Deputy Director for Productivity and Technology - SCS PB1

Immigration Enforcement (IE) is at a pivotal moment. As we embark on a multi-year transformation programme, technology and productivity sit at the very heart of our ambition, not as enablers on the margins, but as core drivers of operational performance. This is a rare opportunity to shape that agenda from the front., We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Deputy Director for Productivity and Technology to join the organisation and assist in the delivery of modernisation of the IE team. The Deputy Director for Productivity and Technology will lead a team of approximately 50 people and hold responsibility for a transformation budget of around £100 million. You will own and drive forward IE's contributions to the Home Office 2030 Digital Strategy, overseeing the modernisation of digital infrastructure, the redesign of operational workflows, and the deployment of emerging technologies including AI-enabled case progression, digitised embarkation checks, and enhanced cross-government data sharing., You will operate at board level, advising the Director General and senior Home Office officials, and work across organisational boundaries with partners including the Ministry of Justice, HMPPS, policing and the FCDO. This is a role for a leader who can translate strategy into measurable impact, build credibility quickly, and inspire teams to innovate with purpose., This role has a minimum assignment duration of 2 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.

As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .

See our vetting charter . People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks., * UK nationals

• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Do you have experience in System architecture?, We are looking for candidates with proven experience in complex programme delivery, a strong grasp of technology and data systems, and the political judgement to navigate a high-scrutiny environment. Relevant qualifications in programme management and technology or AI fields are essential.

If you are motivated by solving complex problems and driving transformation that genuinely matters, we want to hear from you. Please reach out to Archer Mac for a discussion about the role or application process., Strategic Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trusted relationships across organisational boundaries, using personal and professional credibility to influence and gain the confidence of senior stakeholders. Skilled in navigating complex and often challenging stakeholder environments, including managing and influencing senior leaders and individuals with difficult or conflicting priorities, through strong interpersonal, persuasion and negotiation skills.

Programme Management: Proven track record of leading the end-to-end delivery of complex, high value programmes in a large, multifaceted organisation, with a focus on managing interdependencies, navigating risk and driving delivery through effective governance, while engaging constructively in challenging stakeholder environments.

Technology and Productivity Expertise: Demonstrated ability to lead productivity focused programmes that deliver tangible operational benefits, with experience in applying technology to drive productivity improvements in complex organisational settings, with a strong understanding of AI, technology systems architecture, data governance and operational process design, preferably possessing relevant qualifications

Political Judgement: An understanding of the political context and what is required to operate in evolving and ambiguous environments, negotiate and influence key decisions, manage risk and reach sound judgements on a range of strategic and reputational issues.

Strategic Thinking and Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate clearly and compellingly in a complex, politically demanding environment, with an ability to think strategically and respond quickly to complex changing circumstances and high-pressure situations, maintaining integrity and a clear view of overall project priorities. Comfortable making decisions and setting direction without having the full picture and able to refocus as detail emerges.

Communication and Leadership: Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentational skills to inspire people, educate colleagues and influence technological progress and the ability to lead, manage and inspire staff at all levels to give their best and demonstrate expected standards of behaviour and integrity, and to create an inclusive culture.

Desirable Criteria

Some knowledge of the borders and migration system and the operational environment.

Understanding of productivity measurement frameworks and their application in public sector transformation and knowledge/or experience of the product ownership and management.

Qualification/Certifications

The successful candidate will be expected to hold at a minimum at least one qualification in programme and project management. You will also be expected to hold at least one qualification within a technology, data and AI field.

Technology and Digital Leadership:

Chartered IT Professional (CITP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Enterprise Architect (e.g., TOGAF)

AWS/GCP/Azure Cloud Certifications

Programme and Change Management:

Managing Successful Programmes (MSP)

PRINCE2 or AgilePM

Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)

Data and AI:

Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)

AI/ML Certifications – such as those from Coursera, edX, or vendor-specific (e.g., Microsoft AI Engineer).

Alongside your salary of £81,000, Home Office contributes £23,465 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%