Director of Digital, Data and Technology in Croydon

We are seeking a visionary Director of Digital, Data and Technology to shape the future of education at the Harris Federation. Taking the lead on a bold, organisation-wide digital vision, you will drive transformation across more than 50 academies, using technology, data and AI to unlock better outcomes for thousands of young people. This is a high-impact leadership role in which you will influence at the very top: advising senior leaders, delivering large-scale digital transformation, and building a modern, secure and data-driven organisation. If you are a strategic, forward-thinking digital leader with a passion for innovation and making a real difference, this is your opportunity to create lasting impact at scale.

About Us

We are a pioneering education charity, and one of the leading multi-academy trusts in the country. We have a track record of taking on some of the most challenging schools in London, turning them into places where every young person can access a high-quality education and have opportunities to succeed. Educating 1 in 41 young people in London, we now have 55 primary and secondary academies transforming the life chances and opportunities of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Harris Federation has a track record of accomplishment in achieving success through rapid school improvement and has built an unrivalled reputation for running outstanding academies in London. Our central team comprises a dedicated, driven group of departments working centrally to provide support across the Federation and all of our academies.

Main Areas of Responsibility

The Director of Digital, Data and Technology will lead the strategic direction of digital, data and technology across the Federation, driving innovation, transformation and high-quality service delivery to support education and operational excellence. Your responsibilities will include:

• Define and deliver the organisation-wide digital and data strategy
• Lead digital transformation to improve education and operations
• Oversee IT, cloud platforms, systems and cyber security
• Build and lead a high-performing technology team
• Enable data-driven decision making and analytics capability
• Enhance service delivery and user experience
• Lead major programmes, budgets and supplier partnerships

Qualifications & Experience

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant technical discipline
• Senior leadership experience as a CDIO, CIO, CTO or equivalent, leading large-scale digital, data and technology functions
• Proven success in delivering enterprise-wide digital transformation in a complex organisation
• Experience developing and executing digital, data and technology strategies
• Strong understanding of cloud technologies (Microsoft 365, Azure) and enterprise architecture
• Expertise in cyber security, risk management and information governance
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into delivery
• Strong leadership and people development capability
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• High level of commercial awareness and financial management

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level. In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, electric car scheme, 26 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays) for staff who work across the full year, and many other benefits. We offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with 2 days from home and 3 days either with the team at our office in East Croydon or visiting one of our academies. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.