At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital, data and technology strategy to enhance children's outcomes.
- Company: Save the Children UK, a leading charity with a global impact.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team focused on impactful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of DDaT and transform lives for children.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in digital transformation and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Save the Children UK is part of a global movement and works to ensure every child survives, learns, and is protected, delivering life-changing impact across the UK. As one of the most recognisable charities in the UK with over 600,000 supporters, we’ve fought for children in this country since our establishment in 1919. We support children to transform their lives by putting their rights at the core of all our work, and are committed to making a positive, lasting difference for children.
At the heart of this mission, our Digital, Data and Technology function powers the systems, data and platforms that enable impact at scale across programmes, partners and internal operations. As part of a new strategy, Save the Children UK is entering a new phase in the evolution of its DDaT function. Our newly designed Director of DDaT role will lead this next stage of development, with a clear focus on stabilising a demand-led technology environment, strengthening core foundations, and resetting the long-term digital and technology strategy.
This is a critical turning point for our organisation, and your success in post will ensure that this newly designed role sits at a critical turning point for the organisation and has been shaped to reflect current organisational priorities: ensuring DDaT is fully aligned to mission delivery; operating with the right level of resilience and capability of a best-in-class DDaT function and positioned to support future transformation across our organisation.
What you will do:
- Provide strategic leadership for DDaT, stabilising the environment while rebuilding capability, morale, trust and delivery confidence; act as a trusted advisor to Executive and Board, translating technical complexity into clear business insight; and build stakeholder confidence through visible leadership and consistent delivery of value from digital investment.
- Lead and develop the DDaT team, fostering a high-performing culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement; and build alignment across Save the Children UK and the wider international movement through strong stakeholder engagement and digital champions.
- Define and deliver a coherent technology strategy and road map aligned to organisational priorities, translating these into clear, practical digital, data and technology delivery plans.
- Develop compelling business cases for change, securing investment and stakeholder commitment for complex digital, data and technology transformation programmes.
- Lead the delivery of strategic DDaT transformation initiatives, aligning technology investment with business priorities to improve service outcomes, efficiency and organisational resilience, and delivering measurable organisational and mission impact.
- Build organisational and systems capability for future digital transformation, establishing scalable technology platforms, modern architectures and sustainable operating models.
- Provide technical leadership across enterprise architecture, service management, platforms, data and systems change; strengthen governance, operational discipline and service management standards; and oversee systems, suppliers, integrations and technical debt to ensure resilience, performance and value for money.
- Lead the development of data maturity, strengthening governance, foundations and insight capability to enable evidence-based decision-making across strategy, operations and service delivery.
- Strengthen cybersecurity, risk management, governance and compliance across all digital and technology services; enable safe adoption of emerging technologies (including AI); and drive simplification, standardisation and optimisation of business processes to improve efficiency and service effectiveness.
- Embed user-centred, service-led design and lead and advocate organisational change and adoption to ensure digital, data and technology investments are successfully embedded and deliver sustained benefits, supported by clear benefits realisation and value measurement.
This is a rare opportunity to both fix the foundations and shape the future, combining immediate stabilisation of core services with long-term transformation that directly improves outcomes for children. If you are a calm, credible and experienced DDaT leader who thrives in complex environments and wants to combine immediate impact with long-term transformation, this is a chance to undertake a role that genuinely matters.
Director of Digital, Data & Technology in London employer: Save the Children UK
Save the Children UK is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative digital initiatives that directly impact children's lives. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, we empower our team to innovate and excel in a mission-driven environment. Located in the heart of the UK, we provide a supportive atmosphere where your contributions are valued, and you can make a meaningful difference in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Digital, Data & Technology in London
✨Get Involved in Tech Transfer Events
Tech transfer is all about networking, so make sure you're attending industry conferences and seminars related to technology commercialization. Events like the AUTM Annual Meeting or local innovation workshops are clutch for meeting key players and learning what's trending—plus, you might just bump into someone from Save the Children UK!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio can really make you stand out. Highlight any projects where you successfully brought a technology to market or improved a process. Sharing case studies or insights on platforms like LinkedIn can catch the eye of recruiters at Save the Children UK, showing them you’ve got the chops for the job.
✨Leverage University Connections
Many universities have strong tech transfer offices—connect with them! They often have ties to industry and can help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you might find openings or internship opportunities that lead to this full-time role at places like Save the Children UK.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join forums or online communities focused on tech transfer and commercialization. Platforms like ResearchGate or industry-specific Slack channels are great for connecting with professionals, discussing trends, and possibly learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Remember, your next opportunity could be just a message away!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Digital, Data & Technology in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Transfer Know-How:In the tech transfer and commercialization world, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of intellectual property, patents, and market analysis. Make sure your CV includes relevant projects or experiences where you successfully navigated these areas. Any certifications in commercialisation would also give you a serious edge!
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the position at Save the Children UK, but also your knowledge of current trends in technology-transfer. Discuss specific cases where you've contributed to commercialising innovations or enhancing research outcomes—this will show you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on!
Quantify Your Achievements:In this field, numbers count! Whether it's successful licensing deals, funding acquired for projects, or percentage increases in collaboration outcomes, include these metrics in your CV. They not only make your accomplishments more tangible but also demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Business Acumen:Understanding the business side is just as crucial as the tech side! When writing your application, weave in examples that illustrate your strategic thinking and your role in negotiations or partnerships. This balance of skills is what will set you apart for a full-time role at Save the Children UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Save the Children UK
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Knowledge
Brush up on key technologies and trends in technology transfer and commercialization. Be ready to showcase your understanding of licensing agreements and the innovation lifecycle, as well as any specific tools or software used in the field.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role isn't just about tech; it's also about understanding the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach bringing a technology to market, including strategies for assessing commercial viability and potential partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you'd approach real-world challenges in technology transfer, like negotiating a deal or handling stakeholder concerns—this can help us get a sense of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in scenarios that involved tech developers and business strategists coming together.
