Chief Digital Officer - Chief of Staff

Government Recruitment Service; Reading; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government department in the UK is seeking a Chief Digital Officer to drive digital transformation across its operations. The successful candidate will manage the office and staff, coordinate departmental activities, and interact with stakeholders to ensure strategic objectives are met. Strong organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential. This role offers a unique opportunity to impact the future of public service delivery.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of digital transformation agendas.
• Experience managing office operations and staff.
• Proven ability to react quickly to changing circumstances.

Responsibilities

• Manage the office of the Chief Digital Officer.
• Coordinate activity across the Directorate.
• Make informed decisions regarding stakeholder priorities.

Skills

Organisational skills

Self-motivated

Ability to co-ordinate activities

Relational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Overview

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world‑leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day‑to‑day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

Digital, Data, Technology and Security (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group.

We have around 1000 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.

Find out more about DDTS:

• Defra digital, data and technology blog
• LinkedIn
• Defra Jobs

Digital Strategy, Engagement and Transformation (DSET) Team

The Digital Strategy, Engagement and Transformation (DSET) team is responsible for the delivery of significant transformation across the Defra Group. In November 2023, the ExCo and Arm’s Length Body CEOs signed off on the first ever Defra Digital and Data Transformation Strategy. Since then, the DSET function has been established to drive forward the delivery of the strategy.

The Chief Digital Officer works across the Group to build consensus, drive transformation and innovation both directly and indirectly. As a result, their role is extremely varied and intense with a high demand on their time, expertise and input from both the Core Department and ALBs. In recent months this engagement has included significant involvement in the Spending Review process, leading the DDTS Operating Model design, involvement in the FST led Savings and Efficiencies review and supporting work relating to Defra Group Change.

You will work directly with the Chief Digital Officer and work closely with their Deputy Directors. You will be responsible for the running of the office and managing staff.

You will need to be conscientious and reliable, self‑motivated, organised and able to co‑ordinate activity across the Directorate, react quickly and calmly to changing circumstances; think imaginatively to deliver under pressure.

You will have a strong understanding of the transformation agenda the Chief Digital Officer is delivering, key stakeholders and relationships required to deliver that agenda and be able to make informed decisions about best next steps on a range of issues including priority of stakeholder meetings, HR and finance related matters.