At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and data strategy for the agricultural sector.
- Company: Join AHDB, a key player in British agriculture, shaping the future of farming.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a market-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on agriculture while championing innovation and cyber resilience.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in digital strategy and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join AHDB as Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), a pivotal and newly created post at the heart of the organisation’s leadership team. You will play a critical part in shaping how digital services, data, technology and information are used across AHDB and the wider agricultural sector to deliver lasting value for levy payers. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CDIO will set the enterprise vision, standards and investment priorities that modernise services, strengthen insight and build cyber resilience.
Working closely with the board, executive colleagues and external partners, you will influence and champion responsible innovation and ensure AHDB’s platforms and information are secure, trusted and future‑ready – turning strategy into measurable impact. This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with two to three days per week based at our HQ in Coventry. As a visible and engaged leader, you will build strong relationships across the organisation, bring people together and help AHDB operate as one connected, high‑performing organisation.
About AHDB
We are the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British producers in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers, growers and processors, often where no one else can or will. We share the expert, evidence‑based research and reports that inform on‑farm decision‑making. We promote British produce to the UK public through domestic marketing campaigns, and we identify and open new global export opportunities to help farm businesses grow. We help levy payers learn more, sell more and export more to remain sustainable and profitable. Together, we deliver the insights, the influence and the impact that farmers need.
Responsibilities
- Set and lead AHDB’s enterprise‑wide digital, data, technology and information strategy, aligned to the corporate plan and long‑term statutory purpose.
- Act as principal adviser to the CEO and the board on technology‑enabled change, information risk, cyber resilience and future capability.
- Provide executive assurance and challenge on major digital, data and technology investments, ensuring evidence‑based decision making and clear benefits realisation.
- Establish and own enterprise standards, principles and governance, covering architecture, data, security, interoperability and responsible technology use.
- Lead AHDB’s information and data stewardship agenda, ensuring data is ethical, secure and trusted by levy payers, partners and government.
- Set and embed AHDB’s technology and cyber risk appetite, overseeing resilience, incident governance and third‑party risk.
- Represent AHDB externally, influencing government, cross‑sector partners and policy and shaping strategic partnerships that deliver system‑wide outcomes.
- Build and lead a high‑performing, multidisciplinary digital, data and technology workforce, managing significant operational and capital budgets.
Essential criteria
- Senior leadership experience shaping and delivering enterprise‑wide digital, data and technology strategy in a complex organisation.
- A strong track record of advising and influencing board‑level stakeholders, providing strategic insight, assurance and constructive challenge.
- Proven experience governing major technology and data investments, with clear accountability for value, risk and benefits realisation.
- Deep expertise in data governance, information risk, cyber security and organisational resilience, ideally in a high‑trust or regulated environment.
- Credibility representing an organisation externally with government, regulators and strategic partners.
- Demonstrated ability to build, lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, managing competing priorities and significant budgets.
The benefits
We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities to give you the recognition you deserve:
- 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday, to include hybrid working.
- 30 days annual leave plus one privilege day and bank holidays.
- Life assurance cover (4x salary).
- A market‑leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General.
- Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service.
- A paid day each year to volunteer and make a difference in your community.
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan.
- Recognition awards throughout the year.
- Reward Gateway membership – this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings.
Apply now, or call 024 7693 5722 if you require any further information. Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.
Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) in Coventry employer: AHDB
At AHDB, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the agricultural sector. Our hybrid working model, generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave, and a strong commitment to employee development create a supportive environment where you can thrive. Join us in Coventry to lead transformative digital initiatives while making a meaningful impact on British agriculture and its future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to AHDB. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal brand online by sharing insights on digital transformation, data governance, and cyber resilience. Use platforms like LinkedIn to post articles or engage in discussions that highlight your knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding AHDB’s mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in shaping digital services and building strong teams. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their vision!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the AHDB team and contributing to the agricultural sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in digital, data, and technology strategy. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of CDIO at AHDB!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to build and inspire teams. Share specific examples of how you've led multidisciplinary teams and managed significant budgets in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at AHDB
✨Know Your Digital Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of AHDB's current digital strategy and how it aligns with their goals. Be prepared to discuss how your experience can help shape and deliver this strategy effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a CDIO, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams or influenced board-level stakeholders. Highlight these experiences during your interview.
✨Understand Cyber Resilience
Given the emphasis on cyber resilience in the job description, brush up on your knowledge of information risk and data governance. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these challenges at AHDB and ensure their platforms remain secure and trusted.
✨Build Relationships
AHDB values collaboration across its organisation. Prepare to talk about how you've built strong relationships in previous roles and how you plan to foster a connected, high-performing culture within AHDB.
