Head of Data Capability - DWP - SCS1
Government Digital & Data -
Location
Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sheffield
Please note that for candidates requesting to work in Newcastle, this role will be based at Benton Park View, and then at 1 Pilgrim Place in Newcastle city centre by the end of 2027.
About the job
Job summary
DWP is looking to appoint a strategic and visionary Head of Data Capability to join our Digital and Transformation Directorate. This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of our digital transformation, driving the development of data skills and capability across one of the UK’s largest government departments.
Digital Group in DWP design services is based on user needs and are driving several major programmes of change where data is a key differentiator compared to the past. Delivery teams are accountable for test-driven development, business analysis, testing, Development Operations (DevOps), data modelling, repositories, analytics and visualisation as well as working closely with a security and data protection teams.
Our Digital products underpin the delivery of a wide range of Change Programmes including Universal Credit and Service Modernisation as well as Fraud, Error and Debt. Our challenges are to best support individual citizens gain financial support needed, prevent fraud, error and debt and maximise their ability to progress all whilst reducing the overall cost to serve.
DWP’s ambition is to become a truly data-driven department, with one of its’ three cross-cutting Delivery Objectives to enables services through our Strategic Enablers which includes Innovation, Technology, Data. A strong leader for the Data Practice is required to drive data professionalism, literacy and awareness across the Department.
For more information about DWP and this role, please see the Candidate Pack attached.
Here more about DWP
Virtual Engagement Session
Date: 18/11/25 Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
This virtual session is an opportunity for you to find out more about the role and what it's like leading the Finance directorate. You'll get the opportunity to hear directly from the vacancy holder, Paul Francis and HR Director Beverley Morton, who will provide an overview of the role and hold a Q&A session. Join session Here.
Job description
We are looking for an experienced data professional to head the Data Community of Practice for DWP. As the Head of Data Capability your responsibilities are:
- Skills and capability requirements: steering the roadmap of the data skills and capability needed across all areas of DWP for the Department to deliver its aims.
- Developing the Apprenticeship strategy for Data roles across Digital Group and DWP. Talent attraction: working closely with Central Recruitment teams on initiatives to drive DWP’s competitiveness to attract skilled external talent;
- Internal mobility: encourage and facilitate the movement of existing DWP employees into data roles, by identifying individuals with high potential, addressing skills gaps through tailored development and promoting career advancement opportunities.
- Skills development: formation of a Data Academy with the aim of building a broad base of data talent; influencing the roadmap for internal and cross-government training initiatives to include an increasing focus on data literacy for all employees.
- Practice membership and culture: shaping the culture and success of the Data Practice through effective leadership to create a thriving community that fosters collaboration, innovation, inclusivity and continuous learning; designing an affiliate membership option to expand Practice community to include all interested DWP employees.
- Strategy and innovation: horizon scanning and bringing innovation from outside Government to support longer term DWP strategies.
- Data delivery: contributing to and supporting delivery of the Data and Analytics programme of change as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Person specification
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their knowledge, experience and skills against the following essential criteria:
- Experience of leading a data and/or analytics function or profession in a large and complex organisation, such as financial services or retail.
- Strong and extensive background working in data roles managing risk related to data security, data protection and ethics.
- Strong and personable leader with evidence of contributing to or driving forward a skills agenda within the data space.
- A proven record of building, developing, and coaching diverse data teams whether data science, performance analysts or engineering teams.
- A proven track record of building partnerships with senior stakeholders in a matrix organisation. Communicating and presenting with conviction to persuade and influence others of the benefits of data skills and capabilities in the face of scrutiny, challenge and competing priorities for resource.
- Strong understanding of the analytics technology landscape (including cloud services and open-source technologies), including pace of change in the external environment and the need for skills to keep pace with this.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience of setting up and/or leading a community of practice or equivalent.
