Chief Data and Information Officer
| Posting date: | 17 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £81,000 per year |
| Additional salary information: | The salary for this post is within the Defra SCS 1 pay band of which this is the minima. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 06 April 2026 |
| Location: | Workington |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 451683/9 |
Summary
We support sustainable farming, environmental outcomes and rural resilience as a delivery body for Defra and the 25 Year Environment Plan. We help farmers and land managers deliver economic growth, environmental sustainability and innovation, while improving our services and developing our people to achieve government objectives.
The role:
This is a rare opportunity to shape a major public organisation’s future at a pivotal moment. As senior leader for data, you will drive RPA towards being a truly data‑led Agency and be central in delivering Defra’s wider digital and data ambitions. You will build strong and trusted data foundations, lead the development of advanced analytics, and bring innovation including AI and geospatial intelligence into day‑to‑day operations. Your leadership will improve the experience of our customers, strengthen outcomes for rural communities, and support colleagues to make better, faster decisions. This role is for someone wanting to set direction, inspire change and leave a legacy.
Key responsibilities:
Lead a modern, end-to-end data serviceProtect public money through stronger assuranceGrow RPAs geospatial and mapping capabilityDrive strategic insight and forward planningStrengthen cross-government collaborationChampion ethical and secure use of dataLead transformation and innovationBuild influential partnerships across the systemFurther detail is in the attached candidate pack.
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