Executive Team, Trust Administration

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer center in the UK is seeking a Chief Data Officer (CDO) to lead a comprehensive data strategy, enhance innovative analytics, and improve personalized medicine. The successful candidate will shape the future of cancer care through data-driven decision-making, ensuring compliance with standards while promoting a data-literate culture. This role requires proven leadership in healthcare data initiatives, supporting operational excellence and research advancements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior data leadership, ideally in healthcare or the public sector.
• Strategic insight and technical expertise in data platforms, governance and analytics.
• Ability to influence at the executive level and inspire multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a Trust-wide data strategy.
• Drive innovation in AI, predictive modelling and population health analytics.
• Oversee data governance, architecture and quality across all systems.

Skills

Senior data leadership

Data governance

Data analytics

AI and predictive modelling

Collaboration

Communication

Job description

Why This Role Matters

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Chief Data Officer (CDO) to spearhead our journey toward becoming the UK's most intelligent cancer hospital. This rare opportunity will shape the future of cancer care through data, analytics and innovation – driving personalised medicine, operational excellence and ground‑breaking research.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a Trust‑wide data strategy aligned with national priorities such as Data Saves Lives and the NHS Long‑Term Plan.
• Drive innovation in AI, predictive modelling and population health analytics.
• Oversee data governance, architecture and quality across all systems.
• Enable secure, ethical data sharing to reduce health inequalities.
• Support research and clinical trials with high‑quality, curated data.
• Cultivate a data‑literate culture across the Trust, empowering staff to use data for better care and smarter decisions.
• Define the roadmap and oversee the implementation of organisational‑level data platforms, tools and capabilities to ensure Christie is a leader in real‑world data.
• Enable the use of data for clinical decision support, operational intelligence and performance improvement.
• Lead the development of advanced analytics capabilities, including AI and predictive modelling, to support population health and personalised care.
• Develop and implement a Trust‑wide data strategy that aligns with national priorities for cancer care.
• Lead data governance, ensuring compliance with standards (GDPR, Caldicott Principles, Ethics).
• Champion data literacy and foster a culture of data‑driven decision‑making across the Trust.
• Collaborate with partners to enable secure and ethical data sharing across organisational boundaries for the benefit of our patients.

Planning and Organisational Tasks / Duties

• Manage and lead teams in line with the Trust's workforce and related policies.
• Develop and achieve annual objectives for data services within the framework of the Trust's objectives and agreed strategy.
• Manage allocated budgets within the requirements of the Trust's Scheme of Delegation and Standing Financial Instructions.
• Produce an annual rolling investment plan for data infrastructure including capital, revenue and staffing resource.
• Lead the specification of data platforms.
• Measure and advance the Trust's analytical maturity using benchmarked standards of assessment.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures in line with best practice, ensuring compliance with safety and NHS Information Standards Notices.
• Ensure compliance with information governance, data protection and freedom of information guidance and legislation.

Responsibilities for Information Resources

• Support provision of modern digital infrastructure that fully supports operational, clinical and business data/intelligence needs of the Trust.
• Oversee the delivery of an effective set of comprehensive and proactive data and intelligence support services.
• Ensure the effective management of data assets, ensuring these are actively monitored with clear ownership and accountability.
• Provide effective data protection measures to adequately secure and maintain systems.
• Lead, link, partner and utilise resources and capabilities available from industry and NHS partners to advance data utilisation with patient needs at the centre of all decisions.

Personal Development and Conduct

• Adhere to impeccable standards of personal conduct and demonstrate commitment to the Trust's values.
• Ensure personal professional knowledge is regularly updated and kept abreast of relevant developments.
• Adhere to the expectations set by the Trust's values.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct for NHS Managers.
• Implement systems and processes so that in the event of absence, access to all appropriate information is maintained to allow the continued safe and effective running of services under your leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior data leadership, ideally in healthcare or the public sector.
• Strategic insight and technical expertise in data platforms, governance and analytics.
• Passion for innovation, curiosity and solving complex system‑wide challenges.
• Ability to influence at the executive level and inspire multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to equity, sustainability and ethical data use.

About The Christie

The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year and serving a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire. As a national specialist, about 15% of patients are referred from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy, chemotherapy, highly specialist surgery and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. The Christie is also an international leader in research, with world‑first breakthroughs for over 100 years and one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe, running over 300 trials every year.

Equal Opportunity

The Christie values diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all and fair representation across the organisation at all levels. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority people, disabled applicants and people from all backgrounds. We are fully committed to creating a balanced and diverse workforce and to tackling health inequalities in cancer care.

Other Information

All positions are subject to satisfactory written references, medical clearance and evidence of right to work in the UK. Some roles may require a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Please note that if you are successfully appointed you will be required to pay for your own DBS disclosure. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity, with a zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery in all forms. All communication regarding your application will be made via email – please check your junk/spam folders as they may be filtered. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, I regret that on this occasion your application will have been unsuccessful.