Defence Digital – Data Skills and Culture Senior Manager

Defence Digital ensures our Armed Forces remain among the most technologically advanced in the world. We do this by putting innovative and effective technology into the hands of over 200,000 users, from the boardroom to the front line.

We lead on cutting-edge data science, automation, and cyber security at scale. Our mission goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving digital innovation that impacts lives across the globe.

Defence Digital forms part of Strategic Command which manages the MOD’s joint capabilities for the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy.

Working at Defence Digital 

Passionate about using your skills to make a critical difference? Your next career move could be here!

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The Senior Data Skills and Culture Manager plays a critical role within the Defence Data Office, supporting the Deputy Head of Data Skills and Culture to drive data related culture change, enable the development of critical data skills and communities, and improve the data literacy of all Defence personnel.

As part of the Data and Information Enablement team, the Data Skills and Culture team aims to foster a ‘data first’ culture in Defence and ensure all personnel are empowered with the right knowledge and skills to manage, access, and use data and information in an effective, secure and trusted way to ensure decision advantage.

Defence is on a ground-breaking journey to become a digital and data enabled organisation maximising data as a strategic asset. We are driving a new way of thinking in data and instilling a culture where data pervades beyond individual use, project, or programme, and can be maximised to drive persistent value pan-Defence. The Defence Data Office is professionalising MOD’s data capabilities, driving the Data directive and authority on programmes, aligning data resources, and implementing governance and control pan-Defence.

Responsibilities 

• Lead and oversee the delivery of data literacy education in Defence, including the contract and stakeholder management of the Data Literacy Programme and the Level 3 Apprenticeship.
• Lead the delivery of a programme of events and activities to help embed data awareness and drive behaviour change pan Defence. This includes leading a matrix team to deliver the flagship annual event, Defence Data Day.
• Contribute to the development of the Defence Data and Information Centre of Expertise, as part of the Digital Skills for Defence (DS4D) programme.
• Work with Data Office leaders and relevant SMEs to set the strategic direction for Defence data and information communities and lead a programme of events and activities to build data awareness, knowledge sharing and collaboration across Defence.
• Support the facilitation of a working group for the delivery of the Defence Women in Data® partnership.
• Contribute to raising the profile of data and information within Defence, working with the Deputy Head of Skills and Culture on the communication and engagement strategy to raise the profile of data in Defence; work with Defence communications professionals to implement and cascade communications messages through available and appropriate channels.
• Monitor the success of, and engagement with, data culture change events and activities. Use these insights to evaluate and report on the activity and to inform continuous improvement.

This role aligns to the Data Governance manager on the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework. For more information follow this link Data Governance Manager

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will be passionate about embedding a ‘data first’ mindset in organisations. You will have proven experience delivering initiatives to build the skills and drive the culture that enables a data driven organisation. You will be outcome focused with strong experience leading matrix teams to deliver projects. Your excellent interpersonal and communication skills, coupled with your dedication to inclusive practices, means you build long term stakeholder partnerships based on trust, shared goals, honest engagement, and excellent delivery.

Application

When submitting your CV, please highlight your career history and experience relevant to this role.  Additionally, refer to the "Things You Need to Know" section of the advert and provide a personal statement (max.1250 words) demonstrating the Essential Criteria listed below:

• Understanding of the data and information landscape in UK government, with an appreciation of the data skills and development requirements for both professional communities and the wider workforce.
• Experience of managing projects effectively, applying appropriate project delivery methodology and governance, ensuring delivery to required cost, time, and quality
• Evidence of delivering impact through events and activities for data and information communities.
• Experience of delivering communications campaigns, developing engaging messages for a range of audiences and delivering through appropriate channels.
• Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders, understanding their needs, collaborating on delivery, and managing expectations effectively.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing

• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King's birthday
• Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club and Gyms
• A highly competitive pension scheme.
Discover my benefits for more information

Learning & Development

In Defence Digital we have a strong learning and development ethos, supporting you to fulfil your potential by providing –

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Professional and Personal Development of skills
• Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning, some free or paid by MOD
• Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by MOD

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.