Director of Digital, Data and Technology

Shape the future of a digitally enabled borough

Tower Hamlets is one of the UK's most dynamic, diverse and ambitious local authorities. Serving a fast-growing population at the heart of East London, we are committed to delivering excellent services, driving innovation and creating opportunities for our residents and communities.

We are now seeking an outstanding Director of Digital, Data and Technology to lead one of the most significant digital transformation agendas in local government. Reporting to the Strategic Director of Transformation, Strategy and Digital, you will serve as the Council's Chief Digital and Information Officer, providing strategic leadership across digital, data, technology, cyber security and innovation.

About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to shape how technology, data and innovation support the delivery of better outcomes for residents, stronger organisational performance and long-term financial sustainability.

You will lead the development and delivery of our Digital, Data and Technology strategy, ensuring digital capabilities are embedded at the heart of organisational decision-making, service redesign and transformation. You will champion innovation, responsible AI adoption and data-driven decision-making whilst ensuring the resilience and security of the Council's technology estate.

This role includes:
Digital Transformation Leadership Leading organisation-wide digital transformation programmes that modernise services and improve resident experiences.
Technology and Data Strategy Developing a clear and ambitious roadmap for technology, data, digital services and innovation.
Cyber Security and Information Assurance Providing executive leadership for cyber security, resilience, risk management and technology governance.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies Driving the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence, automation and emerging technologies.
Building High-Performing Teams Creating an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing digital, data and technology function.

About You
We are looking for an exceptional strategic leader with:

• Significant senior leadership experience in digital, data and technology.
• A successful track record of leading large-scale digital transformation.
• Strong commercial, governance and technology leadership capability.
• Experience influencing executive leaders, elected members and complex stakeholder groups.
• A passion for innovation, digital inclusion and public service improvement.
• The ability to translate complex technical challenges into practical and deliverable solutions.
• A commitment to inclusive leadership and developing exceptional teams

Why Tower Hamlets?
This is a rare opportunity to lead digital transformation at scale within one of London's most ambitious and forward-thinking councils. Your leadership will directly influence how residents access services, how decisions are made and how technology creates lasting public value.

Our Values
Our council is a beacon for diversity and inclusion. We want a borough where everyone feels valued, supported and able to thrive, and a council that works collaboratively to deliver the very best outcomes for residents.
That's why we look for leaders who embody our TOWER values of Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respectful

For more information or a confidential discussion please contact our retained consultant Helen Alwell at Tile Hill via 07931 543313, helen.alwell@tile-hill.co.uk , Anita Denton 07725 554802, anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk or Chantelle Wooldridge 07557 018320, chantelle.wooldridge@tile-hill.co.uk.

View the job description here.

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 abbie.hamilton-grant@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.