Location: UK
Hybrid (3 days onsite per week)
Permanent
Competitive package
Wolf & Oak are supporting our UK-based client in the appointment of a
permanent CIO
to lead digital strategy, technology operations, and data governance. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence across the organisation's digital ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities & Priorities
Digital Strategy & Leadership
• Define and deliver a comprehensive digital, IT, and data strategy aligned with operational and regulatory requirements.
• Act as the strategic custodian of the organisation's technology landscape, ensuring resilience, performance, scalability, and compliance.
• Build and lead a modern digital function including product owners, data analysts, and IT operations specialists.
• Establish clear governance for data, cybersecurity, and platform reliability.
Platform & Supplier Management
• Manage technology platforms and third-party suppliers to maintain high availability, reliability, and data integrity.
• Lead on fraud prevention, data protection, and information security.
• Oversee API governance and systems integration across partners and regulatory stakeholders.
Data & Analytics
• Grow the organisation's data and insights capability for real-time performance reporting and policy compliance.
• Ensure compliance with UK data protection standards, including GDPR.
• Develop dashboards and metrics to support operational and national reporting.
• Champion ethical and effective use of AI and automation to improve efficiency and engagement.
Technology Ecosystem & Internal IT
• Oversee internal and external IT systems supporting organisational operations.
• Ensure secure, efficient IT services for staff.
• Lead development and management of consumer-facing digital assets.
• Promote best-in-class user experience, accessibility, and cybersecurity.
Governance & Risk Management
• Maintain strong IT risk management, business continuity, and incident response processes.
• Report to executive leadership and the Board on performance, risks, and innovation opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations relating to information governance.
About You
• Proven leadership experience as a CIO, IT Director, or Head of Digital in a regulated, data-driven, or service-focused environment.
• Strong understanding of IT operations, SLA/contract management, and third-party vendor governance.
• Knowledge of fraud detection systems, data protection frameworks, and API-driven architectures.
• Experience building digital teams and leading transformation in start-up, scale-up, or change-focused settings.
• Skilled in data analytics, cybersecurity, and practical AI implementation.
• Excellent communicator comfortable working with senior stakeholders, internal teams, and suppliers.
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and outcomes-focused, thriving in fast-paced environments.
• Degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field preferred; MBA or advanced qualifications advantageous.