At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and enhance customer delivery for a modern council.
- Company: Dorset Council, committed to sustainability and community improvement.
- Benefits: Generous salary, relocation package, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to creating a better Dorset for all.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local government and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in digital strategy and transformation leadership.
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, jennifer.prince@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or 01305 221 394 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 Dorchester employer: New Start
Dorset Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative digital initiatives in a beautiful and community-focused location. With a commitment to modernisation and sustainability, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside generous relocation packages and professional growth opportunities. 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 (Full Time) in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already working at Dorset Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the council's digital strategy and recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just a candidate but someone who’s genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your past experiences align with the role. We want to hear about your successes in leading transformation programmes and how you’ve tackled challenges head-on.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director – Modernisation & Customer Delivery (Full Time) in Dorchester
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 unitary council, so share your ideas on how technology and data can enhance customer experience.
Be Specific About Your Experience:We’re looking for someone with a solid track record in shaping and delivering digital strategies. Make sure to highlight specific projects or roles where you've successfully led transformation programmes, especially those that involved user-centred design and agile delivery.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for before you hit 'send'!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Start
✨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 prepared to discuss your previous experiences in shaping and delivering digital strategies, and how you can bring that expertise to Dorset Council.
✨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, managed teams, and ensured accountability in your past roles. Highlight your ability to bring people along during uncomfortable changes.
✨Understand User-Centred Design
Familiarise yourself with user-centred design principles and be ready to discuss how you've championed these in previous positions. Show that you understand the importance of making services accessible for everyone, not just the easy-to-reach users.
✨Be Ready for Financial Discussions
Since you'll be overseeing significant technology and transformation budgets, brush up on your financial discipline. Be prepared to talk about how you've managed budgets in the past and how you ensure investments are grounded in actual user needs rather than aspirations.
