Lead Technologist - GDS - G7

Manchester Digital; Greater London, Manchester, Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A government digital service is seeking a Lead Technologist to guide the digital transformation in the UK Public Sector. You will research and shape strategies, influence senior stakeholders, and build relationships across the public sector. The ideal candidate should have a strong technical background, excellent communication skills, and should be excited about long-term technology change. This role supports professionals in delivering vital government digital services, making impactful contributions across the UK.

Qualifications

• Excited about long-term technology change delivery.
• Able to evaluate proposals and execution approaches.
• Capable of translating complex concepts into simple language.

Responsibilities

• Research and shape a long-term strategy for technology.
• Work with stakeholders to influence government digital strategy.
• Build a network of peers to engage with across UK Public Sector.

Skills

Technical background

Strong communication skills

Experience with technology suppliers

Presentation skills for senior stakeholders

Education

Relevant industry certifications

Job description

Full-time (Permanent) National £55,403 London £61,005 plus additional allowance

Published on 22 December 2025 Deadline 4 January 2026

Location

Bristol, London, Manchester

Job summary

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre of government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government.

Our priorities are to drive a modern digital government, by:

• joining up public sector services
• harnessing the power of AI for the public good
• strengthening and extending our digital and data public infrastructure
• elevating leadership and investing in talent
• funding for outcomes and procuring for growth and innovation
• committing to transparency and driving accountability

We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), the world‑leading GOV.UK and at the forefront of coordinating the UK’s geospatial strategy and activity. We lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government.

We’re part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and employ more than 1,000 people all over the UK, with hubs in Manchester, London and Bristol.

The Government Digital Service is where talent translates into impact. From your first day, you’ll be working with some of the world’s most highly‑skilled digital professionals, all contributing their knowledge to make change on a national scale.

Join us for rewarding work that makes a difference across the UK. You’ll solve some of the nation’s highest‑priority digital challenges, helping millions of people access services they need

The Lead Technologists in GDS exist to make building and buying great technology easier in the UK Public Sector. In this role you will work to set strategies, principles, standards and identify best practice, as well as supporting the adoption and embedding of these into the public sector, helping digital and data colleagues in these organisations deliver transformational change.

You will be aligned to a Grade 6 Principal Technologist who will mentor and support you as well as set you challenging tasks to further your team’s objectives.

As Lead Technologist you will be supporting a product team including principal technologists, engagement leads and a delivery manager to:

• undertake research, input into and shape a 10‑year intent and strategy for the field you are aligned to, and support colleagues in gaining cross‑government endorsement for this
• work with stakeholders to shape government digital strategy, translating complex technical concepts into straightforward language to influence strategic decision makers. This includes drafting strategy papers, guidance, and delivering presentations to senior stakeholders and ministers.
• identify and/or develop existing principles, standards and best practice and promote them, or form and lead a group of technologists from across UK Public Sector to create these
• work with vendors to maximise their offer to UK Public Sector, and with Crown Commercial Service in commercial engagements with vendors
• build a network of peers across UK Public Sector to regularly engage with
• promote your work through content written for GOV.UK, speaking engagements and hosting community events
• help upskill others in GDS and DSIT in your specialist area

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Person specification

This role requires that:

• you should be excited about thinking long‑term and helping deliver technology‑related change, particularly within local government.
• you must have a technical background and be able to use this experience to build credibility with others, evaluate proposals and decide an execution approach
• you have strong written and verbal communication skills, and are able to translate complex concepts into straightforward language with ease
• you should have some experience working with technology suppliers
• you should be comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders, both technical (e.g. Principal DDaT professionals) and non‑technical (including SCS and ministers)
• learning should be embedded in the way you approach your working week, and you should be keen to share your learning with those around you
• you should be at the top skill levels in your Digital & Data specialism, most likely from the Architecture, Data, IT Operations or Software Development groups.
• you should hold or be working towards relevant industry certifications for your technical specialism.