At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital strategy development and oversee strategic programmes across government.
- Company: Department for Education, driving innovation in digital, data, and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a culture of flexibility and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team dedicated to modernising public services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital transformation in education and government.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital strategy, leadership, and cross-department collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Deputy Director Strategy and Transformation - Department for Education - SCS1 employer: Onyx-Conseil
Contact Detail:
Onyx-Conseil Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director Strategy and Transformation - Department for Education - SCS1
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the department's current digital strategies and transformation goals. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a real impact in education through digital innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your skills align with the Deputy Director role. Highlight your experience in leading strategic programmes and your ability to foster collaboration across teams—this is key for us.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Strategy and Transformation - Department for Education - SCS1
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Deputy Director role. Highlight your strategic insight and experience in digital transformation, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve led teams and driven change in previous roles. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to foster a culture of flexibility and inclusion, as well as your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our vision.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Onyx-Conseil
✨Know Your Digital Strategy
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and frameworks related to digital strategy, especially the DSIT Blueprint for Digital Government. Familiarise yourself with how these strategies align with the Department for Education's goals, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and driving strategic initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a culture of inclusion and excellence in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Deputy Director position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders in past roles. Be prepared to share specific instances where your strategic advice influenced decision-making or helped align priorities across departments.
✨Demonstrate Agility and Flexibility
In your responses, emphasise your ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage risk effectively. Share examples of how you’ve successfully navigated complex projects and ensured that digital and data initiatives were delivered on time and within budget.