At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the digital transformation and customer delivery for a modern council.
- Company: Dorset Council, committed to becoming a sustainable and modern unitary council.
- Benefits: Generous relocation package, competitive salary, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating a fairer, more prosperous Dorset.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital strategy, data governance, and agile delivery.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 € per year.
Dorset is a place that rewards the curious and frustrates 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 will join the Senior Leadership Team and report directly to the Chief Executive. Your directorate includes over 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
- Leading 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, and we’ll get that arranged.
Relocation Package
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.
Details
Location: South East, UK
Job Type: Permanent
Published: 13 May 2026
Executive Director - Modernisation & Customer Delivery in Southampton employer: Local Government Chronicle
Dorset Council is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and community engagement, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative digital initiatives in a beautiful and vibrant location. With a commitment to employee growth, a generous relocation package, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a real impact on residents' lives. Join us in shaping the future of public services while enjoying the stunning surroundings of Dorset.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director - Modernisation & Customer Delivery in Southampton
✨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 a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the council's digital strategy and recent initiatives. Show us that you're not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about improving community outcomes through technology.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led transformation programmes and 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, it shows us you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in Dorset.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director - Modernisation & Customer Delivery in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for the role. Don't just regurgitate your CV; tell us why this position excites you and how your experiences align with our vision.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Executive Director role. Highlight your experience in digital strategy and transformation, and show us how you've successfully led similar initiatives in the past. We love seeing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a leader, your approach matters. Use your application to demonstrate how you bring people along on the journey of change. Share stories that illustrate your ability to inspire teams and manage complex projects, especially in a public service context.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to engage with our process right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Local Government Chronicle
✨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 strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led transformation programmes before, focusing on governance, accountability, and user-centred design. Highlight your ability to inspire and build confidence among teams.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities facing local councils, especially in terms of technology and customer delivery. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to making Dorset a modern, sustainable unitary council and improve outcomes for communities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including elected members and the Chief Executive. Think about how you can effectively communicate your ideas and strategies to different audiences. Prepare to discuss your political awareness and how you've navigated complex stakeholder environments in the past.
