Director of Digital and Data Transformation

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for digital transformation and a track record of delivering successful outcomes? Do you want to lead a high-impact programme that will shape the future of West Midlands Combined Authority? Do you have what it takes to win ‘hearts and minds’ and bring people together?

We are seeking a Director of Digital and Data Transformation to lead our digital transformation programme. This role is pivotal in developing and delivering a strategic plan that aligns with WMCA’s vision, driving continuous improvement and innovation.

Please note: this role is offered on a fixed term basis until the end of March 2026.

What you will be doing:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide effective and visible leadership in developing and managing the digital transformation programme across the organisation.
• Roadmap Development: Develop a clear roadmap outlining our current state, future goals, and the steps to achieve them.
• Quick Wins Identification: Identify and implement quick wins to demonstrate immediate value and build momentum.
• Programme Design: Design a comprehensive programme of work that aligns with organisational objectives and future ambitions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Forge collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and engagement throughout the transformation journey.
• Technology and Innovation: Champion the right technology, platforms, and systems to ensure value for money and enhance digital capabilities.
• Change Management: Lead change management efforts to embed new ways of working and ensure organisational alignment with the digital transformation strategy.

What’s essential

• Proven experience in leading digital and data transformation programmes in complex, busy, and fast-paced organisations.
• Strategic planning, programme, and change management skills.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic roadmaps and identify quick wins.
• Expertise in governance, cost efficiency, and 'spend to save' initiatives.
• Influential and persuasive leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively to different audiences.
• Experience in working with technology architecture, service design teams, and in a matrix environment.
• Project management qualification or commensurate experience leading change projects/programmes.

We’re looking for a results-oriented, innovative and analytical thinker with a drive for change. You will enjoy managing multiple priorities, taking the initiative, and delivering high-quality outcomes.

Our process

We will close the advert on Tuesday 7th January – giving you plenty of time to apply.

If you’re application looks like it is a match with what we are looking for, then someone from the recruitment team will be in touch for a chat.

Interviews are scheduled during week commencing 20th January (subject to attaining a suitable shortlist).

How to apply.

On clicking ‘apply for this job’, you will be prompted to register for an account, which you can do using your name and email address. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV when registering. Uploading your CV will auto-populate the employment and education sections of your profile. Please note, we do not see your CV once you have submitted your application. Our shortlisting decisions are based on what you tell us in your profile - and so it is important to check the information is correct and format your profile so that it really stands out.

You will be asked to provide a supporting statement which should evidence (using examples) how your skills and experience match the essential criteria of the role that you are applying for. You will be asked to type your statement into the portal directly. If you have already prepared a supporting statement, then you can simply copy and paste this directly into the application form. For more information on how to apply, please visit the FAQ page on our career site.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Put the effort into your application - focus on ensuring it matches the criteria required for the job, and is tailored carefully to match your skills, experience, and motivation.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Recruitment Team. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

Calculate your take home pay. Use this service to estimate how much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay for the current tax year.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), 28 days paid annual leave (in addition to bank holidays and an option to purchase more leave), ethical saving options and healthcare plans, paid volunteering days, interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology through your payroll, discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Hybrid working and location.

We believe hybrid working is the best way for our organisation to fulfil our commitment to a modern, agile workplace while continuing to provide a great service to our customers. Hybrid working means having flexibility between working in the office and at home on agreed days, where a role allows.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane. It is expected that you can split your time between the office and working remotely, with at least 2 days a week spent in the office. Please note, this is the minimum expectation.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace that reflects the communities of the West Midlands region. We believe that building a team with varied backgrounds and experiences will benefit us as an employer and enhance our work.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying. If your values align with ours and you are dedicated to working towards a future that we can all be proud of, we would love to hear from you.

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Thank you for considering joining our team at WMCA. We look forward to receiving your application and the opportunity to work together towards our shared goals.