At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital strategy development and oversee cross-government initiatives for impactful transformation.
- 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 government services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education by shaping the future of digital services.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic leadership and strong relationship-building skills.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the department's current digital strategies and transformation initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand the bigger picture and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for digital transformation and how it aligns with the Department for Education’s goals. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Strategy and Transformation - Department for Education - SCS1 in London
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 understanding of digital strategy and transformation, as well as your ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Deputy Director, you'll need to lead a high-performing team. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams in the past. Share examples that showcase your ability to foster a culture of flexibility and inclusion.
Highlight Strategic Insight: This role requires a strong strategic mindset. In your application, emphasise your experience in shaping and delivering strategic programmes, particularly in the context of digital and data initiatives. Show us how you've made evidence-based decisions that have driven significant outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of success. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly and you’re kept in the loop throughout the process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 flexibility and inclusion in past 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 previous roles. Be prepared to share specific instances where your strategic advice influenced decision-making or helped align priorities across departments.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Since the role involves tracking implementation and managing risks, come equipped with examples of how you've used data to inform decisions. Discuss any frameworks or models you've implemented to ensure effective governance and delivery of strategic programmes.