Chief Digital and Information Officer in Leeds

As our Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), you will thrive on transforming public services through technology. We are looking for an inspirational leader who can drive the council's digital strategy and operations. You will head up our Integrated Digital Service (IDS) which provides full digital, information and technology services both in-house and for our NHS partners at NHS West Yorkshire ICB (Leeds Place). This interim role offers a unique opportunity to shape the city's digital ambitions at a pivotal time, ensuring our organisations remain at the forefront of digital innovation, transformation, and service excellence.

This role requires notable presence across the city and the region, with some hybrid working. The post holder must be able to work outside normal hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to meet service needs.

As our Interim CDIO, you will have strategic and operational accountability for IDS and for the supply of services to our NHS partners, specifically the GP IT and Open Digital Architecture (ODA) functions. Your primary focus is to deliver integration, efficiencies and savings to the council and the NHS. You will provide specialist advice and leadership across the council and with NHS partners, earning credibility for your expertise in digital technology and transformation. You will ensure strong governance of digital programmes, oversee information security and risk management, and act as deputy Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) when required.

You will develop, own and deliver the council's digital strategy, which will underpin the goals in the Leeds Ambitions and Council Plan. You will also champion partnership working that enables impactful cross‑sector initiatives. You will build and motivate a high‑performing team, driving seamless, secure, and citizen‑focused digital services and a culture of continuous improvement.

• Develop, own and deliver the Digital Strategy to underpin the achievement of the Leeds Ambitions and Council Plan.
• Responsible for placing LCC and Leeds Place ICB at the forefront of developments with regards to the application of digital technology, working with other support services.
• Provide strategic leadership, providing advice and expertise to decision makers across the Council.
• Provide outstanding leadership to develop a high performing, highly motivated workforce and manage resources to achieve service and overarching objectives in line with the city's agreed prioritisation.
• Work with key partners at national, regional and local level and in collaboration with colleagues and partners support the delivery of real change across the city.
• Manage the interface and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders including the NHS, business and external agencies.
• Work closely with the NHS West Yorkshire ICB (Leeds place) Chief Clinical Information Officer to ensure service provision from IDS to the Health system is effective and efficient.
• Lead the definition and delivery of information and technology strategy on behalf of the Council, and linked to the wider system ensuring that we have the capabilities and skills to play a leading role on delivering better outcomes for people through IDS.
• Contribute to the business direction of services and execute required business change in support of digitisation, technology and information management excellence, defining and transitioning to new operating models and skill sets as appropriate.
• Drive digital leadership by building credibility as a leading authority in digital technology by establishing and maintaining professional advice internally and externally.
• Be accountable for the delivery, continuity, information security, risk management and effective support of the Council's ICT infrastructure and business critical systems and cyber security.
• Provide professional strategic leadership to related project teams to ensure the council and NHS objectives are met and where possible exceeded.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement, establishing stretching service and customer experience targets to deliver outstanding outcomes.
• Be accountable for the systematic appraisal, evaluation, delivery and rigorous management of the ICT portfolio of programmes and projects in support of council outcomes.
• Lead and coordinate relevant research and monitor global trends and developments in the digital economy to enable the identification of relevant projects and activities to deliver digital outcomes for the council.
• Take responsibility for maintaining effective communications and engagement with staff, service users, councillors, trade unions, partners and other stakeholders.
• Lead, promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement and human resource areas, focussing on equality of outcome.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging innovations, introducing initiatives as appropriate to improve citizen/patient outcomes, citizen/patient experience and operational excellence.
• Initiate and implement a range of sensor technologies within the organisation and city to create an efficient and productive environment in line with City carbon and Health ambitions.
• Contribute to the development and maximisation of a modern data culture, enhancing already strong governance and compliance with a data architecture that enables self‑service.
• Lead provision of dedicated traded services to external services.
• In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework ensure that effective budget management and control takes place across your service.

Qualifications: MBA, degree level qualification or equivalent qualification in Information and Technology, or substantial experience in working in this field and membership of a relevant professional body is desirable. Significant senior leadership experience delivering large‑scale, complex change. Strong values‑based approach to leadership, embracing our organisational values and behaviours. Comprehensive understanding of local, regional and national issues relevant to the service area. Strong knowledge of legislation, policies and governance frameworks related to digital, information, safety and data protection. Experience working in politically sensitive environments and with elected members. Proven success in partnership working across sectors, particularly with the NHS.

Working Context: Post holders will work flexibly both at home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles and spend regular time in the workplace to support service delivery, meeting the needs of the team and the requirements of their individual role. The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday. However, the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events if required to meet the needs of the service.

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits focused on your professional development, wellbeing, work‑life balance and finances. Our leadership package includes fair and transparent pay progression structure, annual leave starting at 28 days plus statutory holidays, flexible and hybrid working options, professional development with fully funded study for relevant qualifications, Local Government Pension Scheme, shared cost AVC scheme, support for your wellbeing, exclusive offers on an ultra‑low emission vehicle lease, and money‑saving offers including discounts with national retailers and special deals with local businesses.