Head of Transformation for emergencies in Bristol

You will join the Resilience and Recovery Directorate (RED) which supports local partners and MHCLG in planning for, responding to and recovering from emergencies, providing a critical link between central government and local partners supporting communities on the ground. Our processes, ways of working and systems are in need of innovation so that we are better leveraging modern technology. You will join at the start of this transformation journey - having freedom to identify the greatest opportunities to deliver value and then design and oversee the delivery of these strands of work. We anticipate delivery will be done in partnership with internal digital and AI teams, with a hybrid approach by working with suppliers too. You will work closely with colleagues across RED and MHCLG, the Cabinet Office and other central government departments, England's 38 Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) and multi-agency partnerships to develop solutions to shared challenges. In addition, you will learn how to support emergency response, and be expected to be deployed to do so when needed and contribute to RED's '24/7' monitoring for breaking emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of a transformation programme focused on expanding the use of digital tools, modern data practices, and responsible AI.
• Be responsible for building the capability and knowledge of the RED directorate in Agile and User-Centred Design principles and embedding this into our processes and ways of working.
• Provide excellent line management for at least 3 staff members and leadership for a digital, data and AI unit, building a high-performing delivery culture.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with digital, data, AI and analytical operational specialists to support RED's transformation journey.
• Work with MHCLG's commercial function as needed to source capabilities and manage suppliers to support delivery.
• Be responsible for the development of the programme business case to secure investment, and manage the budget to deliver the required work.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with the Cabinet Office, Local Resilience Forums and other stakeholders to enable secure and effective data sharing.
• Establish and oversee programme governance, ensuring delivery, risks and interdependencies are managed effectively; define and track benefits and outcomes.
• Monitor and report on progress, outcomes and impact to MHCLG senior leadership, including through MHCLG's Resilience Board; This will include confidently explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Ensure compliance with data protection, security and ethical standards throughout the programme; championing responsible AI.
• Play your part in emergency response when needed and contribute to RED's 24/7 monitoring for emergencies (approximately 8 weeks 'on call' at evenings/weekends per year). Training will be provided and additional compensation is available for any evening/weekend working required.

We are looking for a high energy and creative leader to design and deliver a transformation programme that will strengthen MHCLG's approach to emergency resilience through accelerating uptake of digital, data and AI. This is an exciting time to work in resilience, with an increasingly complex risk environment and opportunities to drive forward a programme of local resilience reform set out in the UK Resilience Action Plan.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading complex Agile transformation programmes which involve digital tools, data, or AI to successful outcomes in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Hands on experience in leading digital programme delivery, including commercial, financial, governance and risk management, managing multiple workstreams in an evolving context.
• The ability to understand customer and user needs and develop appropriate, pragmatic, and evidence-based solutions.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts in clear, accessible language for non-specialists and to move from agreement to action.
• The ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders to enable and support change.
• Commitment to open and collaborative ways of working and continuous improvement, including agile delivery and user-centred design.
• Familiarity with modern data and AI practices (e.g., data governance, machine learning operations) and knowledge of data sharing principles, security, and ethical considerations in a public sector context.