Job vacancy: Deputy Director Technology Services, UK Health Security Agency, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London

Job summary

Main area

Technology

Grade

Civil Service: Senior Civil Servant (SCS) 1

Contract

Permanent

Hours

Full time
Part time
Job share
Flexible working

37 hours per week

Job ref

919-HM-303990-EXT

Employer: UK Health Security Agency
Employer type: Public (Non NHS)
Site: UKHSA Core Locations
Town: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London
Salary: £81,000 - £117,800 per annum, pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 15/12/2025 23:59

Deputy Director Technology Services

Civil Service: Senior Civil Servant (SCS) 1

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

UKHSA’s remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation’s expert national health security agency UKHSA will:

Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security
Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

They will manage and improve the security, cost-effectiveness, availability and resilience of the service provision of workplace applications / platforms, IT service management, infrastructure (partnering with Digital DevOps), networks and transitional service agreements with receiver organisations on behalf of CDO for the consumption of all UKHSA staff and receiver organisations, as appropriate; ensuring quality and value for money, coordinating delivery internally and via third-party suppliers and outsourced service providers. Building, leading, and developing an inclusive, high-performing Technology Services team, ensuring that UKHSA’s values and culture, together with CDO’s customer-centric, agile ways of working, are embedded.

Please find below additional areas of accountability that the post holder will be responsible for:

Workplace, Infrastructure & Networks and IT Service Management budget holder.
Leading the provision of resilient secure and cost-effective infrastructure platforms and technical operations in the on-premises estate.
Leading the Technology Estate for UKHSA, including the delivery of infrastructure platforms and technical operations and, through coordination with the Deputy Director Cyber Security, ensuring the proportionate and timely reduction in cyber risk.
The resilient, secure and cost-effective provision and operation of UKHSA’s Workplace offer, including productivity tools (Microsoft 365) and end user compute services. This includes managing end user devices and server operating systems lifecycles (Gold image, software packaging, updates and upgrades).
Provision and management of identity and access management services (Microsoft Entra).
Networking services including LAN, WAN, WiFi and secure access capability. Includes managing connectivity of IoT and laboratory scientific equipment (including IACS) secure connectivity to UKHSA WAN and relevant LANs.
IT service management (ITSM), including common 1st and 2nd line support functions, as well as delivery design and management, and continual service improvement.
Workplace, Infrastructure & Networks and Service Management budget holder.
Putting in place the capability, technical architecture, and services to support the delivery of UKHSA’s strategy in relation to the above functions.
Overarching accountability for stability, resilience, and security of the Technology Services estate across UKHSA, as well as it's compliance with all relevant internal and external policies and standards, including DSPT-CAF.
Setting the direction for Technology Services development and delivery of the related Technology strategy.
Overarching accountability for Technology Services delivery of software and infrastructure platforms, products, technical operations, and development.
Leading on the procurement, supply and negotiation of Technology Services goods and services for UKHSA, in conjunction with legal and procurement professionals, as appropriate.
Accountable for managing and controlling the lifecycle of all Technology Services related products / platforms / infrastructure, in line with the Enterprise Architecture.
Leading and develop UKHSA’s technology capability, giving clear guidance on priorities and generating commitment to the wider goals of the organisation.
Accountable for the quality of technology’s products, platforms, infrastructure, services, etc.
Adopting a portfolio view, managing end-to-end services, which include multiple products and channels.
Operating at scale and provide the connection between multidisciplinary business areas and stakeholders.

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal, and external to UKHSA, please see candidate pack for more details.

Selection Criteria

Essential

A degree in a computing related or technical field, such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Equivalent practical experience may also satisfy this requirement
Be a passionate advocate for the customer, with a track record of effecting both step changes and continuous improvements to customer outcomes and experience, as well as efficiencies
Have significant senior-level experience in an organization-wide, senior IT position and be able to demonstrable exceptionally strong leadership and people management skills
Bring a track record of transforming a traditional IT organisation, based on a modern products / platforms / cloud-first approach, involving the migration of legacy, on-premises infrastructure, applications and data to the cloud, as well as optimizing a hybrid, multi-cloud environment
Be a proactive problem-solver, bringing advanced critical and strategic thinking skills, a strong attention to detail, and an in-depth understanding of business processes and the integration of technological processes

Please see candidate pack for desirable criteria

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:

an Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
a 1000 word (maximum) Supporting Statement

This should detail how you meet the essential criteria referencing evidence of your experience and skills

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV. Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

Have significant senior-level leadership experience in an organization-wide, senior IT position and be able to demonstrate exceptionally strong leadership and people management skills
Be a passionate advocate for the customer, with a track record of effecting both step changes and continuous improvements to customer outcomes and experience, as well as efficiencies
Be a proactive problem-solver, bringing advanced critical and strategic thinking skills, a strong attention to detail, and an in-depth understanding of business processes and the integration of technological processes

Longlisting: A long list stage may be introduced if we receive a large number of very credible applications

We will longlist into 3 piles.

Meets all criteria
Meets some essential criteria but not lead criteria
Meets no essential criteria

Only those who meet all essential criteria will progress to sift

In the event of a large number of credible applications desirable criteria may be used

Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered

Feedback will not be provided at this stage

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to a remote interview

This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles. The interview will consist of Technical, Experience and behaviour - based questions

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be

Seeing the Big Picture
Communicating and Influencing
Managing a Quality Service
Delivering at Pace

As part of the interview, candidates will be required to deliver a 5-minute presentation, based on Experience, the topic of which will be confirmed prior to the interview

Interviews will be held week commencing 19 January 2026. Please note these dates are subject to change

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at any of our Core HQ’s.

We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's core HQ’s (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London) or at one of our scientific campus sites (Colindale, Porton and Chilton).
Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC)

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check and Basic DBS

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Security Clearance

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC)

UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice

External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria

Application Form and Statement of Suitability

Behaviours

Essential criteria

Seeing the Big Picture
Communicating and Influencing
Managing a Quality Service
Delivering at Pace

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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.

Link below:

Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers

This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.

For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary.

For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment.  You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy. 

Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment.

Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via  email:  [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here.

Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.

UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more.

If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

 Benefits of working at UKHSA include:

Generous annual leave:
-26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service
-28 days after 5 years of continuous service
-32 days after 10 years of continuous service
-Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday
Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package.

Hybrid Working

UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce.

As a hybrid worker, you will usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home.

Disability Confident Scheme

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview.   If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.

To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you.

An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.

This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.

If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:

Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police Check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Security Vetting

Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.