Deputy Director, Digital Strategy - HO - SCS1
Apply for the Deputy Director, Digital Strategy - HO - SCS1 role at Manchester Digital.
Location: Croydon, Manchester or Sheffield. The role may require travel to London/Croydon and possibly other Home Office locations for meetings if/when required.
About the Job
The Home Office Digital function is at the heart of one of the UK’s most critical government departments. We design, build and operate over 640 digital systems that support millions of users across the UK and around the world enabling public safety, national security, and operational excellence.
Our mission is to deliver secure, resilient and user‑centred services that transform how the Home Office operates and how the public interacts with government. From identity verification and visa applications to policing systems and counter‑terrorism infrastructure, DDaT underpins the services that keep the UK safe and functioning.
At the centre of HO Digital is the Chief Technology Office (CTO), the strategic engine room responsible for architecture, engineering, transformation delivery, and setting the standards for digital, data and technology across the department.
As Deputy Director, you will be a key member of the CTO Senior Management Team. You will lead the implementation of the Home Office 2030 Digital Strategy, shape its future direction, and monitor progress toward our aims. This high‑impact role will shape the future of digital public services and internal operations across one of the UK’s most complex departments.
You will lead a cross‑functional team to embed the strategy’s eight strategic shifts ranging from AI and automation to cyber resilience and digital skills. You will also develop the next iteration of the strategy, ensuring it reflects emerging technologies, evolving user needs, and cross‑government ambitions.
You will act as a strategic bridge between DDaT and the wider Home Office, working closely with senior business and operational leaders and at the highest levels of government to align digital transformation with core policy and operational priorities.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the end‑to‑end implementation of the Home Office 2030 Digital Strategy, ensuring alignment with operational, policy and delivery teams across the department.
* Translate strategic ambitions into measurable outcomes, working closely with product, data, technology and policy leaders.
* Establish and lead a cross‑cutting programme of engagement to embed the strategy’s eight shifts within the business of the Home Office.
* Monitor delivery progress, risks and benefits, reporting to the Chief DDaT Officer, Executive Committee and Ministers.
* Lead the development of the replacement strategy from mid‑2027, including horizon scanning, stakeholder engagement and alignment with cross‑government priorities.
* Represent the Home Office in cross‑government forums and with external partners on strategic digital matters.
* Build and lead a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
* For the full list of responsibilities, please check the candidate pack attached at the bottom of the advert.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
* Proven leadership in shaping and delivering digital, data and technology strategies across complex organisations with diverse senior stakeholders.
* Deep understanding of HO Digital’s role in public service delivery and emerging technologies such as AI, automation and cloud platforms.
* Extensive experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and delivering transformation at scale.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, operating confidently at senior technology, operational, policy and Ministerial levels.
* Commitment to user‑centred, inclusive, accessible, resilient and secure digital services.
* Ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans, supported by analytical and problem‑solving expertise, with experience in government or similarly regulated environments.
Desirable Criteria
* Familiarity with and the ability to contribute to wider government strategy around digital, data and technology.
* Familiarity with the Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and frameworks.
* Experience working in or with security, immigration, policing or public safety domains.
Senior level: Director • Employment type: Full‑time • Job function: Marketing and Sales • Industries: Technology, Information and Internet
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