Head of team - Data, analysis and digital

This is a new role in a new team set up to implement the recently published Land Use Framework. You will play a critical role in the set up of the Defra Land Use Unit including launching new research and analysis projects.

The Land Use Unit will enable Government to make more coherent, strategic decisions about how Englands finite land resource supports nature recovery, climate resilience, food production, water quality and economic growth. At present, land use decisions are often fragmented, with competing objectives pursued in isolation, inconsistent evidence, and no shared spatial framework for understanding trade‑offs or aligning priorities.

The Unit will address these barriers by acting as Governments spatial operating system for land use. By improving the consistency, accessibility and use of spatial evidence, and linking policy with real-world delivery insights, the Unit will strengthen confidence in decision-making. Ultimately, it will help ensure land is used more effectively and sustainably, enabling Government to deliver the Outcomes Framework in a coordinated way.

You will head up a new team focused on making land digital. You will develop new projects to improve access to data and transform the way decisions are taken about land use in England. You will also be responsible for new research projects focused on the evidence gaps identified in the Land Use Framework.

You will work across Defra Group to collate and drive relevant data and digital reform activity; with external partners to open up access and test data sharing initiatives, and; cross-Government to ensure spatial planning tools are integrated and develop solutions to address gaps in decision tools.

Key responsibilities:

• Set the vision and strategic direction for improving access to spatial data and analytical products across the Land Use Unit and Defra to inform land use change decision-making  
• Translate ministerial priorities and strategic goals into clear data and digital priorities and outcomes 
• Lead the development and delivery of approaches to improve access, usability, and interpretation and application of spatial data 
• Lead cross-Defra efforts to collate, align, and drive forward data and digital reform activity 
• Identify evidence gaps on land use policy and commission research projects
• Manage a research budget  
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships across Defra Group to drive reform, with other government departments to integrate spatial planning tools and, with external partners to harness innovation.  
• Provide a strategic overview and coordination of analysis, evidence and policy for teams in Defra in relation to land use change (including spatial targeting) 

Essential Criteria

• Experience leading complex research and analysis projects
• Experience leading or managing data, digital, or analytical reforms, working across multidisciplinary teams and Government
• Ability to set a clear strategic direction for land use policy, analysis, research and digital reform across Defra
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively and influence senior leaders including Ministers 
• Ability to interpret and apply evidence to real-world policy challenges