Chief Technology Officer

Home Office SCS2 – Chief Technology Officer - Hybrid - Up to £150k

Home Office Digital is transforming how one of the UK’s most important government departments delivers services to millions of people every day, and this is an opportunity to lead that transformation at scale.

From digital passports and eVisas to border security and immigration systems, Home Office Digital already supports some of the largest and most complex digital services in the country. Now, they are looking for a Chief Technology Officer to help shape the next phase of innovation and modernisation.

As the most senior technology leader within Home Office Digital, you will report directly to the Chief Digital, Data and Technology Officer and lead the technology strategy across a vast and critical digital estate of 600+ systems.

As our CTO, you will -

• Lead a function of around 650 technology professionals across 20+ UK locations, managing an annual budget of approximately £100m.
• Lead the Home Office technology strategy, enterprise architecture and digital roadmap.
• Oversee Architecture, QA, Audit, AI, Automation and Digital Transformation functions.
• Drive innovation through AI, automation and emerging technologies.
• Ensure secure, scalable and resilient technology delivery across critical national services.
• Lead major programmes, platforms and strategic technology decisions.
• Represent the Home Office at senior cross-government technology forums.
• Build and develop high-performing technology and architecture teams.

What you will need -

• Extensive senior‑level experience leading digital and technology functions in large, complex organisations, setting future‑focused roadmaps informed by horizon scanning and delivering high‑transaction, user‑centred services across legacy and modern systems.
• Proven ability to shape and implement IT and Digital strategies, securing buy‑in and delivering measurable outcomes in environments with competing priorities, significant risk, and organisational complexity.
• Strong technology background with a deep understanding of enterprise and solutions architecture, engineering delivery practices, tooling, automation, and AI. Evidence of applying this expertise to generate quantifiable business benefits while maintaining architectural coherence.
• Ability to convey and embed a persuasive future vision, inspiring confidence and commitment at all levels, and attracting, retaining, and developing diverse talent to create an inclusive, high-performing organisation.
• Exceptional communicator able to explain complex technical concepts clearly, influence high‑stakes decisions, and build consensus across Ministers, cross‑government partners, senior leaders, and suppliers
• Evidence of managing significant budgets and applying innovative, highly strategic approaches to sourcing services efficiently, combining in-house delivery capability with multi-vendor supply contracts under conditions of high accountability.

This is an opportunity to lead technology at the heart of services that millions of people rely on every day. Your leadership and expert knowledge will help shape how the UK delivers critical public services, while driving large-scale innovation across one of government’s most complex technology environments.

If you are interested in this vacancy, please follow the “EasyApply” process which will register your interest and add you to the distribution list for our dedicated microsite. For any further information, please reach out to Daniel White or Mercedes Sargant on 020 8253 1806, or via email at [email protected]