Head of Technology and Data Engineering
Location: National*
Closing Date: 23/7/2026
Interviews: week commencing 3rd August 2026 (subject to change)
Grade: 6
Salary:
National: £71381 - £80419 (which may include an allowance of up to £18819)
London: £75674 - £85257 (which may include an allowance of up to £18639)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working pattern: full-time. We offer a hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between remote work and time spent in your local office. Office locations can be found ON THIS MAP
Please note that unless you are an existing member of staff at Justice Digital, Data and Science, the only London location being recruited to is 10 South Colonnade, E14 4PU. We are no longer recruiting to 102 Petty France, SW1H 9AJ.
Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance.
We’re recruiting for a Head of Technology and Data Engineering here at Justice Digital, Data and Science to be part of our warm and collaborative team.
This role aligns against Head of Data Engineering from the Government Digital and Data Framework
This role sits within Justice Digital, Data, Science (JDDS) which exists to ensure that high-quality data, algorithms and tools built on that data, are available, trusted, and effectively used to improve decision making across the justice system. It plays a critical enabling role in delivering the department’s strategic, operational, and transformation priorities by turning complex and fragmented data into meaningful insight and practical tools.
The role sits within the Cross-Government Division of JDDS which addresses complex justice challenges that cut across departmental boundaries. Working with partners across government, academia, and delivery systems, the Division focuses on improving data access, building evidence, and developing practical tools that support better decision-making, frontline delivery, and long-term system transformation.
The post holder will lead the development of technical solutions which aim to better integrate the department’s systems and data with those across other governmental organisations in order to achieve joint aims. They will lead teams of data scientists, data engineers, and digital professionals to support the divisions portfolio areas on youth justice, prevention, mental health and Data First.
You will join approximately 75 strong talented, motivated, and caring individuals who currently work in the division, across professions including data scientists, data engineers, analysts, governance specialists, and generalists. The division has three priority areas it is focusing on: youth justice, mental health, and prevention. There is a strong culture of sharing best practice, developing cutting-edge capability, and celebrating achievements.
You’ll receive a range of excellent benefits when you join our department, including:
A generous employer pension contribution of 28.97% through the Civil Service Pension Scheme.
25 days of annual leave, (increasing to 30 days once you have reached 5 years of service), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday.
Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working, working part time or compressed hours. Designed to support a positive work-life balance.
Employees are allocated 10% of their working time for personal and professional development.
A £1k per person learning budget is in place to support all our people, with access to best-in-class conferences and seminars, accreditation with professional bodies, fully funded vocational programmes and e-learning platforms.
Compassionate maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave policies, with up to 26 weeks leave at full pay, 13 weeks with partial pay, and 13 weeks further leave. And maternity support/paternity leave at full pay for 2 weeks, too!
You can find more details of the Benefits we offer here. To help picture your life at MoJ Justice Digital, Data and Science please take a look at our blog.
Provide visible technical leadership for the Cross-government Division, setting direction for how data engineering, data science, AI, and digital capabilities are combined to deliver impactful products, tools, and services.
Lead multidisciplinary teams to design, build, and iterate analytical and algorithmic products, integrated with digital solutions that meet user needs and support better operational and policy decision-making.
Shape the technical strategy and delivery roadmap, ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, ethical, and grounded in sound engineering and data science practice.
Provide senior oversight and assurance across the full product lifecycle, from problem definition and discovery through development, deployment, and continuous improvement.
Build strong partnerships with senior leaders and cross-government stakeholders to align priorities, influence decisions, and create the conditions for successful delivery in a complex multi-organisation environment.
Lead, develop, and inspire teams of data engineers, data scientists, and digital professionals, creating a high-performance culture with clear standards for technical quality, collaboration, and delivery.
If this feels like an exciting challenge, something you are enthusiastic about, and want to join our team please read on and apply!
Essential
Significant technical expertise in one or more of data engineering, data science, analytics, and digital product delivery, with the ability to lead across disciplines and make sound decisions on approach, quality, and trade-offs.
A strong track record of leading multidisciplinary technical teams to deliver complex data and digital products or services from concept through to implementation and improvement.
