At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and customer delivery for a modern council.
- Company: Dorset Council, committed to sustainability and community improvement.
- Benefits: Generous relocation package, competitive salary, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to creating a better Dorset.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local government and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital strategy, data governance, and agile delivery.
The predicted salary is between 141863 - 159335 £ per year.
Dorset is a place that rewards the curious and frustrated anyone who thinks running a modern council is simple. We're working hard to become a genuinely modern, sustainable unitary council, one where technology, data and customer experience aren't afterthoughts, but the infrastructure that holds everything together. This role is how we get there.
You’ll be joining the Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive. Your directorate is around 550 colleagues across Customer Experience, Technology, Digital and Data, Libraries, Revenues and Benefits, and the Transformation Management Office. The portfolio is broad and the work is real - this isn't a strategy role that floats above delivery. You’ll be accountable for both.
What you'll be doing
- You’ll lead the council’s digital and data strategy from the front - setting direction, driving delivery and making sure investment decisions are grounded in actual user need rather than aspiration.
- Setting and delivering a modern, resilient digital strategy built around outcomes for residents.
- Leading major transformation programmes with proper governance, honest benefits tracking and clear accountability.
- Acting as the council’s senior accountable officer for cyber security and information governance.
- Championing user centred design and making sure our services work for everyone, not just the easy to reach.
- Building digital confidence and practical capability across the workforce - including frontline teams who might not naturally identify as digital.
- Representing Dorset at regional and national level in conversations about what modern public services should look like.
- Overseeing significant technology and transformation budgets with real financial discipline.
About you
- You’ve done this before, or something close enough that you know where the hard bits are.
- You understand that technology is an enabler, not the point - and you know how to bring people with you when the change feels uncomfortable.
- You’ll also bring a track record of shaping and delivering digital strategy at scale, across multiple service areas.
- Expertise in data governance, interoperability and joined up intelligence across partner organisations.
- Hands on experience embedding agile delivery, product management and service design in practice - not just on slides.
- The political awareness to advise elected members and a Chief Executive with confidence and honesty.
- A genuine interest in improving outcomes for communities, not just modernising systems for their own sake.
Why this role, why now
Dorset Council has a clear direction - to become a modern, sustainable unitary council - and the investment and leadership commitment to back it. This role sits at the heart of that. You won’t be implementing someone else’s plan; you’ll be shaping what good looks like. If you want to lead one of the most significant transformation programmes in local government, in a county worth fighting for, we’d love to hear from you.
Further Information
If you’d like an informal conversation with the Chief Executive, Catherine Howe, please contact Jennifer Prince, Senior Executive Assistant, or and we’ll get that arranged.
Benefits
We offer a generous relocation package of up to £8,000 (of HMRC eligible elements) free of tax, including an initial advance of up to £2,500 on your start date, help towards buying or selling costs (up to £6,500), and support towards rent or mortgage costs in your first two years.
About Us
Dorset is a place of genuine beauty and strong communities. Our vision is straightforward: working together to create a fairer, more prosperous and more sustainable Dorset for people now and in the future. We’re looking for leaders who share that ambition and have the capability to turn it into something real. We’re actively working to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation, and we know that bringing in people with different perspectives and backgrounds makes us better. We welcome applications from everyone. We’re a Disability Confident Employer. We offer an interview to everyone who declares a disability and meets the essential criteria for the role, and we’re committed to making our interviews accessible. Let us know on your application if you need any reasonable adjustments.
Executive Director - Modernisation & Customer Delivery (Full Time) in Hilton employer: Job Search Place Limited
Dorset Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative change in a beautiful and vibrant community. With a strong commitment to modernisation, sustainability, and inclusivity, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. The generous relocation package and focus on user-centred design ensure that you will be making a meaningful impact while enjoying the stunning surroundings of Dorchester.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - Modernisation & Customer Delivery (Full Time) in Hilton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Dorset Council or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the council's digital strategy and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but genuinely passionate about transforming public services for the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led transformation programmes or tackled challenges in previous roles. We want to hear about your journey and how it aligns with our vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - Modernisation & Customer Delivery (Full Time) in Hilton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Modernisation:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for modernising public services shine through. We want to see how you can contribute to our vision of a sustainable and tech-savvy council, so share specific examples of your past experiences that align with this goal.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to highlight your key achievements and skills, especially those related to digital strategy and transformation.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Executive Director role. Highlight your experience in leading major transformation programmes and your understanding of user-centred design.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Digital Strategy
Make sure you have a solid understanding of digital strategies and how they can be applied in a council setting. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in shaping and delivering similar strategies, and how you can bring that expertise to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Executive Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead large teams and manage significant transformation programmes. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through change, focusing on governance, accountability, and user-centred design.
✨Understand the Importance of Data Governance
Familiarise yourself with data governance principles and how they apply to public services. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with data interoperability and how it can enhance service delivery across multiple areas.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
Dorset Council is all about improving outcomes for communities. Think about how you can articulate your genuine interest in community welfare and how your past initiatives have positively impacted residents. This will show that you're not just about modernising systems, but about making a real difference.
