Chief Operating Officer
Government Digital Services -
Who we are
At the Government Digital Service (GDS), our mission is to build a simple, joined-up and personalised experience of government for everyone. Using our unique position at the centre of government, we develop services that work for the user, however complex the underlying systems may be.We believe that ensuring things work for end users is the only way to realise the efficiencies that come with digital transformation.
Our focus is on delivering five missions in the following areas:
GOV.UK as the single and trusted online destination for government information and services
Joined-up services that solve whole problems and span multiple departments
A simple digital identity solution that works for everyone
Common tools and expert services
Joined-up data across departments
You can read more about these missions and our vision for the transformation of government in our 2021-2024 strategy
What you'll do
You will be accountable for the day-to-day running of the organisation to ensure GDS is a high performing organisation and it meets its ambitious objectives, managing the information flows between the Chief Operating Officer of the Civil Service, other senior officials and Ministers, on behalf of the Chief Executive
As a Chief Operating Officer (COO) you’ll:
transform and evolve GDS internally, creating a high performing culture based on excellent leadership and line manager capability across GDS enabled by effective tools and approaches
be accountable for the GDS business planning and performance approach as well as delivery portfolio and risk management. Own GDS's relationship with central Cabinet Office Finance and Her Majesty’s Treasury and be responsible for preparing GDS responses to HMT fiscal events
manage the financial well being of the organisation through preparing and controlling operational budgets, reviewing financial data and reports, utilising this to increase efficiency and to plan effective strategies.
develop new ways of working to improve processes and policies in support of organisational goals, whilst complying with required standards to make GDS an exemplary organisation within the Civil Service. They also will own GDS responses to independent scrutiny, e.g. through the National Audit Office or Government Internal Audit Agency
work with the Management Team and the HR Business Partner team to define and design the GDS People Strategy that will focus on increasing engagement and effectiveness
accountable for the strategic workforce plan which will define, develop and attract the core capabilities needed for operational delivery and for transformation within GDS
manage and implement the approach to internal and external communications across GDS, developing an effective ‘brand’ and embedding appropriate tools and techniques to support the wider work of the delivery teams.
manage GDS’ Information Assurance, Management and Data Privacy teams, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and guidance and support teams to deliver effective, safe and secure services.
Who you are
We’re interested in people who have:
relevant operational experience working to drive actionable metrics that
improve efficiencies aligning with strategic goals
experience of building and implementing ambitious workforce plans, and who are able to recruit talent at pace
a genuine passion for creating an engaged, diverse and inclusive organisational culture
experience of creating and managing organisational budgets of £30m+, with a sound knowledge of accounting best practices
experience of managing complex procurements and building effective relationships with commercial partners
a naturally inclusive and collaborative approach to stakeholder management, with the ability to build strong and lasting relationships
How you'll be assessed
In the Civil Service, we use our Success Profiles. For each role we advertise we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, drives up performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. We will be looking at your experience, career history and achievements that are relevant to the specific job role.
For this role we will be assessing you against the following behaviours that are most relevant to the role:
changing and improving
communicating and influencing
making effective decisions
delivering at pace
leadership
working together
