Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO)

Join AHDB as Chief Data 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.

Benefits

• 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.

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.