Location
London, with a growing hub in Manchester and other regional offices across England.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£100,000 per annum

About the Role
As Director, Sport & Gambling within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), you will lead a high-profile, fast-paced directorate dedicated to advancing sport and gambling policy at the heart of the nation. Your remit will cover a wide range of responsibilities including grassroots sport, elite sport, football regulation, gambling, and the National Lottery.

Key areas of focus include:
- Driving a systemic shift in national health and activity levels through grassroots sport initiatives and partnerships.
- Supporting the growth and governance of elite sport, including Olympic and Paralympic sports.
- Overseeing the transition and operation of the Independent Football Regulator to ensure the integrity and sustainability of English football.
- Navigating the complex regulatory landscape of gambling to balance commercial interests with consumer protection.
- Managing the implementation of the 4th National Lottery licence and ensuring the continued social impact of the National Lottery.

You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of approximately 80 professionals across three Deputy Director portfolios, fostering an inclusive, outcomes-focused culture. The role involves senior sponsorship and strategic oversight of seven Arms Length Bodies including UK Sport, Sport England, The Gambling Commission, and others.

An information session about the role will be held virtually on Friday 20th February at 9:45, hosted by Ben Dean, Director Sport and Gambling. This session will provide an opportunity to learn more about the role, team, and department, as well as ask questions about the application and assessment process.

Experience
- Proven track record of outstanding leadership in managing high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams.
- Demonstrable success in aligning complex organisational strategies with broader national or sectoral objectives.
- Expertise in building and maintaining long-term networks with senior stakeholders and partner organisations.
- Significant experience providing concise, evidence-based advice to senior decision-makers with strong political judgement.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex regulatory and commercial issues into clear narratives and build consensus.

About you
- Inclusive leader committed to championing diversity and empowering teams.
- Skilled in navigating sensitive socio-political contexts balancing commercial vitality with social responsibility.
- Diplomatic and influential, able to resolve high-stakes disagreements and maintain strategic momentum.
- A sophisticated advocate who can articulate vision and drive change without relying on formal authority.

Qualifications
- Knowledge of the sport and/or gambling policy landscape, including regulatory requirements of the National Lottery or elite sport governance, is desirable but not essential.

Behaviours
Applicants will be assessed on the following behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing

Additional Information
This role requires security clearance at SC level and a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. Reasonable adjustments are available to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.