Director General - Chief Digital and Innovation Officer

UK Home Office; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension with employer contribution of 28.97%

Job summary

A governmental department in London is seeking a Director General - Chief Digital and Innovation Officer. This executive role involves strategic leadership over digital transformation, managing a team of about 4,000 and a £1.8bn budget. The ideal candidate will drive innovative technology solutions to improve public services and enhance operational efficiency. Strong leadership and extensive experience in government or large organizations are essential for this pivotal position.

Qualifications

• Exceptional leadership skills in a technology and innovation context.
• Experience managing large teams (around 4,000 employees).
• Ability to oversee significant budgets and deliver critical services.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-departmental digital services to transform user services.
• Ensure mission-critical live services are delivered efficiently.
• Champion the integration of technology into policy development.
• Provide governance for major government technology initiatives.
• Foster collaboration with government and international partners.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Cross-Government Engagement

Operational Oversight

Organisational Development

Budgetary Responsibility

Digital Innovation

Job description

Director General - Chief Digital and Innovation Officer

Join to apply for the Director General - Chief Digital and Innovation Officer role at UK Home Office

Director General - Chief Digital and Innovation Officer

Join to apply for the Director General - Chief Digital and Innovation Officer role at UK Home Office

This range is provided by UK Home Office. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Director General - Chief Digital and Innovation Officer

Location - London

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Job grade - SCS Pay Band 3

Business area - HO - Digital Data and Technology

The Home Office is seeking an exceptional leader to become their Director General – Chief Digital & Innovation Officer (CDIO), a pivotal Executive Committee role at the heart of government. This is one of the most significant technology and innovation leadership opportunities in the UK public sector, with a mission to transform services that touch millions of lives every single day.

As DG CDIO, you will set the strategic direction for digital, data, science and technology across one of government’s most complex and high-profile departments. With responsibility for a team of around 4,000 and oversight of a budget of approximately £1.8bn, you will be accountable for delivering mission-critical live services, modernising national-scale programmes such as biometrics and digital identity, and driving innovation to strengthen both operational delivery and citizen outcomes.

The Home Office plays a vital role in keeping the UK safe and secure. As CDIO, you will ensure its digital and innovation ecosystem is equipped to meet future challenges, working across government, industry, academia, and international partners. You will build on strong foundations to deliver transformation at pace and scale - embracing cutting-edge technologies while ensuring security, value for money and public trust.

Key Responsibilities

As Director General – Chief Digital & Innovation Officer, your specific responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead cross-departmental digital services, harnessing digital technologies and data to transform services for users.
• Live Service Operations: Deliver mission-critical live services at scale.
• Digital, Scientific, Data and Research Innovation: Champion the integration of cutting-edge technologies, data science, and research into operational delivery and policy development.
• Cross-Government Engagement: Represent the Home Office in senior forums, influencing policy and delivery across Whitehall and with international partners.
• Operational Oversight: Provide strategic direction and governance for major programmes such as Home Office Biometrics and Digital First, ensuring delivery excellence and risk management.
• Organisational Development: Build and nurture high-performing, inclusive teams, and develop future leaders across all functions.
• Budgetary Responsibility: Accountable for a combined budget exceeding £1.8bn, ensuring value for money and alignment with spending review commitments.
• Strategic Partnerships: Foster collaboration across government, academia, industry, and international stakeholders to enhance service transformation outcomes.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Industries

  Government Administration

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