At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the digital transformation of the East Midlands and drive major connectivity programmes.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation shaping the region's digital future.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on regional development and digital inclusion.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital connectivity and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: East Midlands (hybrid working available)
Reports to: Director of Spatial Development
We are seeking an exceptional and forward-thinking Strategic Digital Connectivity Lead to shape and deliver the East Midlands’ digital infrastructure ambitions. This is a high-profile leadership role at the forefront of regional transformation—driving connectivity, enabling inclusive growth, and positioning the East Midlands as a digitally connected, AI-enabled region.
About the role
As Strategic Digital Connectivity Lead, you will provide strategic leadership across a portfolio of major digital infrastructure programmes. Working closely with the Mayor, senior leaders, local authorities, government departments and industry partners, you will define and deliver a long-term vision for digital connectivity—ensuring residents, businesses and communities benefit from world-class digital infrastructure. You will operate in a complex and politically sensitive environment, influencing national policy, securing investment, and leading the delivery of high-value programmes that support economic growth, productivity and digital inclusion.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of a regional Digital Infrastructure Strategy
- Champion a bold vision for a digitally connected, AI-enabled East Midlands
- Drive strategic planning and delivery of major digital connectivity programmes
- Provide expert advice to senior officers, elected members and partners
- Represent the region at a national level, influencing policy and funding priorities
- Work collaboratively with local authorities to align and scale digital initiatives
- Embed digital connectivity across key agendas including transport, inclusion, innovation and skills
- Build and manage strong partnerships with government, suppliers, and regional stakeholders
- Lead programme governance, ensuring robust financial management, compliance and value for money
- Secure and manage funding through grant bids, business cases and investment propositions
- Identify and manage risks, ensuring successful programme delivery and outcomes
About you
We’re looking for a strategic leader with deep expertise in digital connectivity and a strong track record of delivering complex programmes. You will bring:
- Significant experience delivering digital connectivity or telecoms infrastructure programmes at a strategic level
- Strong understanding of the telecoms sector (fixed, mobile, wireless) and its role in regional development
- Proven ability to lead delivery in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Experience managing high-value programmes, budgets, and funding streams
- Strong partnership skills, with the ability to influence across public, private and third sectors
- Experience securing funding through grants, business cases or investment propositions
- Excellent communication skills, able to translate complex issues for senior stakeholders and decision-makers
- Knowledge of digital inclusion, smart places or digital ecosystems
- Experience working within local or national government
- Understanding of telecoms funding programmes (e.g. BDUK) and public funding frameworks
Qualifications
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience
- Evidence of continuous professional development in digital infrastructure or programme delivery
Our values
- Working together – building strong partnerships across sectors
- Making an impact – turning strategy into meaningful outcomes
- Being human – valuing diversity and authentic leadership
Shape the future of connectivity, innovation and inclusion
Influence national policy and investment decisions
Work in a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking organisation
Play a key role in delivering the Regional Growth Plan
Application Closing Date: 14th April 2026
Projected Interview Date: 21st April 2026
Strategic Digital Connectivity Lead in Chesterfield employer: EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY
Contact Detail:
EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Digital Connectivity Lead in Chesterfield
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that Strategic Digital Connectivity Lead role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in digital connectivity and programme delivery. Share specific examples of how you've influenced policy or secured funding—this will set you apart from the crowd!
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for those tricky interview questions by practising your responses. Think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of the telecoms sector and your ability to lead in complex environments. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to shape the future of digital connectivity.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Digital Connectivity Lead in Chesterfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Digital Connectivity Lead role. Highlight your experience in digital connectivity and how it aligns with our vision for the East Midlands. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about strategic leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've led complex programmes and influenced stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can drive change and inspire others.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your achievements and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point—no fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY
✨Know Your Digital Connectivity Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in digital connectivity. Understand the telecoms sector inside out, especially how it impacts regional development. This will help you speak confidently about your vision for the East Midlands' digital future.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led complex programmes in multi-stakeholder environments. Be ready to discuss your approach to building partnerships and influencing decision-makers, as this role requires strong leadership and collaboration.
✨Understand the Political Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the local and national political context surrounding digital infrastructure. Knowing how to navigate this landscape will be crucial, so think about how you can influence policy and secure funding for your initiatives.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Practice translating complex digital issues into simple terms that senior stakeholders can understand. Strong communication skills are key in this role, so consider how you can convey your ideas clearly and persuasively during the interview.