Digital Director in Watford

• Pension scheme – 5% employer‑matched contribution
• Lead the next chapter of digital growth at BRE

This is an opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK's most respected organisations in the built environment.

As Digital Director, you will play a pivotal role in transforming BRE's expertise, data and industry‑leading standards into scalable digital products that deliver meaningful value for customers, commercial growth for the organisation and positive societal impact.

About The Role

We're looking for an experienced digital product leader to help accelerate BRE's digital ambitions.

This is not a traditional IT leadership role.

Instead, you'll lead the strategy, development and commercial performance of our digital product portfolio, ensuring we invest in the right opportunities and deliver measurable outcomes for customers and the business.

Working closely with colleagues across Commercial, Technology and Operations you'll bring together customer insight, commercial thinking and product excellence.

You'll help strengthen product management capability, improve customer journeys, guide investment decisions and create the conditions for sustainable growth across established and emerging digital products.

The role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, science and commercial strategy, helping BRE expand the reach and impact of its trusted expertise and products, including BREEAM and other services across Housing, Energy, Academy, Smart Waste and future growth areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, growth and commercial performance of BRE's digital product portfolio.
• Identify opportunities to improve, scale and develop digital products and services based on customer needs and business priorities.
• Build and strengthen product management capability, governance and ways of working across the organisation.
• Develop robust business cases and investment priorities, balancing customer value, strategic fit, risk and commercial return.
• Establish clear performance measures and track outcomes across adoption, customer satisfaction, revenue, profitability and operational effectiveness.
• Work cross‑functionally to improve end‑to‑end customer and service journeys.
• Translate complex technical, scientific and regulatory expertise into accessible and scalable digital solutions.
• Partner closely with Technology teams to ensure products are supported by effective platforms, architecture, security and technical governance.
• Provide leadership, insight and evidence‑based recommendations to senior stakeholders and Board‑level audiences.
• Champion innovation, including the practical application of AI and automation to enhance products, customer experiences and operational efficiency.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a commercially minded digital leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands‑on product leadership.

• You'll Bring
• Significant experience leading digital products, platforms or portfolios across different stages of maturity.
• A strong track record of delivering customer value alongside revenue growth, profitability and return on investment.
• Senior leadership experience managing and developing product leaders, managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Deep expertise in product management, with strong technical literacy and a good understanding of software development and digital delivery.
• Experience improving established products while successfully launching and scaling new propositions.
• Strong commercial judgement, including investment prioritisation, business case development and benefits realisation.
• Experience working across product, technology, operations and commercial functions to improve customer and business outcomes.
• A customer‑centred approach, with experience in service design, user experience and accessibility.
• Confidence influencing and presenting to executive and Board‑level stakeholders.
• Practical knowledge of Agile, Lean and other delivery approaches, applying them appropriately to different business contexts.
• Experience using AI and automation to improve products, services or operational performance.
• We'd Be Particularly Interested In Candidates Who Have
• Experience within complex, regulated or standards‑led environments such as the built environment, engineering, infrastructure, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, defence or certification.
• Knowledge of data governance and data architecture principles.
• Experience managing third‑party suppliers, delivery partners and commercial contracts.
• Experience across international markets.
• BRE Benefits

At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well‑being and career development.

• Financial & Security Benefits
• Pension scheme – 5% employer‑matched contribution
• Life assurance – 4x your basic salary
• Enhanced maternity package
• Health & Wellbeing
• Health Partners cashback scheme – Reclaim costs on prescriptions, physiotherapy, dental care, and more
• Onsite facilities – Restaurant, nursery and free parking, including at‑cost EV charging points
• Career Development
• Learning & development – Free access to BRE Academy and our online learning platform
• Professional membership reimbursement
• For full details on our benefits, visit: BRE Employee Benefits
• Work Location Options

Hybrid – This role offers a mix of home and office working.

You will need to be within commuting distance of our Watford office, as you will be expected to attend in person (2‑4 times per month).

Our Recruitment Process

As part of our recruitment process we will be conducting 10‑30 minute phone screening calls via an AI recruiter called Ryan with all shortlisted candidates.

The information gathered from this screening will be used to help assess your suitability for the position.

Note to Employment Agencies

At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies.

Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited.

In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means.

Equal Opportunities Statement

BRE is an equal opportunities employer.

We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.

BRE contributes to a thriving and sustainable world by developing science‑led solutions to built environment challenges.

Our vision is to be the world‑leading innovation, science, and data hub for the built environment.

We’re ambitious in terms of quality and global scope.

We want governments and commercial markets to recognise us and demand our services, products and solutions.

We want to be world‑class, innovative, science‑led and provide solutions.

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