Head of Digital, Data and Technology (Chief Digital and Data Officer)

Shape the Future of Digital, Data and Technology at Kirklees Council Kirklees Council is embarking on an ambitious journey to transform how Digital, Data and Technology supports the organisation, our workforce and our communities. We are seeking an exceptional leader to become our Head of Digital, Data and Technology (Chief Digital and Data Officer) and help shape the next chapter of our digital future. This is a rare opportunity to lead the development of a new integrated Digital, Data and Technology function, bringing together technology, data, digital capability and innovation to support delivery of the Council's ambitions and priorities. Reporting to the Service Director for Strategy and Innovation, you will provide strategic leadership for the Council's digital agenda and play a key role in shaping how technology, data, artificial intelligence, innovation and digital capability contribute to improved outcomes for residents, communities and colleagues. Why This Role Is Different This is not simply a technology leadership role. Nor is it a role where the future operating model has already been fully defined. The Council has undertaken significant preparatory work through its Digital Review and has established a clear ambition for the future. The successful candidate will build on this foundation to help design, develop and implement the next generation of Digital, Data and Technology capability for Kirklees Council. You will have the opportunity not only to lead services, but also to shape the future service itself. You will help establish the strategic direction, operating model, priorities, governance arrangements and organisational capabilities required to create a modern, integrated and future-focused Digital, Data and Technology function. About the Role As Head of Digital, Data and Technology (Chief Digital and Data Officer), you will: - Lead the development and delivery of the Council's Digital Strategy. - Shape and implement the future Digital, Data and Technology operating model. - Provide strategic leadership for data, insight, analytics, artificial intelligence and digital innovation. - Act as the Council's lead for enterprise architecture, technology standards and digital governance. - Lead the Digital, Data and Technology portfolio, ensuring investment is aligned with organisational priorities and outcomes. - Develop the supporting strategies, frameworks and capabilities needed to deliver the Council's digital ambition. - Lead and develop Digital, Data and Technology services including technology operations, cyber security, infrastructure, applications and data capabilities. - Build strong strategic relationships across the Council, with partners, suppliers and professional networks. - Help create a digitally capable organisation equipped for future opportunities and challenges. Who We Are Looking For We are looking for an ambitious and credible leader who combines strategic thinking, strong leadership and Digital, Data and Technology expertise. You may already be leading Digital, Data and Technology services, or you may be looking for the next step in your career and the opportunity to broaden your impact and responsibility. You will be able to demonstrate: - Experience of leading complex organisational change, improvement or transformation. - Strong understanding of digital strategy, technology, data and innovation. - The ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries. - Experience of leading or shaping Digital, Data and Technology services, programmes or strategic initiatives. - Commercial awareness and experience working with suppliers and external partners. - The ability to create clarity, direction and momentum within a complex and evolving environment. - A passion for innovation, improvement and public service. Most importantly, you will bring the vision, leadership and determination required to help shape a service that is still evolving and to turn ambition into delivery. Why Join Us? This role offers the opportunity to: - Lead one of the Council's most strategically important service areas. - Shape the future design and direction of Digital, Data and Technology at Kirklees. - Develop and deliver the Council's Digital Strategy. - Influence organisational priorities and major investment decisions. - Build your profile as a senior Digital, Data and Technology leader. - Work alongside talented colleagues committed to improving outcomes for residents and communities. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, creating the capabilities, services and culture that will support Kirklees Council for years to come. Our Commitment Kirklees Council is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Role Closing: Sunday 22nd November at midnight To apply: To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV (three sides of A4 maximum), along with a supporting statement (three sides of A4 maximum) detailing your experience, and achievements and addressing the key criteria for the role set out on this site and using examples to demonstrate how you meet the requirements. Documents should be uploaded via our website, please include and upload the below information in two documents only. If you experience any issues whilst applying, please contact Ella.Vanderhook@tile-hill.co.uk Applications must include: - Full contact details - Names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees (we will ask your permission before contacting referees); - Details of your notice period; - Notification of any dates when you are not available for interview. At Tile Hill, we are committed to inclusion and accessibility. We champion and support all individuals to ensure everyone feels valued, listened to and motivated to get the very best out of each recruitment process and that processes are designed to meet the needs of individuals. If you have any specific requests and would like a confidential discussion with the Tile Hill team, then please email inclusion@tile-hill.co.uk If the organisation we’re representing is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you’d like to apply under the scheme, please mention this clearly in bold at the top of your supporting statement. If there are any adjustments that would support you during the application or interview process, please let us know.