Chief Digital, Data and Technology Officer (CDIO)

The Role

As the principal authority for digital, data, and technology, you will provide system-level leadership and exercise substantial autonomy to shape high-performing services. You will lead a bold digital vision that aligns with strategic priorities, driving innovation and resilience across a complex public service ecosystem.

Key Accountabilities

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Strategic Leadership: Act as the senior advisor to the Executive and Board on all tech-related matters. Oversee a long-term strategy that enables large-scale transformation, efficiency, and service redesign.

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System & Partnership Impact: Influence cross-boundary strategies and interoperable platforms across the wider public sector. Act as SRO for major multi-agency programmes with significant financial and social impact.

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Technology & Innovation: Champion the ethical adoption of emerging tech (AI, automation) and agile methodologies to improve productivity and user experience.

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Data & Cyber Security: Lead the enterprise-wide data strategy, ensuring robust governance, ethics, and literacy. Oversee cyber security frameworks to protect infrastructure while supporting operational resilience.

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Operational Excellence: Lead and inspire a high-performance function of up to 300 staff, ensuring customer-centric delivery and strong commercial management of third-party suppliers.

Dimensions

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Budget: Oversight of Revenue (Opex) and Capital budgets exceeding £20m.

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Team: Direct leadership of a multi-functional department of approximately 300 personnel.

The Ideal Candidate

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Proven Leadership: Significant experience as a CIO/CTO/CDIO leading complex, multi-functional portfolios within a public sector or highly regulated context.

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Strategic Influence: Ability to navigate political environments and align priorities across multiple autonomous organisations.

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Transformation Expertise: A track record of delivering large-scale digital transformation and managing major investment portfolios.

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Commercial & Technical Acumen: Strong grasp of enterprise architecture, cyber security, and market trends, paired with the ability to secure value from complex sourcing arrangements.

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People Centric: A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with the ability to lead a diverse, hybrid workforce