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- Tasks: Lead digital strategy development and oversee strategic programmes across government.
- Company: Department for Education, driving transformation in digital, data, and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team committed to inclusivity and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education through innovative digital solutions and strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, experience in strategic thinking, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Coventry, Darlington, Manchester, Sheffield, Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Strategy and Transformation function leads the strategic direction, long‑term planning and systems‑level change that enables the department to deliver on its digital, data and technology ambitions. The team defines the overarching vision for Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) across the Department for Education, ensuring it aligns with departmental strategy, the DSIT Blueprint for Digital Government and wider government priorities. This includes shaping enterprise‑wide strategy, identifying future capability needs, setting priority outcomes, and ensuring that major digital and data initiatives are coherently planned, governed and sequenced for maximum impact.
Working across the full DDaT system, the function provides strategic insight, policy alignment and robust challenge to ensure the department invests in the right things, at the right time, in the right way. It supports cross‑government engagement, informs Spending Review and business planning processes, and leads on the frameworks, operating models and governance structures that underpin delivery—helping the organisation make evidence‑based decisions, manage risk and track progress against transformation goals. The team also plays a critical role in enabling cultural and organisational change. It brings together multidisciplinary expertise to shape strategic priorities, drive accountability, and champion modern ways of working across digital, data, technology, policy and operations.
Through its transformation programmes, it ensures DfE is equipped with the structures, capabilities and mindset needed to deliver high‑quality digital services, strong data foundations and innovative technology solutions that support children, families, schools and wider sectors.
As Deputy Director, you will lead the development and delivery of key cross government digital strategy work, including the Digital and AI Roadmap, ensuring it aligns with the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government and wider GDS priorities. You will oversee the full lifecycle of strategic programmes, from early design through launch, iteration, refresh, and the tracking of implementation, while building and maintaining strong relationships with senior leaders across departments, GDS, DSIT and other central government bodies to drive collective progress.
Acting as a senior champion for the digital profession, you will provide strategic advice and agile support to senior stakeholders, offering expert guidance to help departments align with the Blueprint and deliver whole of government outcomes. You will shape and support GDS delivery plans by offering strategic challenge and insight to ensure effective implementation. A key part of the role will involve engaging with HM Treasury during major fiscal events, such as Spending Reviews, to ensure digital and data priorities are embedded in departmental spending plans and to influence the evolution of modern funding and business processes.
Finally, you will lead a high performing multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of flexibility, inclusion and excellence, ensuring they are equipped to respond to shifting priorities and supported in their professional development.
Essential Criteria
- An ability to translate complex and broad material - both qualitative and quantitative - into clear written or oral analysis and communications, including briefings and presentations.
- Experience and knowledge of bringing strategic thinking, clarity and structure to broad and complex work across systems.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and bring clarity to complex, fast‑paced, and politically sensitive environments.
- Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to distil complex information into clear, compelling advice and briefings.
- Proven track record of delivering high‑quality outcomes in dynamic and ambiguous settings.
- Experience leading high‑performing, cross‑functional teams, with a strong focus on coaching, development, and inclusive leadership.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior leaders across government.
- Service transformation experience.
- Experience of managing teams through significant change, and of demonstrating forward‑thinking and innovative delivery.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience shaping or leading cross‑government strategy, particularly in digital, data, technology, transformation or major change programmes.
- A strong understanding of public sector funding, governance and business planning processes, including the ability to contribute to Spending Reviews, fiscal events or strategic investment cases.
- Expertise in emerging technologies (e.g., AI, automation, data platforms, digital service design) and their application to large, complex organisations.
- A proven ability to lead through cultural and organisational change, fostering inclusive, high‑trust environments.
Deputy Director Strategy and Transformation - Department for Education - SCS1 in Manchester employer: Manchester Digital
Contact Detail:
Manchester Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director Strategy and Transformation - Department for Education - SCS1 in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working in the Department for Education or similar roles. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to strategy and transformation. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around digital and data initiatives. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through change and delivered results. Highlighting your ability to foster a culture of inclusion and excellence will resonate well with them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can drive transformation in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Strategy and Transformation - Department for Education - SCS1 in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your ideas flow logically—this will help us understand your thought process better.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: Since this role involves a lot of strategic oversight, highlight any experience you have in developing or implementing strategies. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to think critically and navigate complex environments, so share those examples!
Engage with Us Online: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Plus, check out our social media and blog for insights into our culture and values—this can help you tailor your application even more!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Know Your Strategy Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Department for Education's digital strategy and how it aligns with the wider government priorities. Familiarise yourself with the Digital and AI Roadmap, as well as the DSIT Blueprint for Modern Digital Government. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing, multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing team members, especially during times of significant change. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a culture of inclusion and excellence in previous roles.
✨Master Stakeholder Management
Think about your past experiences in building trusted relationships with senior leaders across various departments. Be prepared to share specific instances where your stakeholder management skills led to successful outcomes, particularly in politically sensitive environments.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Clearly
Practice distilling complex information into clear, compelling advice. You might be asked to present or brief on intricate topics, so ensure you can convey your thoughts succinctly and effectively. Use examples from your past work to illustrate your analytical and communication skills.