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General Information

Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
01-Mar-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SCS 2
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
14523

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

The Director of Science, Research & Development and Data Transformation will report to the Chief Digital and Information Officer. In this role, you will ensure that our research, data, and innovation strategies support the department’s strategic objectives, enhance evidence-based decision-making, drive operational efficiency, and enable a transformation that modernises the foundations of the UK justice system—making it more agile, sustainable, and impactful.

Key Responsibilities

  • You'll lead and inspire a high-performing team of research, data, and innovation specialists, creating a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement. By setting a clear vision aligned with MoJ's transformation strategy, you'll empower your team to deliver evidence-based insights and innovative solutions that challenge the status quo. As part of the senior leadership team, you'll help shape strategic direction and foster a shared sense of purpose across the Service Transformation Group.
  • You'll lead the transformation of MoJ's research and data services by embracing emerging technologies, modern delivery methods, and flexible working trends. Alongside managing the business-as-usual portfolio, you'll drive major change through programmes such as the Innovation Fund and Data Improvement Programme-scaling up R&D, strengthening data governance, and embedding science-led approaches across the department.
  • You'll manage significant budgets, ensuring investment delivers maximum value while driving cost savings and efficiencies. Where needed, you'll secure additional funding by clearly demonstrating return on investment and broader strategic benefits. Working closely with commercial colleagues, you'll oversee supplier performance and risk and shape the future commercial strategy for research and data services through strong, forward-looking relationships with current and prospective partners.
  • You'll need exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build consensus across competing priorities and navigate complex organisational landscapes. As a senior science and data leader, you'll provide expert input and strategic guidance to a wide range of stakeholders-including ministers, agency CEOs, and senior officials-ensuring research and data decisions are well-informed, aligned, and impactful.

Essential criteria

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

  • Inspiring and credible leadership, with the ability to set a strategic vision for the new MoJ Science function and a proven track record of leading change across multiple teams.
  • Experience in scaling up new functions - including establishing engagement strategies, workforce and financial planning.
  • Deep expertise in data science and transformation, with advanced knowledge of research methodologies, analytics, and the application of emerging technologies.
  • Proven ability to work as part of a multifunctional Senior Leadership Team, ensuring alignment and a unified voice across diverse functional priorities.
Additional Information
Information Session

For those interested in finding out more about the role, we encourage applicants to attend the information session on 12 February 2026, 3pm.
  • Mark Thompson and an HR Lead will be present to discuss the position in more depth, as well as provide information about what you can expect while working in the Ministry of Justice.
  • The session will also give you the chance to ask any questions you may have before applying to the role.
  • To attend the session please join using this link:

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Contact Information
If you require any assistance please contact us on scsrecruitment@justice.gov.uk. Please quote the job reference in your email to enable us to support you more quickly.

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Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
It is important through your CV and Statement of Suitability that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the below essential criteria:

• Inspiring and credible leadership, with the ability to set a strategic vision for the new MoJ Science function and a proven track record of leading change across multiple teams.
• Experience in scaling up new functions - including establishing engagement strategies, workforce and financial planning.
• Deep expertise in data science and transformation, with advanced knowledge of research methodologies, analytics, and the application of emerging technologies.
• Proven ability to work as part of a multifunctional Senior Leadership Team, ensuring alignment and a unified voice across diverse functional priorities.
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Assessments: Week Commencing 23rd or 30th March 2026. Interviews: Week Commencing 13th April 2026
Behaviours
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Changing and Improving
Making Effective Decisions

Other Assessments

Which assessment methods will be used?
Role Play, SEE
Level of security checks required
Security Clearance (SC)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.