Deputy Chief Information Officer (Digital Services)

East Of England Community Health And Care Nhs Trust; Huntingdon; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

East Of England Community Health And Care Nhs Trust is seeking an exceptional digital leader to join the executive team as Deputy CIO (Digital Services). The role will shape the future of community healthcare through secure, innovative digital services that support clinicians, frontline teams and patients, reporting to the CIO and driving transformation.

You will lead digital operations, cyber security, clinical systems and technology partnerships, build high‑performing teams, influence at

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience within a complex digital or technology environment.
• Proven ability to develop digital strategies that support organisational transformation and improved service outcomes.
• Significant experience of leading large multidisciplinary teams through periods of change, transformation and organisational growth.
• Experience of operating successfully at a system leadership level.
• Demonstrable success in developing strategic partnerships across organisational and system boundaries.
• Experience of managing large-scale digital programmes, technology implementations and service transitions.
• Significant experience of commercial management including supplier negotiations, contract management, procurement and benefits realisation.
• Experience of leading cyber security and digital risk management functions.
• Proven track record of developing business cases, securing investment and delivering measurable return on investment.
• Experience of managing substantial budgets and financial resources.
• Experience of delivering digital services through both internal teams and external partnerships.
• Evidence of driving innovation and adopting emerging technologies to improve organisational performance and customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for digital services across the organisation.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, resilient and secure digital services.
• Act as a senior advisor on technology, architecture, cyber security and digital service performance.
• Drive innovation and identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies.
• Develop strong partnerships with suppliers, healthcare organisations, academic institutions and technology partners.
• Lead complex service transitions and digital change programmes that improve user experience and service outcomes.
• Support the CIO in delivering the organisation's digital vision and long-term strategy.

Skills

Strategic thinker

Inspirational leader

Stakeholder influence

Commercial judgement

Customer focus

Executive communication

Education

Master's degree in Information Technology, Digital Transformation, Health Informatics, Business Administration or equivalent senior leadership experience

Senior leadership qualification (CMI, ILM or equivalent)

Evidence of continuing professional development at senior leadership level

Job description

Job summary

Shape the future of digital healthcare

We are seeking an exceptional and ambitious digital leader to join our executive digital leadership team as Deputy Chief Information Officer (Digital Services).

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of community healthcare through innovative, reliable and secure digital services that support clinicians, frontline teams and the patients we serve. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering our Clinical and Care Strategy, leading high‑performing teams and driving continuous improvement across digital operations, cyber security, clinical systems, service delivery and technology partnerships.

This role goes beyond operational management. We are looking for a strategic thinker, an inspirational leader and a skilled relationship builder who can translate vision into delivery, influence at senior levels and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence.

Main duties of the job

As Deputy CIO, you will provide leadership across our Digital Services portfolio, overseeing digital operations, clinical systems, technical assurance, cyber security, service transition and customer‑focused service delivery. You will also play a key role in developing partnerships, managing supplier relationships and ensuring our digital services support both organisational priorities and future transformation ambitions.

• Provide strategic leadership for digital services across the organisation.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality, resilient and secure digital services.
• Act as a senior advisor on technology, architecture, cyber security and digital service performance.
• Drive innovation and identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies.
• Develop strong partnerships with suppliers, healthcare organisations, academic institutions and technology partners.
• Lead complex service transitions and digital change programmes that improve user experience and service outcomes.
• Support the CIO in delivering the organisation's digital vision and long‑term strategy.

About us

Who We're Looking For

We're interested in talented digital leaders who bring a blend of strategic thinking, commercial awareness and people leadership.

You may currently work in healthcare, technology, government, local authority, defence, higher education or another complex organisation where digital services are mission‑critical.

Most importantly, you will have:

• A proven track record of leading large‑scale digital, technology or transformation portfolios.
• Experience building and leading high‑performing teams.
• Strong commercial and supplier management skills.
• The ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders.
• Experience delivering innovation and transformational change.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• The credibility and confidence to operate at executive level.

