Head of Digital & Operations

The Start Network; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Start Network in London is seeking a strategic Head of Digital & Operations to steer our operational and digital systems. You will oversee scalable, compliant, user-centred support across programme teams, hubs and network members, driving improvements and resilience.

As the senior digital sponsor, you will own our technology and data roadmap, embed cyber security controls, and lead cross-organisational transformation with a focus on governance, AI/automation ethics, GDPR compliance, and risk

Qualifications

• Leadership of large-scale digital and operational transformations.
• Expertise in technology strategy development, cyber security, IT service management, and modern digital architecture.
• Strong data governance, reporting, and insight capabilities.
• Experience designing multi-geography operational frameworks, policies, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Background in humanitarian, international development, or charity sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Digital and Operations function, oversee its budget, sit on the Senior Management Group, and advise the Senior Leadership Team and Board Committees.
• Own the technology, data, and digital strategy; oversee architecture, system integrations, GDPR, and cyber security.
• Oversee procurement, travel, security, facilities, and business continuity planning.
• Oversee operational support models for funds and initiatives; provide senior decision support on hosting, donor requirements.
• Line-manage, coach, and develop a high-performing team while fostering an inclusive, values-driven culture.
• Participate in a weekend and holiday rota for programme delivery and travel/security on-call.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Cyber Security

IT Service Management

Data Governance

Change Management

Stakeholder Influence

Team Coaching

Job description

Contract: Full-time (35 hours/week), Permanent

Line Manager: Director of People Operations and Assurance

Line Reports: Digital Delivery Lead, Operations Manager, Organisational Strengthening Manager, Data Manager

About Start Network

Start Network is a global network of over 150 local, national, and international NGOs. We act as a catalyst for system-level change to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and ethics of humanitarian action. By devolving power, resources, and decision-making to locally led networks and hubs, we build early financing systems and community-led solutions that anticipate and respond to crises.

The Role

We are seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Head of Digital & Operations to lead our operational and digital systems. You will oversee the continuous improvement of our infrastructure, ensuring our programme teams, local hubs, and network members have scalable, compliant, and user-centred support.

As Start Network’s senior digital sponsor, you will own our digital and data roadmap, embed cyber security controls, strengthen operational resilience, and drive cross-organisational transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the Digital and Operations function, oversee its budget, sit on the Senior Management Group, and advise the Senior Leadership Team and Board Committees.
• Digital Strategy & Governance: Own the technology, data, and digital strategy. Provide senior oversight of digital architecture, system integrations, AI/automation ethics, GDPR, and cyber security.
• Operations & Resilience: Evolve the organisation's operating model. Oversee frameworks for procurement, travel, security, facilities, and business continuity planning.
• Programme Operations: Oversee the operational support models for key funds and initiatives (Start Fund, Start Ready, anticipatory action). Provide senior decision support on complex issues including hosting, compliance, safeguarding, and donor requirements.
• Team Management: Line-manage, coach, and develop a high-performing team of specialists while fostering an inclusive, values-driven culture.
• Rota Responsibilities: Participate in a weekend and holiday rota for smooth programme delivery (Start Fund/Start Ready) and on-call travel/security support.
• Proven experience leading large-scale digital and operational transformations in complex, multi-stakeholder organisations.
• Expertise in technology strategy development, cyber security, IT service management, and modern digital architecture.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong data governance, reporting, and insight capabilities.
• Experience designing multi-geography operational frameworks, policies, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong leadership track record in change management, stakeholder influence, and team coaching.
• Background in the humanitarian, international development, or charity sectors.
• Experience working with Board committees, executive teams, and managing complex third-party vendor relationships.
• Proficiency in Start Network working languages in addition to English.

Travel

This role involves up to 4 weeks of international travel per year to conferences, Start Network hubs, or countries of operation.

Timelines

• Applications close on Monday 5th October.
• 1st Stage Interviews scheduled for w/c 12th October.