Associate Director for Solutions in Liverpool

Location: Liverpool, Darlington or Remote | Salary: up to £80k + 28.97% pension

Closing Date: 9am, Monday 5th October 2026

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) sits at the heart of the UK's safeguarding system, helping employers and organisations make informed decisions that protect vulnerable people and strengthen public confidence. Every day, our work supports safer recruitment and helps create safer environments across communities. As DBS embarks on an ambitious programme of transformation, we are investing in the technology, data and operational capabilities required to deliver services that are resilient, efficient and ready for the future.

We are seeking a visionary Associate Director for Solutions to provide strategic leadership for the design, assurance and delivery of future business and technology solutions. Reporting to the Executive Director for Technology and Innovation, you will play a pivotal role in translating organisational strategy into practical, scalable and sustainable solutions that support long-term transformation and operational excellence.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will be responsible for bringing together business processes, technology, data and service requirements to create integrated solutions capable of supporting DBS's future operating model. You will lead enterprise architecture, testing and assurance functions while establishing the standards, governance and controls that ensure services are secure, scalable and fit for purpose. Working across organisational boundaries and with a broad range of stakeholders, suppliers and government partners, you will ensure that innovation and transformation are delivered with rigour, quality and confidence.

The successful candidate will have significant experience leading complex business and technology change programmes, with a proven ability to shape strategy and convert ambitious objectives into successful delivery. You will possess a deep understanding of enterprise architecture, solution design, testing and quality assurance, alongside a strong appreciation for the role of data, AI and emerging technologies in driving future business performance. Your ability to influence at senior levels, provide clear strategic direction and build strong collaborative relationships will be central to your success.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished leader to shape technology and service design within an organisation that delivers a vital public service. By creating the solutions that enable future transformation, you will play a direct role in helping DBS remain trusted, effective and responsive in an increasingly digital world.

For further information contact: dbssolutions@gatenbysanderson.com