Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Head of team - Data, analysis and digital
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Head of team - Data, analysis and digital
Head of Defra Land Use Unit – Digital Transformation Lead
Locations: Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York
Job Summary
Join a pioneering new team tasked with implementing the Land Use Framework, a groundbreaking initiative to transform how England’s finite land resource supports nature recovery, climate resilience, food production, water quality, and economic growth.
Currently, land use decisions are fragmented, with competing objectives pursued in isolation and inconsistent evidence lacking a unified spatial framework. As the Government’s spatial operating system for land use, this Earth Systems Analyst-level leadership role will:
- Improve decision-making consistency, evidence accessibility, and policy coordination.
- Strengthen confidence in land use strategies through rigorous, actionable data and digital reform.
- Enable a coordinated, Sustainable Development-focused approach to the Government's Outcomes Framework.
This is a critical, forward-thinking role in a new team designing the future of land use policy—ideal for a leader with deep experience in data-driven reform, cross-functional collaboration, and ministerial-level influence.
About the Role
You will establish and lead a new team with two core objectives:
- Accelerate digital transformation in land-use governance by improving data accessibility and driving the Lloyd’s Register Foundation-funded inclusion of spatial evidence in decision-making.
- Address pressing evidence gaps within the Land Use Framework to enhance scientific, economic, and policy foundations for sustainable land management.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Direction & Vision
✔ Develop and champion the spatial data and analytical priorities for the Land Use Unit and wider Defra Group. ✔ Translate ministerial and strategic goals into clear roadmaps for data reform and digital innovation. ✔ Set the vision for evidence-based policy frameworks, ensuring alignment with nature restoration, climate adaptation, and economic growth imperatives.
Programme Leadership
✔ Lead cross-Defra initiatives to collate, integrate, and modernise land-use datasets and digital decision support tools. ✔ Work with external partners to pilot data-sharing initiatives, breaking silos through innovation hubs. ✔ Coordinate cross-Government alignment of spatial planning tools and bridge gaps in decision-making.
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Research & Policy Leading
✔ Identify critical evidence gaps in policy-relevant questions (e.g., land contestation, resilience stressors) and commission high-visibility research projects. ✔ Develop data-driven analytical products that translate scientific insights into actionable imperatives for policymakers. ✔ Assume responsibility as the -Deputy Director responsible for strategy, evidence, and data dimensions within land use reform.
Stakeholder Engagement
✔ Act as ambassador for evidence transformation, representing the Unit in interactions with Ministers and housing stakeholders. ✔ Engage senior Cabinet figures and analysts to embed a culture of spatialized, data-informed strategy. ✔ Lead collaborative partnerships across public sector and third-party organizations.
Person Specification
Qualities & Experience Required
Core Requirements:
- Track record in leading complex research programmes, with a focus on public-sector policy impact.
- Experience in data or digital reforms across multidisciplinary teams (including cross-Government bodies).
- Ability to strategic direction-setting in policy, analytics, or reform domains.
- Proven talent for forecasting visionary digitisation paths for Government departments.
Interpersonal & Analytical Skills:
- Persuasive communication: Simplifying complex trade-offs for decision-makers, including Ministers.
- Evidence application: Linking scientific and data insights to real-world policy challenges.
- Bold, outcome-driven mindset: Pioneering systemic approaches to resource allocation.
Psychological Criteria (Indicative of Success)
- Leadership – Cultivating aligned, motivated teams.
- Seeing the Big Picture – Navigating ambiguity and aligning diverse priorities.
- Delivering at Pace – Balancing strategic vision with operational execution.
Location & Work Arrangements
This role has a contractual home among the following locations: Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York. Successful candidates will be expected to work 60% in an office, with flexible options to also spend up to 40% remotely. Security vetting is mandatory and may require movement locations over time. Overseas working is not permitted at any stage.
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Salary & Benefits
- Gradient Entry to the Executive Pay Scale (E): £67,730 (proposals band £80k+)
- Enhanced Pension Contribution: 28.97% employer contribution via DEFRA’s Citizenship Scheme.
- Civil Service Total Rewards™:
- Learning and development tailored to advancing leadership.
- Hybrid-working flexibility with early adoption of agile structures.
- Inclusivity and diversity core to departmental culture.
- Health and pensions tailored to civic sector expectations.
Application Process
Essential Steps
- Name-blind CV (up to 4 pages).
- 500-word Personal Statement addressing the essential criteria.
- Three 250-word statements on core behaviours:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
Assessment Timeline
- Sift stage: Reviewers evaluate CV and Statement for lead behaviour and fit.
- Interview phase: If shortlisted, a blended behavioural assessment will explore:
- Behaviours (Leadership, Big-Picture Thinking, Pace).
- Strengths-specific assessments (not publicly detailed).
About DEFRA & the Civil Service
- The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): A leader in nature conservation, climate resilience, and food security.
- Civil Service Core Values: Merit-based recruitment, commitment to Inclusion and a commitment to intelligence, transparency.
- Diversity and Accessibility: Disability Confident initatives, veterans' programs, and ethical recruitment practices.
Candidate Notes: All AI-generated examples must be entirely candid. Refer to our candidate guidance.
Contact: Gwen Evans – Gwen.Evans@defra.gov.uk
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