Head of Technology and Data

Lead the SWSDE technology and data function and develop its strategy, architecture, engineering capability and long-term roadmap.

Oversee secure cloud infrastructure, data platforms and technology services, ensuring they are resilient, scalable and aligned with NHS and organisational standards.

Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, including data engineers, platform specialists and technical managers, while building sustainable in-house capability.

Direct technology and data projects through effective prioritisation, governance, risk management and delivery oversight.

Set technical policies, standards, service levels and operating frameworks, and oversee onboarding, platform development, interoperability and data engineering.

Manage suppliers, cloud providers and technology partners, including procurement, commissioning and contracts.

Control technology budgets, cloud costs, licensing and resources to deliver value for money.

Promote secure-by-design, automation, infrastructure-as-code and continuous improvement.

Provide expert advice and clear technical, operational, financial and performance information to leaders, governance groups and partners.

Represent the SWSDE technology and data function at regional and national forums.

Educated to master's level or equivalent senior-level experience within technology, digital or data services.

Significant experience leading technology, cloud, platform or data services within a complex or regulated environment.

Strong technical knowledge across cloud infrastructure, data engineering, interoperability, architecture and secure digital services.

Extensive experience leading and developing multidisciplinary technical teams.

Experience setting technology strategy and delivering complex technical programmes, roadmaps and service improvements.

Ability to combine strategic leadership with practical oversight of delivery, performance and technical operations.

Strong understanding of information governance, cyber security, data protection and relevant compliance frameworks.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills, including experience working with senior leaders and external partners.

Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to manage risk and operate effectively in complex or ambiguous situations.

Experience managing competing priorities and delivering programmes within agreed timescales and resources.

Experience of budget management, financial planning, procurement and supplier or contract management within technology or digital services.

Understanding of NHS structures and digital transformation, or the ability to apply experience gained in another complex or regulated sector.

Commitment to collaborative leadership, equality, innovation and continuous improvement.

Experience working with Secure Data Environments, Trusted Research Environments or health research infrastructure.

Knowledge of SATRE, the Data Security and Protection Toolkit, ISO 27001 or related security and assurance standards.

Relevant cloud, cyber security, architecture or technical qualifications.

Experience of DevOps, automation, infrastructure-as-code, platform engineering or agile delivery.

Experience managing cloud services, licensing, platform performance or large-scale technology suppliers.

Experience working across regional or national partnerships and representing organisations in relevant professional forums.

We are committed to creating an inclusive organisation that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community; from people of all ages, disabled people, all genders, people from ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with diverse gender identity and expression, people from all religions and beliefs and other diverse characteristics, and we have processes in place to ensure that all applications are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

Knowledge, Training and Experience

Communciation

Desirable: - Experience representing organisations within regional or national technical, digital or research forums.

Analytical

Desirable: - Experience analysing platform performance, cloud consumption, operational metrics or service data to support transformation and improvement activities.

Planning Skills

Desirable: - Experience of agile delivery, programme management or enterprise architecture approaches.

Management Skills

Desirable: - Experience building in-house engineering or cloud capability and reducing reliance on external delivery partners.

Autonomy

Physical Skills

Essential: - Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools with appropriate keyboard and system skills.

Equality and Diversity

Financial and Physical Resources

Essential: - Significant experience managing budgets, financial planning, resource allocation and financial governance within technology, digital or operational services.

Desirable: - Experience managing cloud consumption, licensing or largescale supplier contracts.

Other

Desirable: - Experience working across organisational boundaries within regional or national partnerships