At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation and innovation across services and product development.
- Company: Join whg, a top employer dedicated to affordable housing and community sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 27 days leave, pension scheme, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values diversity and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services and make a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital leadership, project management, and agile methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 96000 £ per year.
Salary: £87,000 per annum plus excellent benefits
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Contract: Full Time, Permanent, 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 9th January 2026
Interview Date: 20th January 2026 (Teams) and 6th February 2026 (In-Person)
Shape the future of Digital - Lead Transformation!
Are you an inspiring digital leader ready to drive transformation at scale? We’re looking for an exceptional Assistant Director of Digital & Product to set the strategic vision for digital services, product development and modern engineering across whg. This is a unique opportunity to lead digital innovation. You will provide senior strategic leadership across digital services, enterprise platforms and product delivery.
Main job responsibilities:
- Provide senior leadership across digital services, enterprise platforms, product delivery and customer-focused innovation.
- Own and drive the digital, product and platform roadmap, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and long-term transformation goals.
- Embed design thinking and user-centred design across all digital and product initiatives.
- Champion agile product management, ensuring teams deliver iteratively, efficiently and with measurable impact.
- Oversee modern engineering practices, ensuring platforms and products are secure, scalable and high performing.
- Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, including Product Managers, Delivery Managers, Engineers and Digital Specialists.
- Drive integration and interoperability across core systems, ensuring enterprise platforms work seamlessly together.
- Promote innovation and emerging technologies, including AI, automation and modern digital tools.
- Ensure governance, standards and best practice are embedded across digital and product development.
- Collaborate with senior leaders to translate business needs into digital solutions that improve customer and colleague experience.
- Manage budgets, performance and resources, ensuring digital investment delivers clear value and measurable outcomes.
- Oversee risk management and cyber considerations, ensuring digital services are secure and resilient.
- Represent digital and product strategy at executive forums, boards and transformation steering groups.
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Recognised programme/project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, MSP) and/or Agile delivery qualification (e.g. Scrum Master), or substantial experience in managing complex digital portfolios.
- Experience of software development practices and lifecycles, including Agile/SCRUM, DevOps, UX/UI, MVP, and customer-centred digital service design.
- Experience leading digital, product, or technology functions in complex organisations, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale digital and organisational transformation.
- A deep understanding of digital product lifecycle management and modern software delivery approaches, including Agile, DevOps, and continuous delivery.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience managing capital and revenue budgets and securing value from investment in technology.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and make strategic decisions that deliver early and continuous value.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, both internal and strategic priorities and secure commitment to digital and AI innovation.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience producing clear, compelling content for executive audiences (e.g. Boards) and delivering impactful presentations.
- Proven experience building, coaching, and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams, including technical, product, and early-career professionals.
- Demonstrated ability to use data and insights to drive strategic change, prioritise investment, and improve performance across business areas.
- Knowledge of AI and automation technologies and their practical application within digital products and services.
- Awareness of digital ethics, data protection legislation (e.g. UK GDPR), sustainability, and inclusive technology practices.
- A strong strategic mindset able to inspire and align others to deliver complex, organisation-wide digital and product initiatives.
What’s in it for you?
In return, you will receive a competitive salary, 27 days annual leave (plus Christmas shut down), a defined benefit pension scheme, health cash plan, and a range of shopping and leisure discounts. We are output focused and flexible and believe in giving colleagues the right balance of autonomy and support to enable them to work to their full potential. Despite the high expectation for performance and delivery, we are committed to ensuring colleagues have a healthy work-life balance and able to work in agile ways which support them.
About Us
At whg, we are dedicated to providing affordable homes across the Midlands and creating sustainable communities. We believe everyone has the right to a safe and secure home, which is the foundation for a successful life. Our values— Trustworthy, Respectful, Accountable, Collaborative and Excellent — guide our work and our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We have been recognised as a top employer in the prestigious Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025. The awards celebrate the top employers in the UK who are leading the way in employee pride, job satisfaction and wellbeing, as well as reward and recognition. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to providing opportunities and support for all applicants, including those with disabilities.
Assistant Director - Digital and Product in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
At whg, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes 27 days of annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme, and a health cash plan. Our work culture is centred around flexibility and autonomy, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while fostering professional growth through leadership opportunities in digital innovation. As a recognised top employer, we are committed to inclusivity and employee wellbeing, making whg a rewarding place to advance your career in the heart of Walsall.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Digital and Product in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with people in the industry, attend events, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews like a pro! Research the company, understand their digital strategy, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. We believe that the more you practice, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We’re all about making connections, and this is a great way to keep the conversation going.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Digital and Product in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Director - Digital and Product. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your ability to lead and inspire teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and driven digital transformation in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured content that communicates your ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is received directly by us and helps streamline the process. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Know Your Digital Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in digital transformation, product management, and agile methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in your previous roles, especially in leading teams and driving innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams. Think about times when you’ve successfully influenced stakeholders or managed complex projects, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research whg’s mission and values thoroughly. Be prepared to explain how your strategic vision aligns with their goals, particularly in terms of digital services and customer-focused innovation. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think through potential challenges related to digital product delivery and how you would address them, using data and insights to back up your strategies.
