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- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and strategy for the UK's largest producer of official statistics.
- Company: Join the Office for National Statistics, a key player in data-driven decision making.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how data shapes the future of the UK.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic leadership in digital and technology, with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The ONS operates a flexible hybrid working model across the UK, with colleagues linked to one of our contractual locations working between office and remote throughout the week. The locations for this role are Newport, Titchfield (Fareham), Manchester, Darlington, London. All colleagues are required to work from their contractually allocated site for at least 60% of their working time. The induction process for the role will be conducted in person.
About the job
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK's largest independent producer of official statistics and the UK's recognised national statistical institute. The ONS plays a hugely important national role through mobilising the power of data to help Britain make better decisions. They are responsible for collecting and publishing statistics related to the economy, population and society at national, regional and local levels. ONS also conducts the census in England and Wales every 10 years. Their main responsibilities are collecting, analysing and disseminating statistics about the UK's economy, society and population.
ONS is independent of ministers and instead reports through the UK Statistics Authority to Parliament and the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. ONS is the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority, which is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the production and publication of official statistics which serve the public good.
Job description
As the Director General for Digital, Data and Technology, the postholder will set the strategic direction for the organisation's data, digital, and technology policy, and will be accountable for the protection and mobilisation of the vast amount of data and information held by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The postholder will demonstrate an expert understanding of the risks and opportunities across the digital and technology space. They will ensure that ONS is well positioned to effectively navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, building on our expertise in data to deliver our strategic priorities. Among the responsibilities will be the delivery of digital services and operations and the transition away from legacy technology through large-scale transformation of the ONS's digital infrastructure. With accountability for the protection and security of the organisation's information, the postholder will implement a resilient data and technology architecture that ensures the systems underpinning the production of ONS statistics are fit for the future.
The postholder will be a key member of the ONS Executive Committee, playing a crucial and highly visible senior leadership role, setting strategic direction and driving the culture, behaviour and performance of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Accountability for digital and technological transformation, moving the organisation away from outdated, legacy technology to a model which provides reliable, sustainable infrastructure and digital solutions.
- Navigate a changing organisational context to provide strategic direction across all areas of the organisation's digital and technology landscape.
- Lead the development and implementation of a coherent and impactful organisation AI strategy.
- As a senior leader, embed the value of advanced digital, data and technology capabilities into wider organisational strategies.
- Foster a collaborative culture to increase the digital capabilities of our people, ensuring the organisation has the capability and capacity required to drive delivery and innovation.
- Champion the ability of new and evolving technologies to meet organisational priorities, establishing an innovation-focused culture that promotes the building of digital and data skills.
- Negotiate and secure investment for digital, data and technology.
- Hold accountability for the protection and security of the organisation's data and information assets amidst growing cyber security risks.
- As a respected leader in this field, build partnerships across government, the private sector and beyond, harnessing this collaboration to support delivery of the organisation's strategic priorities.
- Manage competing demands, risks and opportunities to maximise the value of investments in people and infrastructure, ensuring value for money.
- As a key member of ONS's senior leadership team, play an active role in driving forward the organisation's wider priorities, including breaking down institutional barriers and building a culture of inclusive and collaborative leadership.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Track record of strategic leadership at the most senior levels in the data, digital and technology space, navigating changing organisational context to lead large-scale digital and technological transformation, achieving successful outcomes.
- Deep understanding of how to utilise digital and technology capabilities, leveraging the opportunities, and mitigating against the risks, to build the infrastructure required for organisations to deliver their priorities, and to protect against cyber threats.
- An expert ability to navigate the trade-offs associated with investments across people, systems and infrastructure, extracting maximum value for public money.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with a proven ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to create partnerships needed to meet the organisation's digital and technology priorities.
- Demonstrable experience of creating high-performing teams, and an innovation-focused culture, to drive forward delivery.
Director General for Digital, Data and Technology - ONS - SCS3 in London employer: Government Digital & Data
Contact Detail:
Government Digital & Data Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director General for Digital, Data and Technology - ONS - SCS3 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former ONS employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the culture, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into ONS's recent projects and initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the job, but also in how we can contribute to their mission with our expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our pitch! We should be ready to explain how our experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Director General role. Let’s highlight our strategic leadership skills and how we can drive digital transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to match what ONS is looking for in a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Director General for Digital, Data and Technology - ONS - SCS3 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director General role. Highlight your strategic leadership in digital, data, and technology, as this is key for us at ONS.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use concrete examples of how you've led digital transformations or improved data security. We love seeing how you’ve made a real impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like technology and data.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Digital & Data
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the ONS's role and responsibilities, especially in relation to digital, data, and technology. Brush up on recent projects or initiatives they've undertaken, as well as any challenges they face in the current landscape.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director General, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led large-scale transformations in the past, focusing on your ability to navigate change and drive innovation.
✨Communicate Effectively
Exceptional communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with various stakeholders and built partnerships to achieve digital and technology goals.
✨Emphasise Cyber Security Awareness
Given the importance of data protection, be prepared to discuss your understanding of cyber security risks and how you've implemented strategies to mitigate them. Highlight any relevant experience in safeguarding information assets.
