Chief Technology Officer

Wellcome is a politically and financially independent global charitable foundation, dedicated to supporting research to improve health, based in London, UK. It funds its work with the returns from an investment portfolio, which is managed in-house and currently stands at £37bn. Wellcome’s vision is a healthier future for everyone, which it works to achieve through its mission of supporting science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. Wellcome’s strategy centres on programmes that enable the funding of research, advocating for change and engaging people. Under the current strategy, Wellcome has identified three urgent health challenges facing everyone – Climate and Health, Infectious Diseases, and Mental Health – which need a solutions focussed approach. It is also deeply committed to funding and supporting open-ended, curiosity-driven discovery research that generates new knowledge, insights and understanding about life, health and wellbeing.

Reporting directly into the COO, the Chief Technology Officer will be a member of the Extended Executive Committee and Operations Leadership Team and will lead Wellcome's Data, Digital and Technology function of approximately 175 colleagues. The CTO will define and deliver a coherent enterprise-wide vision and strategy for technology, data and digital capability across Wellcome, supporting its organisational objectives and long-term ambitions. They will lead the next phase of Wellcome’s transformation, balancing long-term change with operational stability, resilience and business confidence.

Key priorities will include:

• Establishing an enterprise data strategy across governance, architecture, analytics and business intelligence;
• Shaping Wellcome’s responsible adoption of AI and automation;
• Modernising its technology platforms and enterprise architecture;
• Strengthening cyber security, technology risk, data protection and governance.

The CTO will also build a high-performing and engaged Data, Digital and Technology function and develop trusted relationships across Wellcome’s leadership community and with strategic technology partners. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision, enterprise transformation experience and technological depth with strong people leadership. They will have experience leading large-scale technology, data and digital functions within complex organisations and a proven track record of delivering enterprise-wide transformation. Collaborative, pragmatic and outcome-focused, they will bring the ability to win hearts and minds through a change agenda and a genuine enthusiasm for Wellcome’s mission to improve health through science.

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.

Upon a conditional offer being made, the successful applicant for this position will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (or equivalent) criminal record check to disclose any ‘unspent’ criminal convictions or conditional cautions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.