Working Pattern: Flexible working, Full-time, Job Share
Job summary
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) is responsible for transforming how DCMS utilises technology, data, and digital services. This broad leadership role encompasses internal business transformation and professional oversight of standards across 45 public bodies within the DCMS group.
A central focus of this role involves navigating significant technical transitions scheduled for 2026, including:
* Harnessing the benefits of DCMS services moving from Google to Microsoft
* Preparing the department to join the NEO platform, a new HR and Finance system, as part of a Government shared services programme in the second half of 2026. This will involve working with four other departments and taking services from a shared service provider.
As the professional lead for the Digital, Data and Technology function, you will build and scale a team of approximately 60 professionals. You will be responsible for defining the digital capabilities for people, process, and technology required to unlock organisational benefits and execute a strategic roadmap that reflects the needs of the department and its public bodies.
Responsibilities
* Driving literacy in core DDaT competencies such as agile delivery, user‑centred design, and data skills across the department.
* Engaging with the cross‑government CDIO community to ensure DCMS strategies align with the Central Data and Digital Office standards.
* Building a resilient function with engaged, high performing staff and an effective supply chain that delivers great outcomes and minimises risks.
As Director, you will lead an innovative and diverse team of digital, data and technology professionals which will comprise of circa 60 staff. You will be the driving force behind our vision to be the strategic engine that transforms DCMS into a modern, agile, and digitally confident department. Our culture is defined by user‑centricity and experimentation, where we leverage cross‑disciplinary collaboration to deliver secure, innovative services.
The directorate is structured across three Deputy Director portfolios:
* DDaT Programmes: MS365 & Transformation- leading the essential support that underpins our delivery work and the delivery of large‑scale transition programmes.
* Digital Delivery and Portfolio: delivering strategic business intelligence and user‑centred solutions through mature product, data, and emerging technology capabilities including AI.
* Chief Technology Officer: Technology, Cyber & Infosec Operations - providing the resilient infrastructure and robust cyber assurance that underpins all DCMS operations.
Beyond the core department, you will provide strategic leadership across the wider DCMS family, fostering the adoption of tech shared services across our public bodies. We are a regionally dispersed team, with 42% of our staff based in national hubs outside of London (primarily in Manchester) as we continue to grow our geographic footprint. We are committed to a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives build a high‑performing DDaT workforce.
Person specification
* Strategic vision and digital leadership: a proven ability to integrate digital, data, and technology into core organisational strategy while anticipating future technological trends.
* Transformative change and stakeholder engagement: proven experience driving complex, performance‑led transformations and influencing high‑level stakeholders.
* Capability building and inclusive culture: a track record of leading high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams and fostering an inclusive culture focused on empathetic leadership and talent development.
* Product and service delivery at scale: extensive experience delivering major digital products and services that provide tangible citizen outcomes and value‑for‑money efficiencies.
* Cybersecurity and resilience: evidence of expert leadership in ensuring infrastructure resilience, data integrity. The ability to provide technical assurance across the department and its Arms‑Length Bodies.
Evidence of a forward‑thinking approach to AI and emerging technologies, with an understanding of the societal and ethical impacts of innovation on DCMS sectors.
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