Head of Digital & Data

Shape the digital future of care through data, insight and innovation.

Joining us means becoming part of a forward-looking care organisation with a strong, long-term commitment to the success of every home. Supported by substantial, planned investment, we provide the resources and stability needed to deliver high-quality, sustainable care while nurturing thriving communities. This is a full-time, office-based role based at our Support Office in Darlington, working 40 hours per week and offering the opportunity to work closely with colleagues across the organisation to support homes nationwide.

Residents, families and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in using technology, data and innovation to improve outcomes, enhance decision-making and create better ways of working across our organisation.

As Head of Digital & Data, you'll lead the development of our digital, data and systems capability, helping to shape how technology supports care delivery, operational performance and business improvement. Combining strategic thinking with practical delivery, you'll build the platforms, products and capabilities needed to turn data into meaningful insight and drive digital transformation across a large, multi-site organisation.

About the role

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you'll develop and deliver the digital and data strategy, identifying opportunities where technology can improve resident outcomes, operational efficiency and financial performance.

You'll oversee the development of a reliable, governed data platform, supporting the transition towards automated reporting and improved analytics capability across the organisation. Working closely with operational, finance, people and technology teams, you'll ensure systems are connected, data is trusted and colleagues have access to the insight they need to make informed decisions.

You'll also lead internal digital product development, ensuring solutions are designed around user needs, delivered effectively and aligned with wider business priorities. Alongside this, you'll maintain strong technology governance, ensuring appropriate controls, documentation and processes are in place across key systems.

As a senior technology leader, you'll manage and develop a team of digital and data specialists, creating an environment where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement can thrive.

About you

You'll be an experienced digital and data leader with a strong track record of delivering technology strategy, analytics capability and digital transformation within a complex, multi-site environment.

You'll combine strategic vision with a practical approach, understanding how technology can solve real business challenges and create measurable improvements. Confident engaging with senior stakeholders, you'll be able to translate technical concepts into clear business outcomes and influence decision-making across the organisation.

You'll have a strong governance mindset, with the ability to balance innovation with security, compliance and operational resilience. A collaborative and empowering leader, you'll enjoy developing teams, building capability and delivering meaningful change.

What you'll bring

Essential

Significant experience in a digital, data or technology leadership role within a complex, multi-site organisation.

Proven experience developing and delivering digital and data strategies that improve business performance.

Experience building data platforms, analytics capability and data-driven decision-making approaches.

Experience leading digital product development using a user-centred approach.

Experience managing and developing technical teams.

Strong understanding of technology governance, controls and risk management.

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders.

Desirable

Experience within healthcare, social care or another regulated environment.

Knowledge of IT General Controls (ITGCs), including access management, change management and system operations controls.

Experience with cloud platforms, business intelligence tools or analytics technologies such as Azure or Power BI.

Knowledge of data protection, information governance or sector-specific digital standards.

Additional information

This role is based at our Central Support Office in Darlington, with regular office attendance and occasional travel to care homes and regional offices.

An Enhanced DBS check and DVLA licence check are required for this role.

As with all colleagues, you'll be expected to comply with our policies relating to health and safety, infection prevention and control, safeguarding and all relevant regulatory requirements. From time to time, you may be asked to undertake other duties appropriate to the role, and the responsibilities outlined above may be reasonably reviewed and updated following consultation to reflect business needs. 

Application closing date:  12noon, Monday 3rd August 2026