Strategic thinking: the ability to define a clear technical vision and delivery direction in a complex, multi-organisation environment and align teams behind it.
Delivery leadership: the ability to lead large-scale programmes or portfolios at pace, managing ambiguity, resolving blockers, and maintaining high standards of delivery, governance, and risk management. In particular, demonstrating experience of leading technical delivery in complex public sector environments, including work that depends on cross-organisational data sharing, governance, and service integration.
People leadership: the ability to develop, support, and inspire expert teams, creating an inclusive and high-performing environment that enables technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for SC clearance.
We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor.
Our values are Purpose, Humanity Openness and Together. Find out more here about how we celebrate diversity and an inclusive culture in our workplace.
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 D&I Strategy.
Base salary for this role is from £71381 - £80419 (National), £75674 - £85257 (London)
Existing Civil Servants moving on a level transfer will retain their current base salary or move to the minimum of the pay band for the role, whichever is higher.
Existing Civil Servants who are promoted will either move to the bottom of the new grade’s pay band or receive a 10% uplift, whichever provides the greater increase.
Candidates may also be eligible for a non‑pensionable Government Digital & Data Allowance of up to £18819 per year (National) or £18639 (London). This is a temporary allowance, reviewed annually and may be retained, amended, or withdrawn.
The final offer will reflect the skills and experience you demonstrate during the assessment process.
In Justice Digital, Data and Science, we recruit using a combination of the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability and Success Profiles Frameworks. We shall assess a combination of your Experience, Technical skills and Behaviours during the assessment process.
Stage 1 - Application and sift:
To apply for this position, you must submit the following as part of your application.
A CV detailing your career history (including any relevant qualifications). Your CV will be assessed against the essential criteria outlined within the Person Specification of this advert.
A statement of suitability (no more than 750 words) which should outline your experience and skills, giving clear examples of work undertaken. It should specifically address the following criteria listed below, using a separate paragraph for each.
Significant technical expertise in one or more of data engineering, data science, analytics, and digital product delivery, with the ability to lead across disciplines and make sound decisions on approach, quality, and trade-offs.
Delivery leadership: the ability to lead large-scale programmes or portfolios at pace, managing ambiguity, resolving blockers, and maintaining high standards of delivery, governance, and risk management. In particular, demonstrating experience of leading technical delivery in complex public sector environments, including work that depends on cross-organisational data sharing, governance, and service integration.
People leadership: the ability to develop, support, and inspire expert teams, creating an inclusive and high-performing environment that enables technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
A diverse sift panel will review the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess the sift criteria specified above. We operate an anonymous shortlisting process. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement do not include your name or any other identifying details.
Should we receive a high volume of applications, a pre-sift based on significant technical expertise in one or more of data engineering, data science, analytics, and digital product delivery, with the ability to lead across disciplines and make sound decisions on approach, quality, and trade-offs will be conducted before the sift.
Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply - Application Guidance
Stage 2 - Interviews:
Successful candidates who meet the required standard will then be invited to a panel interview held via Microsoft Teams. At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following Success Profile elements - Experience, Technical and the following Behaviours:
Delivering at Pace
Leadership
As part of your interview, you will be asked to deliver a 5 minute presentation that assesses your technical capability and experience. Further details will be provided if successful at sift.
Appointments are made strictly in merit order. If two or more candidates receive identical interview scores delivery leadership (i.e., The ability to lead large-scale programmes or portfolios at pace, managing ambiguity, resolving blockers, and maintaining high standards of delivery, governance, and risk management. In particular demonstrating experience of leading technical delivery in complex public sector, or similarly complex environments, including work that depends on cross-organisational data sharing, governance, and service integration) will be applied as the primary lead criterion to determine the final merit order.
Should you be unsuccessful in the role that you have applied for but demonstrate the capability for a role at a lower level, we reserve the right to discuss this opportunity with you and offer you the position without needing a further application.
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, from which further appointments may be made.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
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.
Please review our Terms and Conditions which set out how we recruit and provide further information related to the role and salary arrangements.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact digitalanddatarecruitment@justice.gov.uk