At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and develop a forward-thinking IT strategy.
- Company: Join a prestigious organisation committed to innovation and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant strategic influence and meaningful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in a values-led environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in complex organisations and strong technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 € per year.
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
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 - Salary £70k+ (Happy to discuss salary & benefits package with applicants based on level of experience)
- Additional Benefits - Hybrid working (Ideally 3 days office, 2 days home)
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.
Director of Information Technology & Digital Strategy in Kendal employer: Butler Rose
Butler Rose Leadership offers an exceptional opportunity for the Director of IT & Digital Strategy role, situated in the picturesque regions of Cumbria and Lancashire. The organisation prides itself on a supportive and values-led culture that fosters innovation and operational excellence, providing significant strategic influence and high visibility across leadership. With a commitment to employee growth and a hybrid working model, this role not only promises an attractive salary but also the chance to drive meaningful change within a prestigious institution dedicated to long-term investment in technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Information Technology & Digital Strategy in Kendal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech and digital strategy space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal website or LinkedIn profile that highlights your achievements in IT and digital transformation. Share articles or insights related to cybersecurity and infrastructure to position yourself as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s current digital initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their long-term digital strategy and drive innovation. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got exclusive opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and shaping the future of digital strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Information Technology & Digital Strategy in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of IT & Digital Strategy role. Highlight your strategic vision and operational delivery capabilities, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to see how you lead! Share examples of how you've built high-performing teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This will help us understand your collaborative and values-driven approach.
Be Clear on Technical Expertise:Don’t shy away from detailing your technical knowledge in areas like cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and data governance. We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between strategy and hands-on operations.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Rose
✨Know Your Digital Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the organisation's current digital strategy and how it aligns with their goals. Be prepared to discuss how your vision can enhance their digital transformation initiatives and drive a digital-first culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully led teams through transformation programmes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on operational management, especially in complex environments.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
During the interview, emphasise your experience in building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and governance committees. Discuss how you’ve influenced decision-making at a high level and how you plan to engage with various departments to ensure effective IT service delivery.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your technical understanding of infrastructure, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity. Brush up on the latest trends and best practices in these areas, and be ready to discuss how you would implement data governance and GDPR compliance within the organisation.
