Deputy Director for Performance & Assurance - GDS - SCS1
£76,000 - £117,800, with offers above £76,000 comprising a specialist pay allowance.
Published on 21 August 2025. Deadline: 31 August 2025.
Location
Bristol, Manchester
About the job
Job summary
Job summary
The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government, responsible for setting, leading, and delivering the vision for a modern digital government.
Our priorities include:
* Joining up public sector services
* Harnessing AI for the public good
* Extending digital and data infrastructure
* Enhancing leadership and talent investment
* Funding outcomes and supporting innovation
* Promoting transparency and accountability
We manage initiatives like the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), GOV.UK, and coordinate the UK’s geospatial strategy. We lead digital and data functions across government and employ over 1,000 staff across the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London, and Bristol.
Working at GDS means contributing to impactful digital projects that serve the nation, collaborating with highly skilled professionals to address key digital challenges.
The role is within the Strategy and Assurance Directorate, which defines digital and data strategies, oversees digital delivery through spend assurance and controls, and conducts service assessments.
As the Deputy Director, you will:
* Lead teams managing spend control and service assessments, ensuring high-quality digital project delivery across government.
* Develop data-driven approaches to monitor progress against the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government, enhancing accountability and decision-making.
* Transform the assurance function into a more efficient process, designing digital tools to streamline spend controls and leverage GDS expertise. Manage advisory teams and establish escalation processes for strategic oversight.
* Build relationships with senior digital leaders across departments and with officials in GDS and DSIT. Communicate complex digital issues clearly to Ministers, especially regarding spend control.
* Engage with HMT during critical spending events, providing expertise in Performance and Assurance to support both HMT and GDS.
Person specification
We’re looking for candidates who have:
* A strong delivery background with successful major project and programme management, including leadership in digital and data teams. Experience in digital policy and assurance is advantageous.
* Understanding of the Technology Code of Practice, Service Standard, and Digital and Technology Spend Controls.
* Proven ability to use data, analysis, and performance metrics to improve portfolio delivery.
* Experience building effective relationships with Ministers and senior leaders, managing diverse stakeholders, and negotiating constructively.
* Experience leading high-performing, engaged, cross-functional teams, with a focus on coaching and development to foster a culture of excellence and collaboration.
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