, especially in complex environments.
Demonstrate Technical Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical know-how. Detail your experience with cyber security, information governance, and operational technology delivery, particularly in high-stakes settings.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Culture, Media and Sport
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Chief Technology Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of technology strategies and governance. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms, especially the transition from Google to Microsoft, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed similar migrations in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about inspiring teams and driving cultural shifts. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities, particularly in fostering collaboration and a customer-centred approach. Think about times when you’ve led multidisciplinary teams through change and how you’ve motivated them to achieve their best.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Be ready to discuss how you would handle operational challenges or security threats. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Understand Financial Decision-Making
You’ll need to justify technology investments and manage budgets effectively. Brush up on your financial acumen and be prepared to discuss how you’ve balanced immediate operational needs with long-term strategic goals in previous roles.
