Regional Chief Technology Officer in Bristol

Director of Finance & Operations (Salisbury) – delegated authority for all employment and day‑to‑day management of the post holder. The line manager is a Joint Steering Committee that provides strategic oversight.

Responsibilities

• Act as Principal Technology Advisor to Diocesan Secretaries and senior leadership teams.
• Develop, articulate, and implement a shared digital transformation and technology strategy aligned with the mission and strategic goals of the five dioceses.
• Lead a comprehensive, collaborative review of key administrative and operational processes within the Diocesan Boards of Finance and, where appropriate, in parishes.
• Use process‑mapping techniques to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement and then design and implement optimised workflows.
• Research, evaluate, pilot, and implement appropriate AI and automation tools to enhance efficiency, support fundraising, and improve service delivery, ensuring responsible, ethical application.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clergy, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders, fostering a culture of digital literacy and championing change.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of technology and process improvement projects, from business case development through delivery, user training and hand‑over, employing robust project management methodologies to ensure on‑time and within‑budget delivery.
• Ensure all technological solutions are secure, resilient and fully compliant with UK GDPR and data‑security best practices.
• Develop, implement and maintain clear technology policies and procedures for the consortium.
• Travel regularly across the South West region, be on‑site with each diocese at least once a month and attend events outside normal working hours on a “time off in lieu” basis.
• Handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements and the DBF Equal Opportunities Policy.

Qualifications

• Proven and extensive senior technology leadership experience (e.g. CTO, Head of IT, Director of Digital Transformation) with clear evidence of strategic impact.
• Relevant degree (or equivalent) in a technology‑related discipline and appropriate professional certifications in technology, architecture, project or change management, and membership of a relevant professional body.
• Strong track record in business process mapping, analysis and re‑engineering delivering measurable efficiency gains.
• Practical experience evaluating, procuring and implementing modern technology solutions including cloud platforms (e.g. Microsoft 365), CRM systems and data‑analytics tools.
• Demonstrable experience of, or well‑informed and practical interest in, the responsible and ethical application of AI and automation in an organisational context.
• Significant experience in technology strategy, budget management, vendor negotiation and delivery of complex, multi‑stakeholder programmes.
• Experience in the charity, non‑profit or similarly complex, values‑driven sector is highly desirable.

Competencies

• Exceptional communicator and translator: Able to convey complex technical concepts in clear, accessible language and influence a wide range of non‑technical stakeholders with confidence.
• Strategic yet pragmatic thinker: Sees the big picture and aligns technology with organisational priorities while remaining hands‑on and focused on practical, value‑adding solutions.
• Collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader: Builds trust and consensus across diverse stakeholders and cultures, leading change with empathy, credibility and sensitivity.
• Resilient and delivery‑focused: Proactive and self‑motivated, with drive and discipline to deliver complex, multi‑year programmes and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Culturally astute and values‑aware: Demonstrates understanding of and respect for the Church of England’s context, governance, and ethos, navigating the environment with diplomacy and good judgement.