NHS experience is welcome, but not essential

We recognise that exceptional digital leadership exists across many sectors.

While experience of healthcare and NHS environments would be advantageous, we are equally interested in candidates who have successfully delivered digital services, transformation and innovation in other large, complex and highly regulated organisations.

Job responsibilities

Why Join Us?

• Influence digital strategy at the highest level.
• Lead talented and dedicated digital professionals.
• Deliver meaningful change that improves services for patients and staff.
• Work across organisational and system partnerships.
• Shape the future direction of digital healthcare.
• Be part of an ambitious organisation with a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Join us and help shape the next generation of digital healthcare.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Master's degree in Information Technology, Digital Transformation, Health Informatics, Business Administration or equivalent senior leadership experience.
• Evidence of significant continuing professional development at senior leadership level.
• Senior leadership or management qualification (CMI, ILM or equivalent).

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in Digital Leadership, Business Management or Organisational Development.
• ITIL Expert/Managing Professional qualification.
• Prince2, MSP, Agile or equivalent programme management qualification.
• Recognised professional qualification in Digital, Technology or Cyber Security.

Experience

Essential

• Extensive senior leadership experience within a complex digital or technology environment.
• Proven experience of developing and delivering digital strategies that support organisational transformation and improved service outcomes.
• Significant experience of leading large multidisciplinary teams through periods of change, transformation and organisational growth.
• Experience of operating successfully at a system leadership level.
• Demonstrable success in developing strategic partnerships across organisational and system boundaries.
• Experience of managing large-scale digital programmes, technology implementations and service transitions.
• Significant experience of commercial management including supplier negotiations, contract management, procurement and benefits realisation.
• Experience of leading cyber security and digital risk management functions.
• Proven track record of developing business cases, securing investment and delivering measurable return on investment.
• Experience of managing substantial budgets and financial resources.
• Experience of delivering digital services through both internal teams and external partnerships.
• Evidence of driving innovation and adopting emerging technologies to improve organisational performance and customer experience.

Desirable

• Experience within NHS provider organisations.
• Experience working across Integrated Care Systems and / or multi‑agency partnerships.
• Experience contributing to national or regional digital programmes.
• Experience supporting commercial digital services delivered to external customers.
• Experience of information governance.

Skills, abilities and knowledge

Essential

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into practical delivery.
• Inspirational and visible leader who creates high‑performing, values‑driven teams.
• Able to influence and negotiate credibly with senior stakeholders, executives, clinicians, suppliers and system partners.
• Demonstrates political awareness and the ability to navigate complex organisational environments.
• Strong commercial judgement and ability to balance risk, investment and organisational benefit.
• Highly developed analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity and complexity while maintaining focus on outcomes.
• Excellent programme and portfolio leadership skills.
• Ability to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong decision‑making capability supported by evidence and insight.
• Demonstrates resilience and sound judgement when managing major incidents, operational pressures or organisational risk.
• Ability to foster collaboration across professional, organisational and geographical boundaries.
• Strong focus on customer experience and service excellence.

Communication

Essential

• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex digital, technical and commercial matters in a clear and compelling manner.
• Proven ability to influence at Board, Executive and system leadership level.
• Skilled in building consensus across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive, complex and potentially contentious situations with diplomacy and credibility.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with internal and external partners.

Personal and People Development

Essential

• Authentic and inclusive leadership style.
• Visible commitment to our values – Integrity, Compassion, Inclusion and Ambition and improving patient outcomes.
• Innovative and forward‑thinking mindset.
• Highly motivated with the ability to inspire others.
• Demonstrates integrity, accountability and professional credibility.
• Customer‑focused and outcome‑driven.
• Collaborative and partnership‑oriented approach.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

Desirable

• Curious, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement.

Other

Essential

• Ability to travel across Trust and partner sites.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.