At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver innovative biometric solutions for UK law enforcement and border security.
- Company: Join the Home Office, a key player in national security and public safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and opportunities to make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong partnerships across law enforcement and government sectors.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology that protects communities and enhances public safety.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in high-profile projects and experience in IT systems management.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 £ per year.
Deputy Delivery Director, Home Office Biometrics (HOB) - Home Office - SCS1 Croydon, Manchester, Glasgow and Sheffield. Other travel to key HO hubs may be required.
About the job
Home Office Biometrics provides critical biometric capability across UK law enforcement, immigration, border security and HM Passport Office. Biometrics underpins core national functions, enabling the capture, verification, search and matching of individuals’ biometric and forensic data to solve crime, protect borders and prevent terrorism. These capabilities are deeply embedded across policing and the Home Office, supporting activities from visa and passport applications to frontline policing and border operations.
The Delivery Director for the Home Office Biometrics Programme (HOB) sits within the Police and Public Protection Technology Portfolio (PPPT) Senior Management Team and is part of the Home Office Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) function. The role supports both major transformation programmes and live operational services for a user community of over 45,000 people across more than 50 organisations. HOB is a high‑profile GMPP programme in its final years, delivering a suite of biometric products that will transform how policing and the Home Office missions identify individuals and assess risk. Biometrics is an internationally recognised capability, with the programme actively engaged in data sharing across Europe and with Five Eyes partners. Close collaboration with Home Office policy and science teams is essential due to the ethical, legal and technical challenges involved.
The role is responsible for day‑to‑day leadership and successful delivery of the programme, while also establishing the enduring biometric service that will succeed it. The Programme Director reports line‑management wise to the PPPT Portfolio Director and is accountable to the Senior Responsible Owner, working closely with senior leaders across PPPT, Migration and Border Technology, and DDaT Enterprise Services to deliver secure, high‑quality digital services that meet user and business needs.
Key responsibilities
- Lead a multi‑disciplinary workforce of ~120 civil servants, contractors and suppliers, setting clear direction, building capability, and recruiting and retaining critical skills.
- Provide clear senior reporting and assurance, keeping the HOB SRO and Director of PPPT fully informed of progress, risks and key developments.
- Build strong strategic partnerships across the Home Office (Migration and Borders, Public Safety, Homeland Security, Science, Data and Identity) and with policing leaders, PCCs, Chief Constables, NPCC and wider law‑enforcement partners.
- Support police forces through technology migration, ensuring effective consultation, adoption and maximised utilisation of new biometric capabilities.
- Deliver the programme to plan and strategic intent, managing milestones, scope and the transition to a sustainable successor organisation to operate and enhance live biometric services.
- Maintain strong programme control and governance, managing risks, dependencies and change; working with internal and external suppliers to deliver outcomes, share risk, drive innovation and ensure alignment with Home Office data and technology standards.
Person specification
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate their knowledge, experience, capability and behavioural approach to a high standard against the following key criteria:
- A proven track record in delivering high profile projects and programmes and managing large capital budgets.
- An inspiring and coherent leadership style enabling the HOB programme team to deliver.
- Experience with strategic programme and project management methodologies such as Merging successful programmes (MSP), Project Leadership Programme (PLP), and Prince 2 in addition to business case development, planning and application of good practice processes.
- Extensive experience in the design and development of IT systems and management of their successful transition into Live environments.
- Proven experience of senior stakeholder management in a political, pressured environment and evidence the building of credible and respected relationships.
- A sophisticated approach to commercial and supplier management within the context of technology change, able to establish and maximise effective working relationships with suppliers to stimulate innovation and guarantee successful delivery whilst delivering value for money from investment.
- An understanding of UK Borders, Immigration and Citizenship, Policing and Biometrics.
- A graduate of (or clear willingness to complete) the IPA’s Major Projects Leadership Academy (MPLA).
Deputy Delivery Director, Home Office Biometrics (HOB) - Home Office - SCS1 in Sheffield employer: Manchester Digital
The Home Office is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets public service. With a strong focus on employee development and collaboration, staff are empowered to lead transformative projects that enhance national security and public safety. Located in key cities like Croydon, Manchester, Glasgow, and Sheffield, employees benefit from a diverse and inclusive culture, competitive remuneration, and opportunities for professional growth within a vital government sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Delivery Director, Home Office Biometrics (HOB) - Home Office - SCS1 in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to the Home Office or biometrics. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Deputy Delivery Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the Home Office's current projects and challenges. Show us you know your stuff and can bring solutions to the table. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience with high-profile projects and stakeholder management.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Delivery Director, Home Office Biometrics (HOB) - Home Office - SCS1 in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and person specification. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to the Deputy Delivery Director role!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a multi-disciplinary team, be sure to provide examples of your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. We love to see inspiring leaders who can motivate others!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Focus on your experience with high-profile projects and managing large budgets. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to deliver results in pressured environments, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Digital
✨Know Your Biometrics
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in biometrics, especially as they relate to law enforcement and border security. Understanding how these systems work and their implications will show your genuine interest in the role and the Home Office's mission.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams or projects in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you inspired your team to overcome them, particularly in high-pressure environments.
✨Stakeholder Management is Key
Be ready to discuss your experience with senior stakeholders, especially in politically sensitive situations. Highlight how you've built credible relationships and navigated complex dynamics to achieve project goals, as this is crucial for the Deputy Delivery Director role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you've applied strategic programme management methodologies in your previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed risks, dependencies, and change, and how you plan to apply these skills to ensure the successful delivery of the HOB programme.
