Director General for Digital Product in England

Director General for Digital Product in England

England Full-Time Home office (partial)
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of innovative digital products for the UK government.
  • Company: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology - shaping the future of public services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ260k, hybrid working, and impactful projects.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by transforming how citizens interact with government services.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in digital product development and experience with emerging technologies.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team of ~600 professionals driving national-scale digital innovation.

Most digital leaders build products for a market. Are you ready to build digital products for a nation? The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is looking for a Director General for Digital Products. We are looking for a world-class product leader to oversee the UK’s digital public services from the iconic GOV.UK to the next generation of app-based services. This role is about delivering a creative vision for a more personalised, intuitive, and responsive government.

What you will drive:

  • The Next Generation of GOV.UK: Oversee the full launch of the GOV.UK App and the integration of GOV.UK Chat. You will harness conversational AI to transform how citizens navigate information and complete complex tasks.
  • The National Digital Wallet: Scale the secure storage of verified government credentials (such as Digital Driving Licences and Veteran IDs) directly on citizens' mobile devices.
  • Universal Authentication: Drive the GOV.UK One Login programme to become the default, seamless authentication method across all of central government.
  • Critical National Infrastructure: Ensure the resilience and 99%+ uptime of high-volume platforms like Notify and Pay, which are essential to the daily functioning of the UK.
  • National-Scale Leadership: Lead a multidisciplinary powerhouse of ~600 product managers, designers, engineers, and researchers across London, Manchester, and other hubs.

Who we are looking for:

  • Proven leadership of digital product development and operations at large scale, with experience managing high-profile services and delivering measurable impact.
  • Demonstrated ability to combine delivery excellence with strategic foresight - balancing operational leadership with creative thinking to shape the future direction of digital products.
  • Deep understanding of user-centred design, accessibility, agile delivery, DevOps and platform strategy.
  • Experience integrating emerging technologies (e.g. AI, mobile, digital identity) into consumer-facing products.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with experience driving adoption across complex organisations.
  • Ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and build inclusive, high-performing cultures.

We are moving past traditional government digital. We are building a personalised, AI-enhanced experience that rivals the best services in the private sector. If you have led this journey before and want to translate that experience into massive public impact, this is your platform. This is your chance to define what a modern digital government looks like in practice.

If you are interested in this vacancy, please follow the “EasyApply” process which will register your interest and add you to the distribution list for our dedicated microsite. For any further information, please reach out to Daniel White or Mercedes Sargant on 020 8253 1806, or via email.

Director General for Digital Product in England employer: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the transformation of digital public services that impact millions across the UK. With a hybrid work model and locations in London, Bristol, and Manchester, we foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that prioritises employee growth through innovative projects and cutting-edge technology. Join us to not only shape the future of government services but also to be part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering meaningful change.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Contact Detail:

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director General for Digital Product in England

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in digital product development. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your vision for digital products and how you can lead teams to success. We suggest rehearsing with friends or mentors to get feedback and refine your approach.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to express your interest and stay updated on the process. We’re excited to see your application and help you take the next step in your career!

We think you need these skills to ace Director General for Digital Product in England

Leadership in Digital Product Development
User-Centred Design
Accessibility
Agile Delivery
DevOps
Platform Strategy
Emerging Technologies Integration
Conversational AI
Stakeholder Engagement
Influencing Skills
Team Leadership
Building Inclusive Cultures
High-Volume Platform Management
Strategic Foresight
Creative Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in digital product leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director General for Digital Products, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Vision: This role is all about delivering a creative vision for digital public services. Use your application to demonstrate your innovative ideas and how you’ve successfully implemented them in the past. We’re looking for someone who can think outside the box!

Highlight Team Leadership: We need a leader who can manage large, multidisciplinary teams. In your application, share examples of how you’ve built inclusive cultures and led teams to success. Show us that you can inspire and drive a diverse group towards a common goal.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website using the 'EasyApply' process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be added to our distribution list for updates, which is a win-win!

How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

✨Know Your Digital Products

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in digital product development. Familiarise yourself with the current state of GOV.UK and other public services, as well as how AI and mobile tech can enhance user experience. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and vision during the interview.

✨Showcase Leadership Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles in digital product development. Highlight specific examples where you’ve led large teams or managed high-profile services. Be ready to explain how you balanced operational excellence with creative thinking to drive measurable impact.

✨Engage with User-Centred Design

Understand the principles of user-centred design and be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied these in past projects. Share examples of how you’ve ensured accessibility and inclusivity in your products, as this aligns with the role’s focus on creating a personalised government experience.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement

Think about your experiences in engaging stakeholders across complex organisations. Be ready to share strategies you’ve used to drive adoption of digital products and how you’ve influenced decision-making. This will show your ability to navigate the intricacies of government operations effectively.

Director General for Digital Product in England
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Location: England

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