Director of Digital, Data & Technology
Education Sector
Full time- Permanent
£120,000- £140,000
Location: London (Croydon)- Hybrid

Morgan Hunt is delighted to be partnering with The Harris Federation to recruit a Director of Digital, Data & Technology.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the UK's leading education organisations and play a pivotal role in shaping its digital future. Reporting into the executive leadership team, the successful candidate will lead the development and delivery of a Federation-wide digital, data and technology strategy that supports educational excellence, operational efficiency and long-term organisational growth.

The Opportunity

As a key strategic leader, you will define and deliver an ambitious digital road map, transforming how technology supports both educational delivery and business operations. You will work closely with senior executives, academy leaders and external partners to ensure technology, data and innovation are embedded at the heart of decision-making and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Digital Transformation

• Develop and deliver a Federation-wide digital, data and technology strategy aligned to educational and organisational priorities.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives across both teaching and learning environments and central business functions.
• Establish a clear digital vision, roadmap and maturity framework across academies.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on technology, innovation and organisational change.

Technology & IT Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight of all IT services, infrastructure, cloud platforms, networks, applications and end-user technology.
• Lead the development of a cloud-first enterprise architecture strategy, leveraging Microsoft 365 and Azure technologies.
• Ensure technology platforms are scalable, secure and capable of supporting future growth.
• Drive optimisation and integration across key systems including MIS, HR, finance and education technologies.

Data & Analytics

• Lead the development of a modern data and analytics function that enables evidence-based decision making.
• Implement a trust-wide data strategy covering governance, architecture, quality and accessibility.
• Deliver advanced analytics, dashboards and performance reporting capabilities.
• Enable effective use of data to support school improvement, safeguarding, attendance and attainment outcomes.

Cyber Security & Risk

• Develop and implement a comprehensive cyber security and resilience strategy.
• Lead cyber risk management, incident response planning and recovery capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with data protection legislation and information governance requirements.
• Foster a culture of cyber awareness and accountability across the organisation.

AI, Automation & Innovation

• Partner with education leaders and shared services teams to shape the Federation's approach to AI and emerging technologies.
• Identify opportunities to enhance teaching, learning and operational efficiency through automation and innovation.
• Establish governance frameworks to ensure the ethical, safe and effective use of AI.

Service Delivery & Transformation

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable and responsive digital services across academies and central teams.
• Develop strong service management practices, performance metrics and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Lead major transformation programmes and oversee successful technology adoption and change management.
• Support the on boarding and integration of academies into the Federation's digital ecosystem.

Commercial & Resource Management

• Manage a significant technology and digital budget, ensuring value for money and strategic investment.
• Lead procurement activity and establish strong supplier relationships.
• Optimise resources across central and academy-based teams to maximise impact and efficiency.

What we're looking for:

We are seeking an experienced and inspirational digital leader with a proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation in complex, multi-site organisations.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience across digital, data and technology functions.
• Experience developing and delivering enterprise-wide digital transformation strategies.
• Strong knowledge of cloud technologies, enterprise architecture, cyber security and data governance.
• Experience leading high-performing technology and data teams.
• A collaborative leadership style with exceptional stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong commercial acumen, including budget management, procurement and supplier management.
  
  

Experience within education, public sector or similarly complex regulated environments would be advantageous, although candidates from a broad range of sectors are encouraged to apply.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Morgan Hunt-

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer. Job suitability is assessed on merit in accordance with the individual's skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.