Band 9 Chief Technology Officer

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Technology Officer to provide strategic and operational leadership for technology across the Royal Free London Group. Reporting to the Chief Digital and Information Officer, this senior role will lead the Trust's enterprise technology strategy, architecture, infrastructure, cyber security, platforms and service operations, ensuring our digital foundations are secure, resilient and fit for the future.

The CTO will play a critical role in enabling safe, high-quality patient care and supporting clinical and operational transformation across all Trust sites. You will oversee complex technology services, major investment decisions, supplier partnerships and risk management, ensuring technology delivers value, reliability and innovation at scale.

As a key member of the Digital senior leadership team, you will work closely with clinical, operational and corporate leaders, system partners and national bodies to align technology with organisational priorities and NHS standards. You will lead and develop high-performing teams, drive continuous improvement, and act as Deputy CDIO when required.This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced digital and technology executive who can combine strategic vision, technical credibility and operational grip to help shape the future of healthcare technology across one of the largest NHS Trust groups.

Main duties of the job

The Chief Technology Officer will provide senior leadership for technology across the Royal Free London Group, ensuring that digital infrastructure, platforms, systems and services are secure, resilient, effective and aligned to the Trust's strategic priorities.

The postholder will:Lead the Trust's enterprise technology strategy, architecture and technology roadmap.Provide expert advice to the Chief Digital and Information Officer and executive leaders on technology risks, opportunities and investment.Ensure technology supports safe, high-quality patient care and effective operational delivery across all Trust sites.Lead the development of scalable, interoperable and future-ready technology platforms.Manage technology-related risks, cyber security assurance and business continuity arrangements.Oversee technology budgets, procurement, supplier relationships and commercial performance.Drive innovation and the adoption of emerging technologies to improve patient outcomes, staff experience and operational efficiency.Lead, develop and support high-performing technology teams, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.Work closely with clinical, operational, corporate, system and national partners to ensure technology enables transformation and meets NHS standards.

Person specification

Royal Free World Class Values

Essential

• Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values

Education & professional Qualifications

Essential

• Master's degree or higher in computer science, information technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Relevant technology certifications (e.g., ITIL, TOGAF, CHTE, FedIP, CCIE, CompTIA, DCP).

Experience

Essential

• Deep understanding of information technology principles, architectures, and best practices.
• Strong knowledge of relevant technologies, such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics.
• Ability to align technology with business objectives.
• Experience leading organizational change initiatives
• Proven track record of successful technology implementations and strategic planning.

Desirable

• Experience with healthcarespecific technology systems and regulations.
• Understanding of the healthcare industry and its challenges.
• Strong understanding of NHS policies, procedures, and standards.

Skills and aptitudes

Essential

• Determine the most appropriate technologies to achieve the organisation's objectives
• Assess the effect of changes on different parts of the organization and it's partners
• Identify underlying causes of technology challenges faced by other leaders ad make strategic recommendations to resolve them
• Ensure technical architecture, including programme platforms and shared infrastructure, reflects the technical structures needed to achieve the organisation's objectives

Ensure the organisation uses and shares the appropriate technology architecture at the appropriate time

Make architectural decisions for the organization taking into account costs, functionality, skills and other factors

Assess the full financial implication of a technology buying decision

Advise on the appropriate funding of shared technologies so that the cost is shared now and in future

Guide decision making on appropriate approaches for buying technology, services and human resources so that technology investments achieve organizational goals

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a wide range of significant previous, current and potential technologies

Assess if the organization has the most appropriate technologies to achieve its goals

Quickly assess unfamiliar technology for potential use in our organization

Detect and analyse early trends in society, technology, data or cyber security that could be important for your organization

Advise the organization on the implications of societal changes, new technologies and uses of data, such as ethical, security or legal implications

Support teams to identify and implement innovation that responds to and scales with a continually changing landscape

Introduce technologies and methods that address shared problems

Guide the organization to ensure it has the specialist digital, data and technology skills it needs

Develop organizational processes and ways of working so that digital and data roles you support can thrive

Continuously improve and optimize the organizational environment

Personal Qualities & attributes

Essential

• Adherence to the highest ethical standards and commitment to maintaining the trust of patients, staff, and the public.
• A strong problem -solving mindset, capable of identifying and addressing complex technical and organizational issues.
• The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, particularly during times of crisis or unexpected challenges.
• Willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new technologies and approaches.
• Understanding and appreciation of the needs and concerns of patients and staff.

About the employer

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts. Across three main hospitals, our dedicated army of staff care for over 1.6million patients, treat more than 200,000 in A&E, deliver over 8,000 babies and carry out more than 17million tests. Our size, scale and influence offer you unrivalled career opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to working that works around your lifestyle. From flexible hours and generous benefits, to next level training, we make it easier to take your career to the top. For more information please follow link https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/