Director of Digital and Data

Natural England; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency for environmental conservation is seeking a Director of Digital and Data to spearhead digital transformation efforts. This pivotal role involves leading a team to enhance digital infrastructure and data governance while collaborating with diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of delivering digital projects on time and budget, with strong leadership and technical skills. This position offers a salary of £81,000, with flexible working across England.

Qualifications

• A track record of leading large-scale digital and data transformation.
• Strong technical expertise in digital technologies and data management.
• Inclusive and collaborative leadership that motivates teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the modernisation of digital infrastructure and data governance.
• Shape the 'Destination Digital' strategy.
• Build partnerships across the Defra group and beyond.

Skills

Leading large-scale digital transformation

Strategic alignment of digital strategies

Technical expertise in digital technologies

Collaborative leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Overview

Director of Digital and Data

Natural England

Location: Flexible across England | Salary: £81,000 | Permanent

Natural England is the Government’s adviser on the natural environment and plays a central role in delivering the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and Environmental Improvement Plan 2023. At the heart of our mission is nature recovery because we know that thriving nature is fundamental to our nation’s health, prosperity, and security.

We are entering a new chapter in our journey as an organisation. As we step up to deliver on ambitious environmental goals, we are modernising how we work harnessing the power of digital and data to deliver better services, make faster and smarter decisions, and empower our people to achieve more for nature.

Our new Director of Digital and Data will be at the forefront of this transformation. Reporting to the Chief Scientist, you will be a key member of our senior leadership team, shaping and delivering our “Destination Digital” strategy. You will lead the modernisation of our digital infrastructure, enhance our data governance and capability, and embed a digital-first culture across the organisation.

This is a pivotal role not just about technology, but about people. You will lead a team of around 50 specialists, raising the confidence and capability of colleagues across Natural England to use digital tools and data insights effectively. You will also build influential partnerships across the Defra group, government, and beyond, ensuring that digital and data innovation is at the heart of how we protect and restore England’s natural environment.

Responsibilities and requirements

To be successful, you will bring:

• A track record of leading large-scale digital and data transformation, delivering on time and on budget
• Strategic vision and the ability to align digital and data strategies with organisational goals
• Strong technical expertise in digital technologies, data management, cybersecurity and IT infrastructure
• Inclusive, inspiring and collaborative leadership able to motivate teams, drive cultural change, and build trusted relationships at every level
• The ability to engage and influence across complex stakeholder landscapes

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting difference transforming how a national organisation operates, and enabling our people to deliver better outcomes for nature, now and for the future.

If you are motivated by our mission and inspired by our ambition, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process no later than 23:55 on Sunday 19th October 2025. All applications must be submitted using the link provided via the Apply button.

When applying, please ensure that you provide the following information by: Sunday 19th October 2025 (23:55):

• Your CV (pdf)
• A supporting statement (pdf and of not more than 2 pages) detailing how you can address the Essential criteria
• Contact telephone numbers as well as your personal email address
• A completed diversity monitoring form (this will appear on screen as part of the application process).

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson who will be delighted to speak with you:

Shoaib Haroon on 07384 258626 2020 [e-mail]

Martyn Brereton on 07586 715531 [e-mail]