Head of Digital Transformation in London

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with the Henry Smith Foundation on the recruitment of a newly created Head of Digital Transformation role. This is a unique opportunity to lead a significant organisation-wide transformation programme and help shape how one of the UK's leading independent foundations uses digital, data and technology to maximise its impact.

As the Foundation continues to grow and evolve, it has recognised the need for a strategic leader who can bring together systems, data, technology and people into a clear and ambitious digital vision. This is an opportunity to build and lead a digital transformation agenda from the ground up, working closely with senior leaders, trustees, colleagues and external partners to create a more connected, data-informed and future-ready organisation.

The Opportunity

The Foundation has grown significantly over the last decade, with increasing organisational ambition and a more complex operating environment. Alongside core grant-making activities, the organisation has developed new programmes, partnerships and ways of working that require a more strategic approach to technology and data. While many systems and processes work well individually, the organisation is now seeking someone who can create a joined-up digital strategy that supports its long-term goals.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, Investments and Resources, you will lead the Foundation's digital, data and technology transformation programme. You will define and deliver a multi-year roadmap, oversee key technology and systems projects, and build digital capability across the organisation. Most importantly, you will help colleagues embrace change and ensure digital becomes part of how the organisation thinks and works every day.

This role offers a rare combination of strategic influence and practical delivery. The successful candidate will shape major decisions around systems, data, AI and organisational capability, whilst also working closely with colleagues to ensure solutions are adopted, embedded and delivering measurable benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the Foundation's digital, data and technology strategy and transformation roadmap.
• Drive organisation-wide improvements in systems, processes, data management and digital capability.
• Lead digital transformation projects from concept through to implementation and adoption.
• Champion effective use of technology, including Microsoft 365 tools, collaboration platforms and emerging AI opportunities.
• Build strong relationships across the organisation and act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Support colleagues through change by providing leadership, communication, training and coaching.
• Manage suppliers, consultants and implementation partners to ensure successful delivery of digital initiatives.
• Line manage the IT and Data Compliance Manager and provide strategic oversight of digital operations and governance.
• Create a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and digital confidence.

About You

We’re keen to hear from candidates who have successfully led digital transformation programmes and understand that meaningful change is ultimately about people as much as technology.

You might currently be a Head of Digital, Head of Transformation, Digital Programme Lead, Technology Transformation Leader or similar, and will likely bring:

• A proven track record of leading organisation-wide digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience developing and delivering digital strategies and multi-year transformation roadmaps.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build credibility at all levels.
• Experience leading change, improving adoption of technology and developing digital capability across teams.
• The confidence to operate strategically whilst remaining hands-on when required.
• Strong project, programme and supplier management experience.
• The ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical, engaging and accessible conversations.
• A collaborative and relationship-focused approach, combined with resilience, pragmatism and curiosity.

The Foundation is particularly interested in candidates who can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery, and who understand how to introduce change at a pace that brings people with them rather than leaving them behind.

What’s on Offer?

• Salary: £67,000 - £70,000 per annum
• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (Part Time considered)
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: Hybrid, Attendance is expected at least 1 day per week in the Kings Cross office, but with some variation.
• Closing Date: 28th August
• First-stage Interviews: Thursday 10 September 2026
• Second-stage Interviews: Monday 14 September 2026 (afternoon)

Commitment to Diversity

The Henry Smith Foundation are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Requesting reasonable adjustments

We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application or interview stages, please let us know. You can share your needs at any point in the process. Adjustments can be tailored to suit both physical and mental health needs. Our team will work with you to ensure you have what you need to perform at your best.

Our approach to candidates using AI in applications

We recognise that technology, including AI tools, can be helpful when preparing job applications, and we welcome the use of tools that support you in presenting your experience clearly. However, it’s important that your application genuinely reflects your own skills, experience, and voice. We therefore recommend reviewing any AI-generated content carefully to ensure accuracy and authenticity. If you are invited to interview, we’ll want to hear directly from you about your skills and experiences. Any significant differences between your application and how you present yourself in person may negatively impact your application.