Job summary
Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT)
We are transforming DCMS to meet the needs of a modern- delivery-focused department working on some of government’s highest-priority agendas to drive growth, enrich lives and level-up society.
Our modernisation plans include investing in systems that are fit for purpose, reduce manual work and improve how colleagues across DCMS use technology, data and digital services. This includes developing a strong central digital capability for the department.
We also want to improve how we solve policy challenges by using user-centred design and working in multidisciplinary teams. This is an exciting time to join, as the team is shaping how digital, data and technology support delivery across DCMS.
Our mission is to digitally enable how DCMS delivers its priority outcomes and respond to the changing needs of the sectors and partners we work with. If you want to help shape that journey, this is a great time to join us.
Job description
This is a rare opportunity to shape how technology supports delivery across DCMS at a pivotal moment for the department. As Head of Technology - Digital & Data Services, you will lead technology strategy and technical design across a varied portfolio of digital and data products and services, working as part of a senior multidisciplinary leadership team.
Working collaboratively with DCMS’ Chief Technology Officer and Principal Architect, you will set direction for architecture and the technology stack for digital solutions to support better policy outcomes for the department. You’ll ensure solutions are secure by design, scalable, high quality and aligned with government standards. You will support teams across DCMS to explore technical options, assess feasibility and make confident decisions early, while providing technical assurance for internal delivery and supplier-led services.
The role offers broad influence: from shaping governance and decision-making, to working with senior stakeholders across policy, delivery and commercial functions, to identify the right suppliers and manage value from investment. You will build strong partnerships across DCMS and beyond, champion user-centred approaches, and help make technology a practical enabler of departmental priorities, leading technical decisions for our Digital, Data & AI team.
Person specification
The ideal candidate would have the following key skills and experience, please note that desirable skills will only be used in the event of tied candidates:
This role aligns to the Lead Technical Architect role in the Government Digital and Data Capability Framework.
Essential requirements:
- Designing architecture for complex digital services, including internal and public-facing systems, and making sound choices about the right technology approach for user needs, value for money and long-term support.
- Leading cloud-based technical design, particularly in Azure and Google Cloud Platform with a strong understanding of cloud-native architecture and secure design across infrastructure, platforms and software services.
- Setting technical direction across teams, including shaping strategy, roadmaps, standards, patterns and policies, measuring, monitoring and evaluating, and making or guiding architectural decisions in complex, high-risk environments.
- Working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and communicating clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including influencing senior leaders and building support for difficult decisions.
- Delivering through others with good commercial judgement, including analysing system capability, producing clear technical documentation, working effectively with suppliers, and managing budgets or spend to get the best return on investment.
Desirable skills:
- Familiarity with the UK Government Service Standard and service assessments.
- Deep understanding of agile and devops culture, including continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) and making best use of novel and emerging technologies (eg: AI, process automation)
- Demonstrable awareness of data and performance analysis tools, and their development and maintenance principles
We are running an information session where prospective applicants can find out more about the role. This will be hosted by David Dilley.
The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions.
Please register your interest by filling out this Registration form and you will be sent an invitation. Invites will only be sent after this deadline has passed.
Please note that the session will not be recorded and will not focus on the DCMS recruitment process - please direct any queries that you have on this topic (timelines, reasonable adjustments, onboarding etc) to resourcing.team@dcms.gov.uk
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- A technical statement of 250 words on Technical design throughout the life cycle which will be which will be assessed against the technical skills success profile.
- Architect for the whole context
- Architecture communication
- Strategy design
We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:
- A technical statement of 250 words on Technical design throughout the life cycle which will be which will be assessed against the technical skills success profile.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £62,203, Department for Culture, Media and Sport contributes £18,020 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
DCMS values its staff and offers a wide range of benefits to everyone who works here. We’re committed to developing talent, and supporting colleagues to have great careers in our department. To support with that, some of the benefits we offer include:
- Flexible working arrangements and hybrid working - DCMS staff work on a flexible basis with time spent in offices, and time spent working from home
- 26.5 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 31.5 days after 5 years’ service
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Access to the Edenred employee benefits system which offers discounts to popular retailers and access to various useful resources such as financial and savings advice
- 3 days of paid volunteering leave
- Up to 9 months maternity leave on full pay + generous paternity and adoption leave
- Staff reward and recognition bonuses that operate throughout the year
- Occupational sick pay
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme which offers staff 24/7 confidential support and resources such as counselling, debt guidance and management advice
- Active and engaged staff networks to join including the LGBT+, Ethnic Diversity, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Gender Equality Networks
- Exceptional learning and development opportunities that you can explore alongside your day to day work
- Season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and much more!
Terms and conditions at SCS grades will vary. Those applying for SCS roles should refer to the candidate information pack for more information on terms and conditions.
