Head of Digital & Operations

Start Network; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Start Network is seeking a Head of Digital & Operations to guide the organisation's digital and operational systems from London, with hybrid working. You will oversee a scalable, compliant, user-centered technology and data roadmap, aligning programme teams, local hubs, and network members to deliver reliable support and resilience.

The role requires strategic leadership, strong governance, and collaboration with senior teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large-scale digital and operational transformations in complex organisations.
• Expertise in technology strategy development, cyber security, IT service management, and modern digital architecture.
• Strong ability to build data governance, reporting, and insight capabilities.
• Experience designing multi-geography operational frameworks, policies, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Track record in change management and coaching teams.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the Digital & 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; oversee architecture, integrations, AI ethics, GDPR and cyber security.
• Operations & Resilience: Evolve operating model; oversee procurement, travel, security, facilities and business continuity.
• Programme Operations: Oversee operational support models for Start Fund, Start Ready and anticipatory action, with senior decision support on hosting and donor requirements.
• Team Management: Line-manage and develop a high-performing team with an inclusive, values-driven culture.
• Rota Responsibilities: Participate in weekend/holiday rota for programme delivery and on-call travel/security support.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Digital strategy

Cyber security

IT service management

Data governance

Change management

Stakeholder influence

Job description

Salary: £62,415 - £64,058.

Location: London – Hybrid Working.

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.

Essential Criteria:

• 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.

Desirable Criteria:

• 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.