Chief of Staff, Cyber Security and Digital Identity

At DSIT we're all about improving people's lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Government's 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving people's lives. Whether it's researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

The Cyber Security and Digital Identity directorate sits at the heart of the UK's efforts to strengthen cyber resilience, drive growth through cyber and digital technologies, and ensure citizens and organisations can thrive in an increasingly digital world.

As Chief of Staff to the Director, you will operate as the Director's principal strategic adviser, helping to lead and coordinate a large, complex and high-profile directorate.

Working across policy, programme delivery and corporate functions, you will ensure the Director and Senior Leadership Team remain focused on their highest priorities, while driving organisational effectiveness, accountability and delivery.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring exceptional judgement, strategic thinking and the ability to influence at senior levels.

You will have significant autonomy and responsibility for coordinating activity across multiple teams, ensuring decisions are implemented, risks are managed and priorities are aligned.

You will act as the connective tissue between the Director, Senior Leadership Team, the directorate and the wider department, helping the directorate operate as a coherent, high-performing organisation.

The role is suited to someone who combines strategic thinking with strong operational delivery skills and enjoys working at pace across a diverse and challenging portfolio.

Responsibilities:

• Act as principal adviser and trusted partner to the Director on strategic, operational and organisational matters.
• Lead the Director's Office and ensure effective coordination across all directorate priorities.
• Drive implementation of Director and Senior Leadership Team decisions, ensuring delivery remains on track.
• Lead directorate governance arrangements, including Senior Leadership Team and senior management forums.
• Lead cross-directorate initiatives and priority projects on behalf of the Director.
• Support organisational design, transformation and continuous improvement across the directorate.
• Build strong relationships across DSIT, government, industry and delivery partners to advance directorate objectives.
• Ensure the Director's engagement with Ministers, senior officials and external stakeholders is strategically coordinated and effective.
• Line manage staff within the Director's Office.

Essential Criteria:

• Excellent strategic thinking, with the ability to understand complex issues quickly and give clear advice.
• Outstanding communication, briefing and drafting skills.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience of driving delivery through others and holding teams to account for outcomes.
• High levels of resilience, discretion and personal integrity.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in cyber security, digital, national security, technology or regulatory policy environments.
• Experience supporting a Director General, Director or equivalent senior leadership team.

Benefits:

Alongside your salary of £58,275, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology contributes £16,882 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

• A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
• Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.