At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK's digital transformation, making public services faster and more accessible.
- Company: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology - a key player in government innovation.
- Benefits: Up to ÂŁ260k salary, hybrid working, and the chance to impact millions.
- Why this job: Drive real change in government and shape the future of public services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in large-scale digital transformation and agile delivery.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and inclusivity.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is looking for a Director General for Digital Transformation. This isn’t just a leadership role; it’s a platform to fundamentally rewire how the UK government serves millions of citizens. We have a clear mandate: public services must be quick, accessible, and simple. This is for a leader who wants to forge new ways to do things in Government, work with agility, and build coalitions that deliver real change.
What you will drive:
- The Blueprint for a Modern Digital Government: Lead the development and delivery of the national vision. You will set the standards for coherent, user-centered service design, embedding interoperability and security principles to provide a clear roadmap for departments to modernize at scale.
- Strategic Ministerial Influence: Represent DSIT at the heart of government. You will advise Ministers and central departments on transformation priorities, lead cross-government boards, and influence policy and investment decisions at the highest level.
- Frontier AI Adoption: Launch AI programs targeting ÂŁ100m+ in productivity gains. You will sponsor exemplar pilots in casework automation and predictive analytics, ensuring successful prototypes are scaled across the public sector.
- The National Data Library: Launch and scale this flagship commitment, unlocking economic value and supporting better public services through secure and ethical data access.
- Funding & Performance Reform: Implement the Digital Performance Framework to track service quality and cost. You will work with HM Treasury to pilot agile investment models, ensuring digital teams can deliver iteratively while maintaining value for money.
- Commercial & Capability Excellence: Oversee the Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence to reset supplier contracts and expand regional digital hubs to build AI confidence across all levels of government leadership.
Who we are looking for:
- Proven track record of large-scale digital transformation in complex organisations, with a track record of delivering measurable improvements in service outcomes.
- Deep understanding of agile delivery, service design, AI integration and digital performance management.
- Exceptional judgement and decision-making under uncertainty, with the ability to balance innovation, risk and public value.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience aligning priorities across departments, regulators and delivery bodies.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and building inclusive, high-performing cultures.
- Financial and commercial fluency, with confidence in shaping investment strategies and assurance frameworks.
Most transformation roles talk about impact - this one delivers it to 67 million people. You will be responsible for turning frontier AI and national data strategy into the backbone of public life. If you are ready to operate on the largest stage in the UK for a once-in-a-generation systemic overhaul to shape a new era of digital government for millions of people.
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 Transformation in England employer: 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 Transformation in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the digital transformation space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with agile delivery and service design. Share specific examples of how you've driven digital transformation in previous roles – this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a role that excites you, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and express your passion for transforming public services. Tailor your approach to show how your vision aligns with the goals of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. This not only shows your professionalism but also keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Director General for Digital Transformation in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director General for Digital Transformation role. Highlight your experience in digital transformation and how it aligns with the goals of DSIT.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams and driven change in complex organisations. We want to see your exceptional judgement and decision-making in action.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 and keeps you updated on the next steps!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
✨Understand the Digital Landscape
Before your interview, dive deep into the current digital transformation initiatives within government. Familiarise yourself with the Blueprint for a Modern Digital Government and how it impacts public services. This knowledge will help you articulate your vision and demonstrate your commitment to improving citizen services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles in large-scale digital transformations. Highlight measurable improvements you've achieved and how you've influenced stakeholders across various departments. This will showcase your ability to drive change and align priorities effectively.
✨Emphasise Agile Delivery and Innovation
Be ready to discuss your understanding of agile methodologies and how they can be applied to government projects. Share examples of how you've successfully integrated AI and data strategies in previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with the job's focus on frontier AI adoption and performance reform.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
Anticipate questions about your approach to advising ministers and influencing policy decisions. Think about how you would balance innovation with risk and public value. Practising these conversations will help you convey your strategic thinking and decision-making skills during the interview.