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- Tasks: Lead the UKHO's technology strategy and oversee innovative digital projects.
- Company: Join the UK Hydrographic Office, a leader in technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on technology strategy and drive transformation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading technology strategy and building high-performing teams.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
This is a critical high impact leadership role within the UK Hydrographic Office’s (UKHO) Technology Senior Leadership Team (SLT), reporting directly to our newly appointed Chief Digital and Technology Officer (CDTO). It is an exciting time for the UKHO’s Technology Division, with around 250 colleagues working with strategic partners to deliver our digital and organisational strategic objectives. The division plays a central role in delivering the UKHO’s vision for 2034, with a complex technology estate and a strong focus on service, delivery and innovation.
The role will support and work with the CDTO to deliver the Technology strategy and strategic objectives of the UKHO. In close partnership with the CDTO, this role has specific accountability for the Technology platforms. This leadership role is responsible for setting and delivering the UKHO’s Technology vision and strategy, alongside the delivery of the enabling technology platforms, in alignment with our strategic objectives and our vision for 2034. This role requires close engagement with the Executive Leadership Team, senior colleagues within the UKHO and key stakeholders within the Ministry of Defence and external partners. This leadership role will act as a role model for technology excellence and delivery; in addition to role modelling leadership behaviours and the UKHO’s cultural and organisational values, ‘The UKHO way’.
Hybrid working
This senior leadership role can be worked on a hybrid basis, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, blending a balance between working at the Taunton office at least 3 days a week with working from home.
Job description
- Develop and lead the implementation of the UKHO’s technology strategy (in collaboration with the CDTO who is accountable for defining the overarching strategy).
- Oversee enterprise architecture and ensure alignment with organisational goals.
- Oversee day to day delivery of the operational platforms.
- Evaluate and adopt new technologies to drive innovation and value.
- Ensure operational resilience, cyber security, and disaster recovery.
- Lead strategic technology planning and financial decision-making.
- Build and maintain a high-performing digital and data capability.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to advocate for technology.
- Support continuous improvement in delivery practices and tools.
This role requires DV clearance and SC clearance at the start.
Person specification
- Proven experience in successfully leading enterprise wide technology strategy and delivering value and transformation.
- Deep understanding of technology architecture, cyber security and digital delivery.
- Experience in building high-performing digital and data teams.
Behaviours
We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Changing and Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Leadership
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £76,184, UK Hydrographic Office contributes £22,070 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We offer a huge range of benefits such as training and development, well-being support, flexible/homeworking, a fantastic state of the art building, high spec equipment, and so much more.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
How to Apply: When you click "Apply Now" at the bottom of this page, you will be required to attach your CV and asked for a 750 word supporting statement demonstrating the criteria below.
Timeline: Advert Closes for applications: Friday 12th of December 2025. Shortlisting: week commencing: Monday 15th of December 2025. Interviews - 3 stages to the interview process week commencing: Monday 19th of January 2026.
1. Fireside chat
2. Colleague Engagement Session
3. Panel interview including 15 minute presentation
Pre-sift Criteria: Please read the Civil Service Nationality rules - are you eligible to work in a reserved post?
Sift/Shortlist Criteria: All applications are processed anonymously. You will be short-listed against the following criteria:
- Experience: Proven experience in successfully leading enterprise wide technology strategy and delivering value and transformation (lead criteria).
- Deep understanding of technology architecture, cyber security and digital delivery.
- Experience in building high-performing digital and data teams.
Interview Criteria: You will be interviewed against the following criteria:
- Experience: Proven experience in successfully leading enterprise wide technology strategy and delivering value and transformation.
- Deep understanding of technology architecture, cyber security and digital delivery.
- Experience in building high-performing digital and data teams.
Interview Process: A ‘fireside chat’ which is an informal opportunity for candidates to meet with Alex Bowen, CDTO, to ask any questions about the organisation and role. This isn’t scored and the content will not contribute to the overall merit order. Colleague Engagement Session. This will involve a panel of colleagues of varying grades from throughout the organisation (including the Technology Division). This session will be observed and scored. A panel interview comprising the hiring manager, Alex Bowen and 2 members of the UKHO Senior Leadership Team. This will include competency based questions around the success profiles behaviours, described below. You will also be asked to prepare and deliver a 15 minute presentation, the topic for this will be provided following shortlisting.
Onboarding Checks: In the event you are offered a role with us, you will be required to go through Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which will include Employment and Right to Work Checks. Security Clearance (SC) will need to be obtained prior to the role commencing. You will also need to apply for Developed Vetting (DV) which can be completed while working for us but the offer will remain conditional until DV is gained.
Please note, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship. Residency Requirements: DV – reserved. This is a Ministry of Defence reserved post and open to sole UK nationals only. Successful applicants will require Developed Vetting (DV) and therefore need to have resided in the UK for a minimum of 24 consecutive months within the last 10 years.
Head of Technology in Taunton employer: UK Hydrographic Office
Contact Detail:
UK Hydrographic Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technology in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who might have insights into the UKHO. A friendly chat can lead to valuable referrals or insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview stages by practising your presentation skills. You’ll need to impress during that 15-minute slot, so make sure you can clearly articulate your vision for technology strategy and how it aligns with the UKHO’s goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During the colleague engagement session, be ready to demonstrate how you embody the UKHO’s values and how you can inspire a high-performing team in the tech space.
✨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, you’ll find all the details you need to tailor your approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technology in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Technology role. Highlight your experience in leading technology strategies and delivering transformation, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with the UKHO's vision for 2034!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. Remember, we’re looking for clear examples of your leadership and strategic thinking.
Be Honest and Authentic: While AI tools can be helpful, make sure everything you submit is genuinely your own work. We value authenticity, so share your real experiences and insights. Plagiarism can lead to your application being withdrawn, and we definitely don’t want that!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process right there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Hydrographic Office
✨Know Your Tech Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the UKHO's technology strategy and how it aligns with their vision for 2034. Be ready to discuss how your experience in leading enterprise-wide technology strategies can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership abilities, especially in building high-performing digital and data teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you led your team through them, as this will resonate well with the panel.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves close engagement with various stakeholders, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborating with both internal and external partners. Highlight any successful projects where you advocated for technology solutions that delivered value.
✨Nail the Presentation
You'll need to deliver a 15-minute presentation during the panel interview. Choose a topic that showcases your expertise in technology architecture or cyber security. Practice your delivery to ensure clarity and confidence, and remember to engage your audience!