Lancashire County Council
Director of Digital | Digital Services | Preston, Lancashire
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£108,696 - £117,998 | Fixed-Term | Full Time | 37 hours per week | County Hall, Preston
Location: County Hall, Preston (hybrid working)
Fixed-term role until 31st March 2028
Unique opportunity for an excellent digital leader
Lancashire County Council is looking for an exceptional and ambitious digital leader to join our senior leadership team as Director of Digital at an exciting time for the Council as we prepare for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of digital, data and technology across one of the largest local authorities in the country. As the strategic lead for Digital Services, you will drive our Digital First Strategy and work to ensure technology and data are at the heart of excellent services for our residents and communities across Lancashire
The Director of Digital role at Lancashire County Council comes at a pivotal time as we prepare for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), offering an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious digital leader. While the position is temporary and linked to the substantive postholder's secondment, it provides a unique opportunity for a digital leader during one of the most significant periods of change in local government.
The experience and exposure gained through this role will provide significant professional development and drive readiness for future leadership opportunities.
This role offers the chance to influence the future shape of local government services, lead complex transformation programmes, and gain invaluable experience working at the heart of strategic change.
About the Role
As Director of Digital, you will:
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- Provide strategic leadership for digital, data and technology across the Council.
- Lead the delivery of the Council's Digital First Strategy and provide oversight of cyber security and digital governance.
- Shape and support major transformation programmes, ensuring digital solutions enable service improvement and innovation.
- Develop and lead a high-performing Digital function focused on delivering excellent outcomes for residents and businesses.
- Advise stakeholders on emerging technologies, digital strategy, data and AI opportunities.
- Build strong partnerships internally and externally to maximise innovation and value.
- Oversee significant supplier relationships and contracts whilst ensuring value for money and service excellence.
Job description & Person Specification [https://lancashire-county-council-umbraco-sites.uksouth01.umbraco.io/media/a0lczqct/director-of-digital-jdps-aug2026.docx Referenced by]
About You
We are looking for a visionary leader with:
- Significant senior leadership experience in digital transformation within a large, complex organisation.
- A proven track record of leading large-scale change and transformation programmes.
- Strong commercial, strategic and political awareness.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Experience of delivering innovative, customer-centred digital solutions.
- The ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
- A passion for public service and improving outcomes through technology and digital innovation.
What we offer
We offer the opportunity to join us at an exciting point in our history as we navigate the recent decision around Local Government Reorganisation (see below). You will also have the chance to work with and learn from respected colleagues and to really engage on work that makes a meaningful impact.
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We also offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. Further details can be found on the vacancies website.
Local Government Reorganisation
The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2028.
This is a fixed-term contract up until the commencement of the new unitary councils in April 2028.
Application information and selection process
Please include your CV and a separate personal statement demonstrating how your experience, skills and achievements meet the requirements of the role.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received before the advertised closing date.
How to apply…
If you are an ambitious digital leader ready to take on a highly visible and rewarding challenge, we would love to hear from you. For an initial informal and confidential chat so please feel free to contact Laurence Ainsworth by emailing: Laurence.Ainsworth@lancashire.gov.uk
Join us at this exciting moment in Lancashire's journey and help shape the future of public services through digital innovation. See our dedicated microsite here about all things Digital: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/jobs/careers-in-digital-services/
Closing Date 11th September
Interview Date: w/c 21st September 2026
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