Director General - Chief Digital and Innovation Officer

DSIT • Full-time • United Kingdom • £160k - £190k / year • 1d ago

Job summary

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.

Job description

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.