At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and data strategy for the Department for Education.
- Company: Department for Education, committed to improving public services through digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £200k, hybrid working, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead national change and inspire a diverse team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education by driving digital and data improvements for millions of learners.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in digital, AI, and data at scale; strategic thinking and policy influence.
The predicted salary is between 180000 - 200000 £ per year.
The Civil Service exists to serve the public and at the Department for Education, that mission is felt in every classroom and every community across the country. Today, delivering on that mission depends not only on policy, but on the strength of our digital, data, and infrastructure capability. The Department for Education is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Director General for Digital and Infrastructure at a pivotal moment for both the department and the wider education system.
As expectations of public services evolve, and as digital, data, and AI become fundamental to effective delivery, this role will be central to ensuring the department can operate with the pace, coherence, and insight required to meet those demands. As Director General, you will lead around 1,800 colleagues, bringing together digital delivery, data and analysis, technology, and education estates into a single, powerful function. Your task is ambitious: to drive a step-change in how the department, and the wider education and care system, uses digital and data to improve outcomes for children and young people.
You will:
- Set an ambitious cross-cutting digital, AI and data strategy plan that transforms how the department and the sector deliver all their work - embedding digital, AI and data into every major strategy, driving improvements in outcomes for children and learners.
- Lead the transformation of DfE’s digital services into user-centred, resilient, and secure platforms that support millions of users.
- Unlock the full value of data across the education system, creating a clearer, more connected picture to inform decisions and drive improvement.
- Oversee one of the government’s most significant estates portfolios, including major capital programmes such as the School Rebuilding Programme, where judgement and pace are critical.
- Bring coherence and momentum to a complex landscape - aligning people, systems, and investment behind a shared vision.
This role demands more than technical expertise. It calls for a leader who can operate at scale, navigate complexity, and inspire confidence at the highest levels. You will bring:
- Expertise in digital, AI and data leadership at scale: Ability to set a clear vision and strategy that transforms outcomes across a whole sector.
- Experience in leading large digital, data and technology functions: Improve performance and ensure cyber security underpins digital and data systems.
- Delivery at pace and scale: Proven ability to lead major transformation programmes across complex delivery landscapes, working in partnership with schools, colleges, local authorities and private sector partners including in the ed tech and construction industries.
- Strategic thinking and policy influence: A track record of embedding digital and data into the core strategies of large organisations or systems, and of developing high quality, influential policies in partnership with decision-makers at the most senior levels.
- Leadership: Proven leadership experience, including through change, with evidence of the ability to build, inspire and motivate teams to great performance within an organisation of similar scale and complexity.
- Determination to create and maintain excellent, lean, effective teams: Bring diversity of thought and take powerful action.
- Judgement and risk management: Exceptional skill in balancing huge opportunities with significant risks, calibrating engagement with a vibrant but under-evidenced and rapidly changing market.
You do not need to come from the education sector - but you will need the curiosity and commitment to understand it deeply, and the drive to improve it meaningfully. This is your chance to lead transformation at national scale, redefining how one of government’s most important departments delivers for the public. Your leadership will shape how services reach and support millions of learners every day and build a more connected, resilient, and effective education system for the future.
You can be based in any of the following DfE locations - Bristol, Cambridge, Coventry, Darlington, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield.
Director General, Digital and Infrastructure employer: Department for Education
The Department for Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation in digital and AI strategies directly impacts the future of education. With a strong commitment to employee development and a hybrid working model, staff enjoy flexibility while contributing to meaningful outcomes for children across the UK. The collaborative culture fosters growth and encourages leaders to drive transformative change in education services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director General, Digital and Infrastructure
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Department for Education, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Department for Education and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director General, Digital and Infrastructure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Department for Education and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Education
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Department for Education, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Department for Education.
