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 contributions, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning, diverse, and inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping data-driven decisions that enhance lives.
- 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. Wages. Perks.
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.
CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.
Data Lead in Sunderland employer: DWP Digital
DWP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where data-driven innovation meets meaningful public service. With competitive pay, a generous pension scheme, and a strong commitment to work-life balance through flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The inclusive culture fosters growth and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in the public sector while developing their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Lead in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DWP on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. Personal connections can give you insights that make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching DWP's data strategy and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand how you can contribute to their mission of improving services through data.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led data initiatives in the past. We want to hear about your successes and how you’ve influenced teams to achieve data-driven results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the DWP team.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Lead in Sunderland
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 is a leadership position, don’t forget to emphasise your experience in leading and developing teams. Share specific examples of how you've motivated others and built high-performing environments.
Communicate Clearly:Your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights is key. Make sure your application is clear and concise, demonstrating your excellent communication skills right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you'll find all the details you need to get started!
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 of specific instances where you've built trusted relationships and aligned diverse groups around data objectives. This will show your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Communicate Complex Insights Simply
Your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights is crucial. Prepare to explain how you've done this in the past, using clear examples that highlight your analytical skills and communication prowess. This will demonstrate your fit for the role.
