Head of Corporate Systems and Analysis

Job description

Reporting to the Head of Strategic Planning and Performance, as Head of Corporate Systems and Analysis you will be responsible for the whole landscape of corporate management information (MI) for GDS, for both data collection and reporting/analysis.

GDS uses bespoke in-house products which the Strategic Planning and Performance Team have developed to facilitate the various corporate processes that support the general running of the business. The Head of Corporate Systems and Analysis will oversee the continued iteration and improvement of that system as it adapts to changing process or business needs based on user feedback. In parallel, they will also design a data and reporting landscape which supports a new governance and reporting cycle being produced for the organisation, with automation and transparency as the priority principles underpinning it.

The role will also own the coordination of the annual business planning process for GDS, designing the most suitable approach with directorates to produce affordable and achievable business plans and advising the senior leadership team on prioritisation, finance and workforce strategy.

Main responsibilities

• own the production and maintenance of a GDS performance MI and analysis strategy
• own the system maintenance of the in-house performance information assurance tool
• support the coordination of planning projects such as annual business planning or Spending Reviews for GDS through the provision of accurate and informative management information, advising on whether they are achievable and based on sound methodologies
• own the monthly reporting and governance cycle for GDS, utilising data to produce high-quality performance management analyses to inform quality decision-making by the GDS leadership team 
• management of a team comprising three data analysts and one developer

Person specification

The successful candidate will have strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills, and enjoy working in a collaborative manner. They will be experienced in performing high quality data analysis swiftly, drafting papers and advice for a senior audience, and in communicating with stakeholders across a range of seniority levels and professions - adapting their analysis and communication as appropriate. 

It is essential that the successful candidate would be passionate about digital, data and technology - particularly in the development space and how digital products and services are designed - and interested in trends and movements in the digital sector. 

• the successful candidate would be highly qualified or experienced in data analytics, and have vast demonstrable experience in performing high quality, complex data analysis in a corporate environment
• experience performing to a high standard in a fast moving, high profile environment
• experience writing and producing analytical papers/reports for a senior audience
• experience in presenting their work and findings to a group of stakeholders, using a range of technologies and methods to do so
• experience of balancing changing priorities and dealing with ambiguity, prioritising resources even where hard choices are required
• have the ability to work well as part of a team and line manage/coach staff in line with the Brilliant Civil Service values and the Civil Service Leadership Statement
• experience and/or interest in working with scripts and code, specifically in javascript but other languages too

Benefits

The benefits of working at GDS

There are many benefits of working at GDS, including:

• flexible hybrid working with flexi-time and the option to work part-time or condensed hours
• a Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• 25 days of annual leave, increasing by a day each year up to a maximum of 30 days
• an extra day off for The King’s birthday
• an in-year bonus scheme to recognise high performance
• career progression and coaching, including a training budget for personal development
• paid volunteering leave
• a focus on wellbeing with access to an employee assistance programme
• job satisfaction from making government services easier to use and more inclusive for people across the UK
• advances on pay, including for travel season tickets
• death in service benefits
• cycle to work scheme and facilities
• access to children's holiday play schemes across different locations in central London
• access to an employee discounts scheme
• 10 learning days per year
• volunteering opportunities (5 special leave days per year)
• access to a suite of learning activities through Civil Service learning

GDS offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home and also spends some time in their local office. You’ll agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs.

Any move to Government Digital Service from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Things you need to know

Selection process details

The standard selection process for roles at GDS consists of:

• a simple application screening process - We only ask for a CV and cover letter of up to 750 words. Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “person specification” section above
• a 60 minute video interview
• there will be a presentation at interview - full details will be provided to those invited to interview

Depending on how many applications we get, there might also be an extra stage before the video interview, for example a phone interview or a technical exercise.

In the Civil Service, we use Success Profiles to evaluate your skills and ability. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job, increases performance and improves diversity and inclusivity. We’ll be assessing your technical abilities, skills, experience and behaviours that are relevant to this role.

For this role we’ll be assessing you against the following Civil Service Behaviours: 

• seeing the bigger picture
• communicating and influencing
• changing and improving
• leadership
• managing a quality service

Candidates that do not pass the interview but have demonstrated an acceptable standard may be considered for similar roles at a lower grade.

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.