At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation in education, driving AI and data strategies for better outcomes.
- Company: Department for Education, shaping the future of education services nationwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, flexible working, and tailored learning opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to transforming education and care sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education by embedding digital innovation at every level.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in digital, AI, and data with strategic thinking skills.
Location: Bristol, Cambridge, Coventry, Darlington, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield
This is a new role being created in the Department for Education to drive a step-change in how digital, AI, data and infrastructure capability is used to improve outcomes across the education and care sectors. The ambition is transformational: to embed digital and data into the heart of how the Department and the sector deliver outcomes, not as a separate strategy but as a powerful function influencing every major priority. This is a role with real national reach and visibility, operating at pace and scale - reshaping how education services are delivered nationwide.
The DG for Digital and Infrastructure will lead a new, highly capable and multi-disciplinary Group bringing together the digital, technology, data, and analysis functions in the Department. The DG will also lead the education estates function, with one of the top priorities for the role being to transform our capital strategy to make it more data and digitally enabled.
The DG for Digital and Infrastructure will be responsible for delivering:
- An ambitious cross-cutting digital, AI and data strategy plan that transforms how the sector and Department deliver all their work. This means leading work across DfE and the wider sector to embed digital, AI and data into every major strategy, driving improvements in outcomes for children and learners.
- DfE digital and technology services - leading a DDaT function of ~1800 colleagues to deliver user‑centred, agile digital services to support outcomes – on everything from childcare and early years to teacher recruitment and fostering. The DG will also lead on delivery of the DfE technology strategy, including strengthening cyber resilience in the education sector and improving cyber security of DfE systems.
- Strategic data transformation across education and care sectors, including creating a powerful data spine for easier, more automatic collection and linking of data from education and care providers; and using this to drive insight and new services, and improve outcomes for children and learners. This will include work on a Single Unique Identifier.
- Improvements in the education estate - leading on implementing a new strategy for the education estate, linking it to wider responsibilities around improving education infrastructure. This includes delivery of major capital programmes such as the School Rebuilding Programme and several large capital funding programmes across schools, colleges, nurseries and children’s homes. This function carries some of the highest levels of risk and accountability in the Department - including life‑and‑death decisions on safety (e.g. RAAC). The DG must exercise exceptional judgement in managing vast surveying and build programmes, making frequent rapid, high‑stakes decisions.
Person specification
The Civil Service is open to talented people from anywhere in the world, and from any career background; we will always seek to identify transferable skills from the individual’s experience. To be appointed, you will need to show:
- Expertise in digital, AI and data leadership at scale: Ability to set a clear vision and strategy that transforms outcomes across a whole sector. Experience in leading large digital, data and technology functions to improve performance and ensure cyber security underpins digital and data systems.
- Delivery at pace and scale: Proven ability to lead major transformation programmes across complex delivery landscapes, working in partnership with schools, colleges, local authorities and private sector partners including in the ed tech and construction industries.
- Strategic thinking and policy influence: A track record of embedding digital and data into the core strategies of large organisations or systems, and of developing high‑quality, influential policies in partnership with decision‑makers at the most senior levels.
- Leadership: Proven leadership experience, including through change, with evidence of the ability to build, inspire and motivate high‑performing teams within an organisation of similar scale and complexity. Determination to create and maintain excellent, lean, effective teams which bring diversity of thought and take powerful action.
- Judgement and risk management: Exceptional skill in balancing huge opportunities with significant risks, calibrating engagement with a vibrant but under‑evidenced and rapidly changing market. Ability to lead and change thinking over time.
- Education expertise: Knowledge of the education or social care policy landscape and the ed tech sector is desirable. Whether they have some experience of these or not, candidates must demonstrate an interest in - and willingness to rapidly learn about – the education and care systems, and the evidence base, including on the science of learning.
Alongside your salary of £200,000, Department for Education contributes £57,940 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Learning and development tailored to your role
An environment with flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Director General, Digital and Infrastructure in London employer: Women in Data®
The Department for Education is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative digital and infrastructure initiatives that will shape the future of education across the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth, flexible working options, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on learners' outcomes. The role not only provides a competitive salary and generous pension contributions but also places you at the forefront of national educational reform in vibrant cities like London, Manchester, and Bristol.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director General, Digital and Infrastructure in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field on LinkedIn or at industry 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 culture. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their goals, especially around digital and data transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Focus on articulating your vision for digital and AI strategies clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director General, Digital and Infrastructure in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you really understand the role and what it entails. Dive into the job description and highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and skills required. This will show us that you're genuinely interested and ready to make an impact.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We want to see how your unique skills and experiences fit this specific role. Use examples from your past that demonstrate your expertise in digital, AI, and data leadership, and how you've driven transformation in similar environments.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and tech-savvy, which is exactly what we’re looking for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Women in Data®
✨Know Your Digital Landscape
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in digital, AI, and data. Research how these elements are currently being used in education and care sectors. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to driving transformation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing large teams and complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired and motivated teams through change, as this role requires exceptional leadership to build high-performing groups.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can embed digital and data into core strategies. Prepare to discuss past experiences where you’ve influenced policy or strategy at a senior level. This will help illustrate your ability to think strategically and make impactful decisions.
✨Prepare for High-Stakes Scenarios
Given the nature of this role, be ready to discuss how you handle risk management and make rapid decisions under pressure. Think of specific instances where you balanced opportunities with risks, and be prepared to share your thought process during those times.
