Deputy Director of Strategy

The Government Digital Service (GDS), part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is seeking a visionary and strategic Deputy Director to lead the digital and data strategy for the UK government. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of public service delivery in one of the most impactful and mission-driven digital roles in government.

GDS sits at the heart of government’s digital and data revolution. We are charged with building a modern digital state, one that is joined-up, AI-enabled, underpinned by resilient digital infrastructure, and powered by brilliant people. This role will position you at the core of setting the agenda, tracking delivery, and shaping policy on digital transformation across Whitehall.

You will lead a high-performing, cross-functional team, working hand-in-hand with senior leaders across government, Treasury, DSIT, and other central departments. You’ll bring pace, structure and a compelling narrative to an ambitious reform agenda, helping define the strategic north star and then making sure government gets there. This is not business-as-usual. We are building the blueprint for a digitally sovereign government, ready for the next decade.

As Deputy Director for Strategy, You Will:

• Shape and Own the Digital Agenda: Lead the creation, evolution and implementation of the cross-government digital and AI strategy, aligned to the Blueprint for a Modern Digital Government and broader GDS goals.
• Drive Delivery through Influence: Build trusted partnerships with senior digital leaders, Ministers and/or equivalent board level senior leaders across government. Be a credible and influential voice in DSIT, HMT, the centre of government, and with operational departments.
• Champion System Reform: Spearhead the transformation of digital governance, strengthening transparency, accountability, and the conditions for success across the Digital and Data function.
• Secure Investment and Drive Change: Lead the function’s engagement with HM Treasury during fiscal events. Ensure that investment in digital, data and AI is strategic, joined-up, and properly considered in funding decisions.
• Lead a High-Impact, Flexible Team: Manage a team of strategists, analysts, transformation and portfolio professionals. Create a culture of empowerment, flexibility and impact. Adapt the team’s focus dynamically to the needs of the strategy.

We Are Looking for a Leader Who Brings:

• Strategic Vision & Pragmatism: Proven ability to think long-term while solving problems in complex, fast-moving political environments.
• Delivery Excellence: A strong track record of delivering major transformation programmes in digital, data or tech.
• Team Leadership: Experience building inclusive, cross-functional teams that operate with pace, clarity, and purpose. A commitment to coaching and talent development.
• Ministerial Engagement: The ability to build and sustain trust with Ministers and/or equivalent board level senior leaders, conveying complex digital concepts in clear, compelling language.
• Stakeholder Mastery: Outstanding influencing and relationship-building skills across organisational boundaries, with the judgement and empathy to navigate competing priorities.

Why Join GDS?

GDS is a unique place where mission meets innovation. We are home to the AI Incubator (I.AI), the global benchmark GOV.UK platform, and stewards of the UK’s digital and data function. We set the tone for what modern public service should look like in the 21st century.

As Deputy Director, your work will touch the lives of millions improving the services they rely on and making the state more agile, ethical and digitally empowered.

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 Callum Randle on 020 8253 1800, or via email at DDStrategy@global-resourcing.com.