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 unique opportunity to lead transformative digital and infrastructure initiatives that directly impact the education system across the UK. With a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, collaborative teamwork, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people. The hybrid working model and various locations, including London and Manchester, provide flexibility and accessibility, making it an attractive workplace for those passionate about public service and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director General, Digital and Infrastructure
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already working in the education sector or digital transformation. Attend events, webinars, and meetups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Department for Education's current digital initiatives. Show us you understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your leadership in digital and data strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to convey your vision clearly and confidently. We recommend rehearsing how you would lead a team through digital transformation, focusing on your strategic thinking and ability to inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to improve outcomes for children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Director General, Digital and Infrastructure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director General role. Highlight your expertise in digital, AI, and data leadership, as well as your ability to drive transformation at scale.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Share examples of how you've led large-scale projects and navigated complex landscapes, especially in digital and data environments.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking:Your application should reflect your ability to think strategically about embedding digital and data into core strategies. Provide concrete examples of how you've influenced policy and driven improvements in previous roles.
Be Authentic and Curious:While you don’t need to come from the education sector, show us your genuine curiosity and commitment to understanding it. Let your passion for improving outcomes for children and young people shine through in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Education
✨Know Your Digital and Data Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in digital, AI, and data leadership. Be ready to discuss how these elements can transform outcomes in education. Show them you’re not just familiar with the tech but can also articulate a clear vision for its application.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've embedded digital and data strategies in previous roles. Think about how you can align these strategies with the Department for Education's goals. They want to see your ability to influence policy at the highest levels, so come armed with insights and ideas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience leading large teams through change. Highlight specific instances where you’ve motivated diverse teams to achieve great results. They’ll be looking for evidence of your ability to inspire confidence and drive performance in complex environments.
✨Prepare for High-Stakes Decision-Making
Think about scenarios where you had to make rapid, high-stakes decisions. Be prepared to discuss your judgement and risk management skills. They want to know how you balance opportunities with risks, especially in a fast-paced, evolving landscape like education.
