Director of IT and Digital Strategy

Director of IT & Digital Strategy

Cumbria & Lancashire | Exclusive Opportunity with Butler Rose Leadership

Butler Rose Leadership is delighted to be exclusively partnering with a highly respected and ambitious group in the appointment of a Director of IT & Digital Strategy.

This is a pivotal executive leadership opportunity for an experienced technology leader to shape and deliver a forward-thinking digital vision across a complex and values-led organisation. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the successful candidate will lead the strategic development of technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data governance, and service delivery across a multi-site environment.

The organisation is seeking an individual capable of operating both strategically and operationally - someone who can influence at senior leadership and governance level while also ensuring the delivery of a robust, secure, and high-performing IT function that supports teaching, learning, operations, safeguarding, and engagement across the wider community.

This appointment comes at an exciting stage of the organisation's evolution, with significant appetite for innovation, digital modernisation, and long-term investment in technology and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a long-term digital and IT strategy aligned to organisational objectives
• Lead digital transformation initiatives across infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, and user experience
• Drive a digital-first culture across the organisation, supporting innovation and continuous improvement
• Provide strategic leadership on information governance, GDPR compliance, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery
• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary IT team across infrastructure and support services
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, operational leaders, and governance committees
• Oversee IT procurement, supplier management, budget planning, and technology investment strategies
• Implement data reporting, dashboards, and KPI monitoring tools to support informed decision-making
• Ensure high-quality, customer-focused IT service delivery across all departments
• Develop five-year refresh and investment plans covering infrastructure, systems, staffing, and digital capability

The Person

We are seeking a credible and influential technology leader with a strong blend of strategic vision, operational delivery, and stakeholder engagement capability.

You will bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience within a complex organisation
• Strong technical understanding of infrastructure, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and digital services
• Experience leading transformation and modernisation programmes
• A track record of building and developing high-performing teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing budgets, suppliers, and strategic technology investment
• Strong understanding of governance, risk, GDPR, and cybersecurity frameworks
• The ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight
• A collaborative and values-driven leadership style

Experience within education is welcomed, though applications are equally encouraged from candidates within similarly complex and regulated environments including healthcare, professional services, charities, higher education, or multi-site organisations.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future digital direction of a prestigious and well-established organisation with a clear commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and long-term investment in technology.

The role offers:

• Significant strategic influence
• High visibility across leadership and governance
• Opportunity to drive meaningful organisational change
• Supportive and values-led culture
• Attractive salary and benefits package

Benefits -
Hybrid working

Further Information

For a confidential discussion and further information, please contact Butler Rose Leadership Cumbria & Lancashire.

All enquiries will be handled with the strictest confidence.

Butler Rose Leadership is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals. #IND-LL-25

Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.