Department offers salary of up to £162k as David Knott announces that he will step down from the role he has held since 2023 at the end of this year
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has launched a recruitment drive to find a new government chief technology officer to replace David Knott, who will step down in December.
DSIT is offering a salary of £100,000-£162,500 to the successful applicant chosen to succeed Knott at the Government Digital Service. The advertisement states that “non-civil servants” would be expected to take on the role at the bottom end of the pay range.
DSIT suggests it is only looking for candidates to take on the post for a fixed term of 12 months.
Knott has served in his current role since spring 2023. Writing on social media, he announced his impending departure and flagged DSIT’s drive to find a successor.
“Good news!” he wrote. “As I’m leaving my role as UK government chief technology officer at the end of the year, that means there’s an opportunity for someone to take on one of the most challenging, rewarding and exciting technology jobs in the country.”
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A DSIT spokesperson said Knott’s planned departure followed “a change in personal circumstances”.
“After a successful career in the private sector David brought a wealth of experience to the role and we thank him for his expertise and service,” they said.
“An interim CTO will be appointed before longer term appointments are made. Future arrangements for the leadership of GDS will be made in due course.”
DSIT’s advert lists “proven ability to lead expert functions and influence senior leadership, including CTOs and board-level stakeholders, in complex and politically sensitive environments” among the essential criteria for candidates.
Other must-haves include “extensive experience delivering large-scale, high-profile programmes using agile methodologies” and “strong budget management and prioritisation skills”.
The department also wants candidates with a “strong track record in leading diverse, cross-functional, and specialist teams” who can apply “rigorous performance management” to align efforts and achieve strategic goals.
According to the advertisement, the new government chief technology officer could be based in Bristol, London or Manchester.
Applications are open until 11:55pm on 9 November.
