Team Lead – Data, Analysis and Digital (Grade 7)
Department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Location: Bristol, London, Newcastle upon Tyne, or York
Salary:
- National: £56,375 – £62,830 per year
- London: £62,000 – £69,105 per year
Job Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible Working, or Job Share
Reference Number: 467964
Application Deadline: 11:55 PM (UK Time), Sunday, 12 July 2026
About the Role
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is recruiting a Team Lead – Data, Analysis and Digital to join its newly established Land Use Unit.
This exciting leadership role offers the opportunity to help shape how England manages its land resources by improving access to spatial data, digital tools, and evidence-based decision-making. The successful candidate will lead innovative projects supporting environmental sustainability, biodiversity, climate resilience, food production, and economic growth.
About the Land Use Unit
The Land Use Unit has been created to implement the Government’s recently published Land Use Framework. Its mission is to improve how land-related decisions are made across England by:
- Developing better digital and spatial data systems.
- Improving access to evidence for policymakers.
- Supporting strategic planning across government.
- Encouraging sustainable land use.
- Coordinating decisions that balance environmental and economic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
As Team Lead, you will:
- Lead data, digital and analytical projects across the Land Use Unit.
- Improve access to spatial data and analytical products.
- Commission and oversee research addressing evidence gaps.
- Translate government priorities into clear digital strategies.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives across Defra.
- Build partnerships with government departments and external organisations.
- Support policy teams with high-quality analytical evidence.
- Improve the use of spatial planning tools across government.
- Influence senior leaders and ministers using evidence-based recommendations.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience leading data, digital or analytical projects.
- Experience working with spatial data or analytical evidence (preferred).
- Strong leadership and project management skills.
- Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams across organisations.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to influence senior decision-makers.
- Experience applying analytical evidence to real-world policy challenges.
Behaviours Assessed
During recruitment, candidates will be assessed on:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
Salary and Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Salary between £56,375 and £69,105
- Civil Service Pension with 28.97% employer contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Learning and professional development opportunities
- Inclusive and supportive working culture
- Excellent Civil Service career progression
Working Arrangements
This role is based in one of the following offices:
- Bristol
- London
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- York
Civil Service employees are expected to spend at least 60% of their working time in the office, with the remaining time worked flexibly from home where appropriate.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
- An anonymous CV
- A Personal Statement (maximum 500 words)
- Three Behaviour Statements (maximum 250 words each):
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
Successful candidates will then be invited to a 60-minute Microsoft Teams interview, assessing behaviours and strengths.
Visa Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship is NOT available.
Defra does not hold a UK Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, meaning applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK.
Security Requirements
The successful candidate must:
- Pass a criminal record check.
- Meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements.
- Be able to work from within the UK.
Why Apply?
This is an outstanding opportunity for experienced professionals in data, analytics, digital transformation, or spatial planning to lead nationally significant projects that influence government policy and environmental outcomes across England.
If you’re passionate about using data and innovation to solve complex public policy challenges, this role offers meaningful work, excellent benefits, and long-term career development within the UK Civil Service.
How to Apply
Apply online through the UK Civil Service Jobs portal before 11:55 PM (UK Time) on Sunday, 12 July 2026.
Application Deadline: 12 July 2026