At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of geospatial data products and engage with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join Defra, the UK government department dedicated to environmental protection and rural economy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of geospatial data and improve decision-making across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in geospatial data management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Geospatial Lead will play a key role in Defra’s Geospatial Enabling Programme. Defra is the UK government department responsible for protecting the environment, supporting food and farming, and sustaining rural economies. The Geospatial (Land) Programme seeks an experienced strategic leader to develop geospatial data products and engage stakeholders. Its purpose is to develop and implement a Defra wide geospatial data product which brings together all Defra geospatial data in an accessible and standard product, for use across Defra and its ALBs, covering role areas, such as policy, analytical, enforcement and delivery teams to improve decision-making and avoid conflicting interventions.
The Geospatial Lead will work closely with the Delivery Partner on prioritisation, decision-making, design consultation, backlog reviews, and providing geospatial guidance. They will connect key stakeholders across Defra agencies, including RPA, Core Defra, APHA, EA, Natural England, Forestry Commission, and Forestry Research. A critical part of the role is translating technical terms for non-technical stakeholders to ensure alignment and readiness for change. The lead will also run working and advisory groups to support programme delivery.
The Geospatial Programme team sits within the Change Directorate and manages programme controls, business cases, funding bids, and the programme board. The Geospatial Lead will contribute expertise, present to senior stakeholders, and help drive delivery forward. The role combines geospatial product ownership with stakeholder management.
Key Responsibilities- Create a common geospatial land base map to support Defra outcomes.
- Lead integration of foundational land datasets from ALBs and third parties into a single Defra Land Model, preventing duplication and maximizing investment.
- Ensure accurate, high-quality geospatial data that can be exploited to streamline grants, improve spatial targeting, reduce fraud and increase efficiencies.
- Develop and implement a common geospatial data standard framework in collaboration with DDTS and the Chief Data Office to enable data sharing across Defra and externally.
- Establish a Centre of Excellence to build capability and equip teams to use geospatial tools for all Defra and ALBs users.
- Provide product ownership suppliers and stakeholders including translating user needs into deliverables.
- Work closely with suppliers and delivery partners to define standards, quality expectations, and service levels, ensuring products meet vision and user/business needs.
- Lead stakeholder engagement, presenting updates, running benefit and solution workshops, and ensuring alignment across technical and non-technical audiences.
- Collaborate with commercial teams on statements of work and contract performance measures.
- Monitor and track business benefits, ensuring they are created, managed, and achieved.
- Analyse impacts of change, keeping stakeholders informed and involved throughout implementation.
- Champion user-focused design, listening to concerns and ensuring products deliver efficiency and accuracy.
Geospatial Lead in Reading employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Geospatial Lead in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the geospatial field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your geospatial projects and achievements. Whether it’s maps you’ve created or data analyses you’ve conducted, having tangible examples of your work can really impress potential employers and set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding Defra’s mission and how your role as Geospatial Lead fits into their goals. Brush up on your stakeholder engagement strategies and be ready to discuss how you’d translate technical jargon for non-technical audiences. We want to see that you can communicate effectively across the board!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make some geospatial magic happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Geospatial Lead in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Geospatial Lead role. Highlight your experience with geospatial data products and stakeholder engagement, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience in translating technical terms for non-technical audiences – that’s a biggie for us!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Geospatial Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive change!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Geospatial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your geospatial knowledge before the interview. Understand the latest trends and technologies in geospatial data, especially those relevant to Defra's goals. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used geospatial data in previous roles will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but can apply them effectively.
✨Stakeholder Engagement is Key
Since the role involves a lot of stakeholder management, think about your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with different audiences. Prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to translate technical jargon into layman's terms, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This will demonstrate your communication skills and your understanding of the importance of collaboration.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a strategic leader, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly in integrating complex datasets or managing change. Highlight your approach to decision-making and how you prioritise tasks to drive delivery forward, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as integrating data from various sources or managing conflicting stakeholder interests. Prepare structured responses that outline your thought process and the steps you would take to address these challenges effectively.