At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and strategy across education and care sectors.
- Company: Department for Education, shaping the future of learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence on national education policy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education through innovative digital solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading large-scale digital and data functions.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
Location: Bristol, Cambridge, Coventry, Darlington, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield
As Director General for Digital and Infrastructure, you’ll lead a major, multidisciplinary group bringing together digital, technology, data and analysis functions across the Department. This is a high-profile role where you’ll shape strategy, influence policy and deliver large-scale transformation across a complex national system. You’ll be responsible for ensuring digital, AI and data are at the heart of every major priority, not as a separate function, but as a core driver of outcomes. Alongside this, you’ll lead the education estates function, helping transform how infrastructure is planned, funded and delivered using data-driven approaches. This is a role that operates at pace and scale, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to make high-stakes decisions that impact services nationwide.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead a transformational digital, AI and data strategy across education and care sectors
- Embed digital and data into every major departmental priority and programme
- Oversee a large DDaT function delivering user‑centred, agile digital services
- Strengthen cyber resilience and security across systems and the wider sector
- Drive strategic data transformation, including building a powerful, connected data spine
- Enable better insight, services and decision‑making through improved data use
- Lead delivery of major education infrastructure and capital programmes
- Transform how education estates are managed using data‑driven approaches
- Work with senior stakeholders across government, education and industry
- Make high‑impact decisions balancing risk, safety and delivery at scale
What We’re Looking For
- Strong experience in leading large‑scale digital, data and AI functions
- Delivering transformation programmes across complex organisations or systems
- Setting strategy that drives measurable improvements in outcomes
Experience Of
- Embedding digital and data into core organisational strategy and policy
- Influencing at the most senior levels across government or large organisations
- Leading high‑performing teams through change at scale
You’ll Also Bring
- Strong leadership and the ability to inspire and motivate large teams
- Excellent judgement in managing risk, complexity and competing priorities
- A strategic mindset with the ability to operate at pace
Director General (Digital and Infrastructure) - Department for Education - SCS3 in Manchester employer: Manchester Digital
The Department for Education is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and strategic thinking are at the forefront of our mission. With opportunities for professional growth and development, employees are empowered to lead transformative digital and infrastructure initiatives that shape the future of education across the UK. Our collaborative culture fosters inclusivity and encourages high-impact decision-making, making it a rewarding place to work in vibrant locations such as London, Manchester, and Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director General (Digital and Infrastructure) - Department for Education - SCS3 in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. Keep it concise but impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Director General (Digital and Infrastructure) - Department for Education - SCS3 in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading digital, data, and AI functions. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director General, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about strong leadership, so be sure to include examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams through change. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage large-scale transformations effectively.
Highlight Strategic Thinking:We’re looking for someone with a strategic mindset, so make sure to emphasise your experience in setting strategies that drive measurable improvements. Share specific instances where your decisions have led to significant outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Know Your Digital and Data Strategy
Make sure you have a solid understanding of how digital, AI, and data can transform education and infrastructure. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led similar initiatives in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to inspire and motivate large teams. Think about times when you’ve navigated complex changes and how you managed to keep everyone aligned and focused on the goals.
✨Understand Stakeholder Engagement
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders in the education sector and be prepared to discuss how you would engage with them. Highlight your experience in influencing senior leaders and driving collaboration across different sectors.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to articulate your strategic mindset. Discuss how you balance risk and delivery while making high-impact decisions. Use examples that showcase your ability to think critically and act decisively in fast-paced environments.
