Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Director of Digital and Analysis- Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
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Bristol, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Preston, York
Job Summary
The Director of Data and Analysis provides strategic leadership for data governance, data analytics, and information systems across the organisation.
Recent work on MMO’s high-level structure and organisation strategy has highlighted the challenging context MMO faces and the need for a systemic and strategic approach to driving and delivering change across the business. These changes include transforming MMO’s services and its approach to delivery in place, reaching into every part of MMO’s activity. Delivering the data and analysis that MMO requires will need both diligent and effective management and broad engagement across both the business and its stakeholders. Working across organisational boundaries, delivering through others, and building effective relationships with customers and stakeholders will be a significant part of the leadership role for data and analysis.
Working with the MMO Chief Scientific Advisor and Chief Statistician, the role holder will develop an evidence and evaluation strategy, to underpin the evidence necessary to inform regulatory decision-making and the demonstration of progress reporting for the outcomes framework and other statutory reporting obligations.
This role ensures the MMO and its service are supported by secure, modern data services, robust data-driven insights, and compliance with the statutory requirements for data governance, protection, and security. The postholder will, in conjunction with the Director of Transformation, under the MMO CEO and lead the transformation of data and digital platforms that support environmental protection, regulatory enforcement, marine licensing, and scientific research.
Job Description
The role holder will provide strategic visible leadership and direction to data and analysis transformation and business as usual delivery, as well as having a proven strength in communication and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
This will include the programme of change to deliver the Data Transformation programme, and use their delivery expertise to drive effective delivery, overcome barriers, and engage stakeholders and staff. They will also provide professional support, persuasive argument, and challenge to both the programme team but also the ELT (SCS) sponsors tasked with leading elements of the transformation. These will be a mixture of virtual and co-located teams because of the dispersed National locations of our teams. This role is critical to driving the delivery of MMO Data and Analysis strategy and approach to complement service transformation, fundamentally reshaping how the MMO operates.
The post holder will shape and lead strategic data and analytics that will make a significant and lasting difference through their work and their ability to influence others. To achieve this they will need vision, drive, and creativity. They will foster ongoing service flexibility, future-proof business services in line with the MMO approach to Service Transformation, and use creative solutions to sustain best practice in close collaboration with other ELT Directors and Defra Group partners. They will be a champion and figurehead across the team.
The post holder will also lead on business planning and workforce planning for the Directorate and work with colleagues to ensure our strong management control and milestone delivery across the wider function. To achieve this, they will combine knowledge of the strategic direction of MMO and align this with the corporate direction. The post holder will be accountable for the development framework led people to keep developing their skills and capability, improve our use of data and information, streamline process and organisational structures, and give our people the technology and digital tools they need to succeed.
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The Director of Data & Analysis holds full accountability for the strategic direction, operational delivery, and integrity of MMO’s data ecosystem. This includes responsibility for the performance of the D&A directorate, oversight of digital suppliers, and stewardship of data as a critical organisational asset. The post-holder reports directly to the MMO CEO and operates with a high degree of autonomy and discretion.
The post-holder has overall responsibility for the success and impact of data initiatives across MMO, including governance, innovation, and insight delivery.
- Accountable for ensuring that data strategy aligns with MMO’s organisational goals, enabling evidence-based decision-making and long-term value creation.
- Building and mentoring data teams, fostering a culture of innovation.
- Accountable for delivery by Chief Statistician to provide robust and credible statistical information to support marine policy and management – including commissions to inform Ministerial decision-making.
- Accountable as SRO for data security and data protection for the MMO. This includes putting measures in place, and monitoring/responding to data breaches.
- Accountable for delivery by Head of IT and Service management in the continuity of several live digital services used by customers. These include the Fish Export Service, facilitating exports of fish to EU and beyond, and Marine Case Management Systems which allow developers to apply and attain marine licences for activities in England’s Seas.
- Holds budgetary discretion and over data programmes, including investment in platforms, tools, and external expertise.
- Accountable for the performance and delivery of digital suppliers, including Cefas and DDTS, ensuring that service levels are met and contracts deliver value.
- Accountable for data governance and regulatory compliance, ensuring that MMO’s data practices meet legal, ethical, and operational standards.
- Plays a key role in corporate decision-making, advising the Executive Team and Board on data strategy and organisational performance.
- Influences MMO’s approach to innovation, service delivery, and policy through data-driven leadership and strategic foresight.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Proven track record of driving large-scale digital, data, or technology transformation. You excel at turning complex strategy into practical, user-centred delivery within a scientific, regulatory, or complex operational environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in leveraging data, robust analytics, and emerging technologies (such as AI) to shape evidence-based decisions, inform strategic policy, and build future-proof platforms.
- Exceptional ability to communicate, build relationships, and influence across diverse groups—from technical experts, senior executive boards, and ministers to external partners and grassroots communities with varying levels of digital literacy.
- A supportive and inspiring leader who empowers high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams. You foster an inclusive culture of innovation, continuous learning, and capability development across remote and co-located environments.
- Strong experience overseeing data governance, information security, and technical infrastructure while managing budgets, major supplier relationships, and statutory compliance with integrity and political sensitivity.
Salary and Benefits
Alongside your salary of £86,000, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £24,914 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
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- 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%
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.
Selection Process Details
As part of the application process, candidates are asked to complete a CV and Personal Statement (no more than 1000 words) on how your relevant skills and experience meet the essential criteria. Completed applications must be submitted to CS Jobs no later than the closing date of 23:55 on 31st August 2026.
Sift
A sift will be conducted against the essential criteria and will assess your experience.
Applications will be assessed by the selection panel and shortlisted. (Please note: feedback is not given at the shortlist stage)
Assessment
If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to take part in an Individual Leadership Assessment (ILA) advance of the final panel interview. This assessment will not result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, it is designed to support the panel’s decision-making and highlight areas for the panel to explore further at interview.
Full details of the assessment process will be provided to shortlisted candidates at the earliest opportunity.
For further information regarding the assessments, please visit scs-assessments.co.uk
Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview to have a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
As part of the process, there may be an assessment of skills either by a presentation or simulated exercise with follow-up questions. Full details of the requirements will be given to shortlisted candidates ahead of their interview.
Selection and Feedback
Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon as possible, and will offer the opportunity to discuss feedback for all candidates who reached interview. A reserve list will be held for up to 12 months, which we may use to fill future suitable vacancies.
Expected Time Line
We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are therefore asked to note the below timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, to meet the dates given.
Please note that these dates are only indicative and may be subject to change. If you anticipate any difficulties attending, please alert scscandidate.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk upon application.
The Anticipated Timetable Is As Follows
- Advert Closing date: 23:55, Monday 31st August
- Shortlist: W/C 14th September
- Assessments: W/C 21st September
- Panel Interviews: W/C 5th October
It is expected that interviews will be conducted in-person in London,
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