At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical direction of a cloud-based data platform and manage a high-performing team.
- Company: Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, focused on cutting-edge data solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to work with emerging technologies.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in London with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping data capabilities that drive decision-making across the department.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership in data engineering and DevOps, with hands-on AWS experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
This is a senior technical leadership role at the heart of DSIT's data capability. You’ll set the technical direction for a cloud‑based data platform that underpins analysis, insight and decision‑making across the department. Working across data engineering, DevOps and user‑facing tools, you’ll ensure the platform is reliable, secure and built to scale. You’ll lead a high‑performing team while staying close to the technology, making key architectural decisions and guiding the platform through delivery into business‑as‑usual service.
Responsibilities
- Leading the technical direction of a cloud-based data platform (AWS)
- Ensuring the platform is secure, resilient and scalable to meet future demand
- Overseeing engineering quality, including code, testing, CI/CD and deployment
- Driving best practice across data engineering, DevOps and platform development
- Leading the transition of the platform into live service (BAU)
- Managing and supporting a team of data engineers and DevOps engineers
- Working closely with senior stakeholders to align technical delivery with user needs
- Managing technical debt, performance and long‑term sustainability
- Supporting adoption of emerging technologies, including AI‑enabled tooling
- Representing DSIT in cross‑government technical communities
Qualifications
- Strong technical leadership across data engineering, DevOps and software development
- Experience designing, building and running production systems at scale
- Hands‑on experience with AWS, Kubernetes and infrastructure as code (e.g. Terraform)
- Experience setting up and managing CI/CD pipelines
- Ability to balance technical decisions with user needs and strategic goals
- Proven experience ensuring reliable, stable services for users
- Strong communication skills, able to work across technical and non‑technical audiences
- Experience coaching and developing technical teams
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Head of Data Services - Department for Science, Innovation & Technology employer: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
As a leading employer in the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and a supportive culture that values technical expertise and teamwork. Located in London, our team enjoys the vibrant city life while contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of data services across government.
Contact Detail:
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Services - Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the data engineering and DevOps space. Attend meetups or webinars related to cloud-based platforms, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous projects, especially those involving AWS, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and made architectural decisions in past roles. We want to see your passion for tech!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Services - Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with cloud-based platforms, AWS, and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about data services and how you can lead our team. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on your technical expertise! Make sure to detail your hands-on experience with AWS, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines. We love seeing candidates who can balance tech know-how with user needs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in AWS, Kubernetes, and infrastructure as code. Brush up on your hands-on experience with these technologies, as you’ll likely be asked to discuss specific scenarios where you've implemented them successfully.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading technical teams. Think about how you’ve managed projects, coached team members, and aligned technical delivery with user needs. Be ready to discuss how you foster a high-performing environment.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the department's goals and how the data platform supports them. Be prepared to discuss how you would balance technical decisions with strategic objectives, ensuring the platform meets future demands while remaining secure and scalable.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and confidently during the interview.
