Defence Digital Service Owner

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 cybersecurity 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.

Watch to find out more about what we do.

Job description

As a Service Owner, you will be responsible for delivering significant technology projects and managing the operation of Interoperability Services. This role enables UK MOD users to exchange information within the MOD and with various Government and international partners.

Given the varying levels of service maturity, you will face the dual challenge of running live operational services while developing new and emerging capabilities. Therefore, an understanding of the digital service life cycle is essential to build and manage one of the most critical components of the Defence Digital backbone.  You will take ownership of a diverse portfolio, ensuring the quality of service, as well as overseeing end-to-end services and managing multiple products and channels.

Responsibilities:

• Effectively convey the service vision, strategy, and progress towards achieving outcomes to both the internal team and external stakeholders.
• Ensure the successful operation and continuous improvement of the service, while articulating its benefits and performance metrics.
• Manage the budget and allocate resources according to prioritised areas within the service based on informed decision-making.
• Engage in the governance of the service, serving as a key escalation point for delivery teams.
• Maintain a portfolio perspective by managing comprehensive services that encompass various products and channels.
• Supply necessary information to empower users to maximise the service's value throughout its life cycle.

More detail about the Service Owner role can be found on our Government Digital and Data Capability Framework:

Service owner - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk)

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Person specification

We are looking for an ambitious, motivated, and confident leader with a strong customer-centric approach. You will be a strategic thinker who is capable of understanding and anticipating customer needs and issues and articulating them clearly and concisely to drive effective solutions.

Passionate about maintaining high standards, you’ll ensure quality is always a priority by guiding teams to adopt and implement best practices. Additionally, you will play an active role in the product management community, fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and supporting its growth and development.

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:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of design, technology, and data principles.
• Experience of leading large diverse teams, collaboration, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience in finance, including budget management, and navigating commercial frameworks within a complex business environment.

Please note:

**Due to security and information access restrictions, this role is open to a sole UK BRITISH National only**

To be appointed, successful candidates must meet the security requirements. Our thorough vetting process can take several months to complete. This vacancy is open exclusively to UK nationals, and the required security level is Developed Vetting. Additionally, candidates must pass STRAP clearance before starting the role.

A valid passport is essential for this role due to the necessity of overseas travel for face-to-face engagement with partners. Consequently, this role requires out-of-hours working to accommodate partners in different time zones and may involve short-notice overtime. Additionally, a full UK Driving Licence is required for regular travel to Defence sites, many of which are remote and not easily accessible by public transport.

Licenses

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

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

• Agile Working
• Financial Ownership

Benefits

• Flexible working options- we understand the importance of adapting work to your life.
• Inclusion and diversity- our culture celebrates uniqueness and encourages collaboration of diverse thought.
• A pension scheme which secures your future.
• Generous annual leave- starting with 25 days and growing to 30 after just 5 years.
• Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to volunteer for military or emergency service reserve commitments.
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club and Gyms
• You can read more here- Civil Service Employee Benefits , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)