Chief Digital Information Officer - FCDO - SCS2

Manchester Digital; London, East Kilbride; On-site; GBP 163,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government office seeks a Chief Digital Information Officer to direct digital transformation and manage significant IT services for over 17,000 staff. This pivotal role requires strategic leadership and technology expertise to enhance efficiency and international collaboration, influencing global affairs and improving lives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering large-scale digital transformations.
• Strong leadership in managing large teams and complex projects.
• Experience with secure IT services and innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of advanced technologies for efficiency.
• Drive organizational change and ensure agility in technology.
• Oversee IT and data services for 17,000 staff and manage a £230m budget.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Technology Leadership

Communication Skills

Job description

Chief Digital Information Officer - FCDO - SCS2

A salary of up to £162,500 per annum is available depending on skills and experience.

Published on 10 July 2025. Deadline: 28 July 2025.

Location

East Kilbride, London

About the job

Job summary

Allen Lane is supporting the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in appointing a Chief Digital and Information Officer – a critical leadership role both domestically and internationally.

The FCDO plays a central role in delivering the Government’s priorities, fostering a secure and prosperous UK and world. It leverages global influence, collaborates with businesses, allies, and partners, and builds top-tier capabilities in crisis response, consular affairs, diplomacy, development, and intelligence.

This role comes at a pivotal moment for the Department, following the merger of FCO and DFID, as it embarks on an exciting digital transformation to advance its mission.

The successful candidate will lead the integration of advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, bolster international collaboration, and achieve outstanding results worldwide. You will be a key member of the senior leadership team, driving organizational change and ensuring agility in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

This is a rewarding opportunity to influence global affairs and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

As CDIO, you will oversee secure IT, digital, and data services for over 17,000 staff across 280 overseas missions and contribute to the Government’s digital agenda.

You will lead the "FCDO 2030" initiative to create a more effective, streamlined, and impactful department aligned with the Foreign Secretary’s vision of making the FCDO a world-leading digital foreign affairs ministry. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will manage an annual budget of £230m, with plans for significant growth, and oversee a professional team of over 400 staff across London, Milton Keynes, East Kilbride, and overseas offices.

Person specification

The role demands demonstrating the following essential criteria:

• Proven experience as a strategic thinker and technology leader, with a track record of delivering large-scale digital transformations and fostering relationships at senior levels within complex organizations.
• Strong leadership in setting strategic direction, managing large, dispersed teams through change, and delivering complex projects that generate value.
• Experience in delivering innovative, efficient solutions with technical expertise, commercial acumen, and secure IT services knowledge.
• Experience engaging at senior levels, including Board and Ministerial, with excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships.

Applicants should provide evidence and examples demonstrating these criteria. While deep technical knowledge of foreign policy is not essential, an interest and aptitude for learning are expected.