Job Vacancy Director General Chief Digital and Innovation Officer - HO - SCS3

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate their knowledge, experience, capability and behavioural approach to a high standard against the following key criteria:

• Proven experience operating at Board or Executive Committee level in a large, complex organisation, with a track record of strategic leadership and delivery.

• Demonstrable ability to lead and integrate diverse functions—such as digital, science, research and international engagement—to deliver coherent, high-impact outcomes.

• Strong corporate and political acumen, with experience advising senior stakeholders such as C-Suite executives or Ministers on sensitive, cross-cutting, and high-profile issues.

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a proven ability to build high-performing, inclusive teams and lead through others in complex environments.

• Deep understanding of governance within large organisations, operational delivery, programme management and risk oversight, including experience of leading in high-pressure or crisis situations.

• A strong track record of innovation and transformation, including the use of digital technologies, data and AI to improve services and achieve value for money.

• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across government, with delivery partners, and on the international stage.

*To learn more about the essential and desirable criteria for this role, please refer to the candidate pack located at the bottom of the advert.

London

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.