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- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and oversee tech standards across 45 public bodies.
- Company: Join the DCMS team, driving innovation in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Flexible working, full-time options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work with a diverse team and embrace cutting-edge technologies.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of tech transitions and make a real impact on public services.
- Qualifications: Proven digital leadership and experience in transformative change.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 ÂŁ per year.
Working Pattern: Flexible working, Full-time, Job Share
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) is responsible for transforming how DCMS utilises technology, data, and digital services. This broad leadership role encompasses internal business transformation and professional oversight of standards across 45 public bodies within the DCMS group.
A central focus of this role involves navigating significant technical transitions scheduled for 2026, including:
- Harnessing the benefits of DCMS services moving from Google to Microsoft
- Preparing the department to join the NEO platform, a new HR and Finance system, as part of a Government shared services programme in the second half of 2026. This will involve working with four other departments and taking services from a shared service provider.
As the professional lead for the Digital, Data and Technology function, you will build and scale a team of approximately 60 professionals. You will be responsible for defining the digital capabilities for people, process, and technology required to unlock organisational benefits and execute a strategic roadmap that reflects the needs of the department and its public bodies.
Responsibilities
- Driving literacy in core DDaT competencies such as agile delivery, user‑centred design, and data skills across the department.
- Engaging with the cross‑government CDIO community to ensure DCMS strategies align with the Central Data and Digital Office standards.
- Building a resilient function with engaged, high performing staff and an effective supply chain that delivers great outcomes and minimises risks.
As Director, you will lead an innovative and diverse team of digital, data and technology professionals which will comprise of circa 60 staff. You will be the driving force behind our vision to be the strategic engine that transforms DCMS into a modern, agile, and digitally confident department. Our culture is defined by user‑centricity and experimentation, where we leverage cross‑disciplinary collaboration to deliver secure, innovative services.
The directorate is structured across three Deputy Director portfolios:
- DDaT Programmes: MS365 & Transformation- leading the essential support that underpins our delivery work and the delivery of large‑scale transition programmes.
- Digital Delivery and Portfolio: delivering strategic business intelligence and user‑centred solutions through mature product, data, and emerging technology capabilities including AI.
- Chief Technology Officer: Technology, Cyber & Infosec Operations - providing the resilient infrastructure and robust cyber assurance that underpins all DCMS operations.
Beyond the core department, you will provide strategic leadership across the wider DCMS family, fostering the adoption of tech shared services across our public bodies. We are a regionally dispersed team, with 42% of our staff based in national hubs outside of London (primarily in Manchester) as we continue to grow our geographic footprint. We are committed to a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives build a high‑performing DDaT workforce.
Person specification
- Strategic vision and digital leadership: a proven ability to integrate digital, data, and technology into core organisational strategy while anticipating future technological trends.
- Transformative change and stakeholder engagement: proven experience driving complex, performance‑led transformations and influencing high‑level stakeholders.
- Capability building and inclusive culture: a track record of leading high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams and fostering an inclusive culture focused on empathetic leadership and talent development.
- Product and service delivery at scale: extensive experience delivering major digital products and services that provide tangible citizen outcomes and value‑for‑money efficiencies.
- Cybersecurity and resilience: evidence of expert leadership in ensuring infrastructure resilience, data integrity. The ability to provide technical assurance across the department and its Arms‑Length Bodies.
- Evidence of a forward‑thinking approach to AI and emerging technologies, with an understanding of the societal and ethical impacts of innovation on DCMS sectors.
Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) in Manchester 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 Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. 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! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with digital transformation and team leadership. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s current digital initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, especially around the upcoming transitions they’re facing. Tailor your responses to show you understand their challenges and can lead them through it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the CDIO role. Highlight your experience in digital transformation and leadership, and show how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, share your strategic vision for integrating digital, data, and technology into organisational strategy. We want to see how you anticipate future trends and how you plan to drive transformative change.
Highlight Team Leadership: Emphasise your experience in building and leading high-performing teams. Talk about how you've fostered an inclusive culture and developed talent in your previous roles, as this is key for us at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Culture, Media and Sport
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Chief Digital and Information Officer, you'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of the technologies involved, especially the transition from Google to Microsoft. Brush up on the specifics of these platforms and how they can benefit DCMS. Be ready to discuss your experience with similar transitions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires leading a diverse team of around 60 professionals. Prepare to share examples of how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Highlight your approach to fostering an inclusive culture and how you engage stakeholders at all levels.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your strategic vision for integrating digital, data, and technology into organisational strategy. Think about how you would align DCMS strategies with Central Data and Digital Office standards and be ready to articulate your ideas clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Change Management Skills
With a focus on transformative change, be prepared to discuss your experience in driving complex transformations. Share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and managed performance-led changes in previous roles.