At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative digital products for UK public services.
- Company: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology - shaping the future of government.
- 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 strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team of ~600 professionals driving national-scale digital innovation.
SCS3 - Director General for Digital Products – up-to £260k – Hybrid - London, Bristol or Manchester
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.
Chief Digital Products Leader for National Public Services in London 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 Chief Digital Products Leader for National Public Services in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your projects and achievements. This gives you a chance to stand out and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its digital products. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for a modern digital government.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to express your interest and get updates about the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Digital Products Leader for National Public Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Public Service: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for improving digital public services shine through. We want to see how your vision aligns with our mission to create a more personalised and intuitive government experience for citizens.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your previous leadership roles in digital product development. We’re looking for someone who has successfully managed high-profile services, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Emphasise User-Centred Design: We value a deep understanding of user-centred design and accessibility. In your application, share examples of how you've integrated these principles into your work, especially in large-scale projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love detail, clarity is key! Make your application easy to read and straight to the point. Remember, we’re looking for a strategic thinker who can communicate effectively, so show us you can do just that!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
✨Know Your Digital Products Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the digital products currently offered by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Familiarise yourself with the GOV.UK platform, the upcoming GOV.UK App, and the National Digital Wallet. Being able to discuss these products and suggest improvements will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've led large teams in the past, especially in a digital context. Highlight your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and driving successful product launches. This role requires strong leadership, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and guide others is crucial.
✨Emphasise User-Centred Design
Make sure to articulate your understanding of user-centred design principles. Discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles, particularly in relation to accessibility and agile delivery. The interviewers will be keen to see how you can enhance the user experience for citizens.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about how you've engaged with stakeholders in complex organisations. Prepare to share strategies you've used to drive adoption of digital products and how you've influenced decision-making. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the intricacies of government operations.