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For Companies At a Glance
- 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 operational delivery in complex organisations.
- 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 London 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend tech meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can turn technological possibilities into operational realities, just like the role of CTO requires.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s current tech stack and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you would lead their DDaT transformation and improve service resilience. Tailor your answers to show you understand their needs and can drive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about making connections and helping you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to the exciting changes ahead.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Technology Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our DDaT Strategy and the transformation journey we're on.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Highlight your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully driven technological and cultural shifts in complex organisations. We’re looking for someone who can inspire teams and lead them through change, so don’t hold back!
Demonstrate Technical Expertise: Be clear about your experience with technology governance, cyber security, and operational delivery. We need to know you can manage high-risk services and ensure compliance while driving innovation, so share relevant examples from your career.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to reshape DCMS from the inside out!
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 need to be well-versed in the latest technologies and trends. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms, especially Microsoft 365, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed similar transitions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires exceptional leadership abilities. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and driving cultural shifts. Think about how you've fostered collaboration and innovation in previous roles.
✨Understand Governance and Compliance
With a focus on information governance and cyber security, be prepared to discuss your approach to managing risk and ensuring compliance. Share specific instances where you've balanced innovation with operational resilience.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrating your ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders is crucial. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully managed supplier ecosystems and collaborated across large organisations to achieve strategic goals.
