At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data strategy and drive innovation to improve services for millions.
- Company: Join DWP, the UK's largest government department with a focus on digital transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible hours, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning culture that values diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping data strategies that support vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic data leadership and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75026 - 92522 € per year.
Pay of £75,026 plus 28.97% employer pension contributions, hybrid working, flexible hours, and great work-life balance.
DWP is the UK's largest government department supporting individuals into work and delivering over £195 billion in payments each year to some of the most vulnerable members of society. As Data Lead for Working Age Services, you will play a vital role in shaping and delivering its data strategy.
You will lead the development of multidisciplinary data capability across Working Age Services, identifying priority skills and championing their adoption across both data teams and wider digital stakeholders. Drawing on your technical expertise, you will provide strategic insight into how data can be used to deliver key outcomes and improve services.
This is a transformative period for Working Age Services Data as DWP introduces a new 'hub and spoke' model. This role will play a pivotal part in driving a successful transition and fostering a modern, data-driven culture.
What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?
- Proven experience in strategic data leadership with the ability to define and deliver a clear vision that aligns with organisational priorities, enhances data services and drives data-led decision-making at scale.
- Strong leadership and capability-building skills with experience of leading, developing and motivating multidisciplinary data teams through both direct and matrix management, while fostering high-performing and inclusive environments.
- Proven ability to influence and collaborate with experience of engaging senior stakeholders, building trusted relationships across DWP and wider sectors and aligning diverse groups around shared data goals.
- Excellent communication and analytical skills with a strong ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights that support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Proven experience in governance and risk management with accountability for ensuring data is managed effectively, compliantly and in a way that balances control with innovation.
You and your role
As a Data Lead, you will establish and lead a core team of data professionals to deliver DWP's Data Strategy within Working Age Services (WAS). You will identify gaps across people, products, practices and develop a targeted programme of work to strengthen data capability. Alongside directly managing members of your core team, you will also lead a broader network through a matrix management approach.
As a senior leader, you will work closely with the G6 Lead Data Scientist and G6 Lead Delivery Manager to provide joined-up leadership across all data activity within WAS. You will drive the implementation of the DWP data strategy ensuring strong governance, compliance and collaboration across teams and stakeholders.
As a strategic influencer, you will partner with senior colleagues across WAS and the wider DWP to shape and deliver data priorities ensuring business needs are continuously met. You will also lead on data-related communications and upskilling promoting a culture where data is understood, valued and effectively used to improve outcomes.
Details
Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield.
Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.
Pay: We offer competitive pay of £75,026 to £92,522.
Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £23,253 per year.
Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time. You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.
We have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:
- Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies.
- Time off volunteering and charitable giving.
- Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'.
- Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more.
- Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference.
- Sports and social activities.
- Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
And we have an award-winning environment and culture:
- DWP have been recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards.
- Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024.
- Commended as Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025.
- Recognised as one of the Best Public Sector Employers at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards.
Process:
We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:
- Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
- Interview: a single stage interview online.
Data Lead in Preston employer: DWP Digital
DWP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where data-driven innovation meets meaningful social impact. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, generous leave packages, and extensive professional development opportunities, all within a supportive and inclusive culture. Join us in one of our vibrant digital hubs across the UK, where you can lead transformative data initiatives that directly improve the lives of millions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Lead in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former DWP employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Building connections can give us valuable insights and even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Data Lead. We should be ready to discuss specific examples of how we've influenced data strategy and led teams. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for data! During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about how you’ve used data to drive change and improve services. We want to convey that we’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of the interview, we should have a few thoughtful questions prepared. This shows our interest in the role and helps us understand if DWP is the right fit for us. Plus, it’s a great way to engage with the interviewers!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Lead in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Data Lead role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what DWP is looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, share specific examples of how you've successfully managed and motivated teams in the past. We want to see your leadership style in action!
Communicate Clearly:Your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights is key. Keep your language clear and concise, and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see how you can make data understandable for everyone.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at DWP Digital
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
As a Data Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of data strategies and governance. Brush up on the latest trends in data management and be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented data-led decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams, fostered inclusive environments, and motivated others to achieve shared goals. Be ready to discuss your approach to building capability within teams.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll be influencing senior stakeholders, so practice articulating your vision clearly. Think about how you've built trusted relationships in the past and be prepared to share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes.
✨Communicate Complex Insights Simply
Your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights is crucial. Prepare to explain how you've done this before, using clear examples that highlight your analytical skills and your knack for making data understandable for non-technical audiences.
