Deputy Chief Data Officer

Deputy Chief Data Officer

Location: Hybrid (London, Newcastle, York or Bristol)

Salary: £86,000-£117,800 (SCS1)

About the Role

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) plays a vital role in restoring nature, supporting growth, enhancing security. Data is central to delivering these priorities, and Defra has set an ambitious vision for 2030 where data and information underpin decision-making, collaboration, innovation and public trust.

As Deputy Chief Data Officer, you will support the Chief Data Officer in leading Defra's enterprise-wide data function, helping to shape and deliver the Data and Information Strategic Roadmap 2030 across Defra and its Arms Length Bodies (ALBs). Working within a complex, federated organisation, you'll help ensure data is managed as a strategic asset, enabling better services, informed policy decisions and the successful adoption of emerging technologies, including AI.

This is a high-profile leadership role, offering the opportunity to influence data strategy across one of the UK's largest government departments while developing capability, driving transformation and fostering a culture of collaboration and data sharing.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Chief Data Officer in leading Defra's enterprise-wide data function and delivering the Data and Information Strategic Roadmap 2030.
• Help shape and implement data strategy, governance and policy to improve the management, sharing and use of data across Defra Group and its ALBs.
• Drive organisational change by embedding modern data practices, improving data capability and promoting a culture where data is treated as a strategic asset.
• Support the leadership and development of the Chief Data Office, building a high-performing team and strengthening Defra's wider data community.
• Work closely with digital, technology, science and analytical leaders to develop data platforms and services that enable better access to data and support Defra's AI ambitions.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across Defra Group, aligning priorities and delivering a shared strategic vision for data.
• Represent the Chief Data Office internally and externally, influencing senior leaders and championing best practice in data management and governance.
• Support strategic investment decisions across data platforms, programmes and core data capabilities to maximise value and organisational outcomes.

Person Specification

We're looking for an experienced and collaborative data leader who can demonstrate:

• A strong track record of supporting and leading enterprise data strategy, governance and transformation within a large, complex or federated organisation.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and building effective partnerships across multiple organisations, disciplines and stakeholder groups.
• Strong knowledge of data governance, information management and the practical application of data as a strategic asset.
• Experience delivering large-scale organisational change, embedding data capability and driving cultural transformation.
• The ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams while supporting wider organisational capability.
• Experience working closely with digital, technology, science or analytical functions to develop data platforms, services and capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to represent the Chief Data Officer and influence at executive level.
• A passion for enabling better decision-making through data and helping organisations realise the value of modern data practices and AI.