Deputy Director of Operations and Capability, Digital Group
- Recruiter
- Department for Education
- Location
- Lancashire
- Salary
- Competitive
- Posted
- 19 Jul 2018
- Closes
- 31 Jul 2018
- Sectors
- Media & Digital Media
- Contract Type
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full Time
Thank you for your interest in the role of Deputy Director of Operations and Capability at the Department for Education (DfE).
The Digital team is responsible for working with the organisation to support user centred, evidence driven, empowered, end-to-end delivery.
We are seeking a Deputy Director of Operations & Capability who will be responsible for leading the operations of a central digital capability, whilst working with the organisation to develop and mature a 'digital by default' operating model; which includes bridging the traditional policy / delivery divide with new ways of working; including user centred design, disciplinary teams; continuous delivery and clear service ownership.
This includes responsibility for mentoring and supporting our Senior Responsible Officers leading our high priority delivery programs, working with them to support effective service design and delivery.
The Deputy Director of Operations and Capability will be responsible for supporting the Chief Digital Officer grow, retain and develop the skills of digital specialists, focusing on team development and support, as well as deputising for the Chief Digital Officer as required.
You will need to demonstrate exceptional engaging and influencing skills, strong communication and presentational abilities, experience of working successfully in a highly adaptive working environment, proven expertise in agile digital delivery and a winning combination of strong leadership skills matched with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get things done.
If you are a brilliant and inspiring leader, if you believe in making a difference by helping and supporting others, if you want to be part of an ambitious, dynamic, impactful team, if you have a passion for education and a belief that everyone in life deserves equal opportunity, then we would love to receive an application from you.
DfE recognises the benefits that digital technologies can bring to the millions of people who use our services.
The Department for Education's Digital Team has a clear vision to 'be the best place in government to work, building world class services to improve the opportunities for everyone in the country.'
We are here to help the DfE design, build and operate excellent digital services that meet user needs and to support the DfE to become a digitally capable organisation.
Our Goals
• Enable digital-by-default design and delivery of the Department's priorities and principles;
• Provide strategic insight into user experiences
• Embody and exemplify our organisations four transformation aims; user centred, end to end, empowered and evidence based;
• Grow, recruit and retain specialist digital delivery skills;
• Develop digital leadership throughout the organisation;
• Develop a diverse and inclusive team culture where people feel valued, rewarded and recognised for their contribution.
At the heart of building the DfE's new organisational model, the Deputy Director of Operations & Capability will be primarily responsible for leading on the development and performance of the central digital team; as well as growing and developing the digital skills of the organisation.
You will work closely with the senior management team to ensure the organisation is working effectively in new ways that will enable the design and delivery of world class digital-by-default services.
You will champion and lead on: Developing people & their skills and supporting new ways of working. You will work with the central digital team to support the design and delivery of excellent educational services and you will make a significant contribution towards DfE becoming a digital by default organisation.
We are looking for a person with the ability to manage a broad portfolio of responsibility and able to prioritise and delegate effectively to meet constantly conflicting demands on their time.
You will be a champion of user centred ways of working, you will have experience of working with digital teams and you will be able to demonstrate operational ability across finance, HR, commercial and talent management.
You will also have excellent oral and written communication skills and a high level of emotional intelligence, with the ability to effectively and sensitively manage stakeholder and supplier relationships.
You will demonstrate your commitment to developing the skills of others, and you will have proven expertise in developing positive working cultures.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the development and delivery our Digital Capability Strategy for the central team and across the wider organisation;
• Lead the development and delivery of a communications and engagement strategy for service design and delivery aimed at both internal staff as well as externally, positioning DfE as a great place for digital specialists to work;
• Oversee the financial management processes, including business planning activities and ensuring that we deliver services within budget;
• Manage digital procurement requirements in collaboration with the DfE procurement team and ensure that all procurement is in line with DfE and Government procurement processes;
• Oversee administrative functions;
• Responsible for organisational reporting and monitoring: provide guidance and leadership through management of the group digital internal metrics and measuring reporting process;
• Lead the Operational Risk function for the department, measuring and managing risk and driving down the overall risk position;
• Handle Parliamentary Questions, Freedom of information requests and Ministerial correspondence. Liaison with NAO and PAC;
• Ensure that security and information assurance controls are properly applied across the organisation;
• Take ownership of business continuity plans, ensuring that the central digital team operates effectively during emergencies;
• Monitoring and complying with Data Protection, Freedom of Information responsibilities and other applicable statutory requirements.
Key Criteria
The Successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:-
• Strong leadership qualities, with at least 5 years' experience of managing teams in complex organisations;
• An understanding of operating model design, and skills and experience in leading organisational change and transformation;
• Ability to manage a broad portfolio of responsibilities and thrive under pressure;
• A champion of quality, attention to detail and rigorous processes;
• Understanding of recruitment and talent management and experience of optimising these functions;
• Experience of managing Operational Risk within Digital functions and how to identify, measure and mitigate such risk;
• Experience of P&L management, and of corporate budgeting and financial management processes, including cost centres, allocations, project accounting, timesheets etc.;
• Good communication skills, verbal and written, and a good understanding of the use of different channels and formats for different audiences.
Benefits
Pensions
Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.
Nationality statement
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules.
If you're applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.
Selection process details
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Eligibility
Candidates in their probationary period are eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.