Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Director of Digital Operations - Chief Technical Officer

The closing date is 15 June 2025

Job summary

Are you a visionary technology leader ready to transform healthcare? Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional Chief Technical Officer (CTO) to join our dynamic Digital leadership team. Reporting to the Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO), you'll play a central role in delivering one of the most ambitious digital transformation programmes in the NHS.

You'll lead technical strategy and operations across Clinical and Diagnostic Systems, Applications, Integration, Cybersecurity, and Countywide IT Services (CITS), ensuring secure, resilient, and high-performing environments that directly enhance patient care. With strategic and operational responsibility for over 130 staff and a £15M budget, this is a role with real scale, influence, and purpose.

We're looking for an inspiring, forward-thinking leader with deep experience in complex environments, the ability to manage high-performing teams, and a passion for innovation. If you're driven to make a lasting impact, can engage diverse stakeholders, and thrive in fast-paced settings--this is your opportunity to lead the future of digital healthcare.

Join Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and help shape a smarter, safer, and more connected NHS.

Expected Interview Date: 27/06/2025

Main duties of the job

Deputise for the CDIO at Trust, regional and national level as needed

Oversee the engagement with clinicians and support the CCIO in the implementation of the EPR in conjunction with the EPR Project Management team.

Establish and maintain regular contact with internal and external stakeholders and will often need to engage with them over sensitive, complex, contentious and confidential issues.

Participate in relevant internal and external working groups/projects, services and initiatives to provide project, information and analytical advice and expertise.

Ensure areas of best practice in relation to the digital agenda are shared across the organisation

Work with the CDIO in order to deliver the digital strategy.

Actively engage with national bodies e.g. NHS England on policy, programmes and best practice.

About us

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals. As well as generous annual leave allowance, access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Details

Date posted

19 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 9

Salary

£105,385 to £121,271 a year (pro rata if part time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-25-T0373

Job locations

Trustwide

Gloucester, Cheltenham

GL1 3NN


Job description

Job responsibilities

Overview

Working alongside the Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO) the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) will be responsible for supporting the development and delivery of an ambitious digital transformation programmes. The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) will be responsible for the Clinical Systems, Diagnostic Systems, Applications, Integration, Development and System Architecture Teams as well as Countywide IT Services (CITS).

The post holder will support the CDIO in leading the provision of an efficient, effective and high quality professional and well-co-ordinated digital service capable of meeting all statutory, regulatory and NHS requirements ensuring alignment with the activity of the organisation.

Job purpose

To provide visible leadership to the digital and information teams, deputising for the CDIO as required, and ensuring teams within CTO remit deliver on strategic, operational and regulatory objectives.

Lead strategically and operationally on all aspects of the Trust technical, system, integration and application architecture ensuring safe, resilience and highly-performing environments

Develop and deliver the technical strategy for the Trust including enterprise architecture, systems and security architecture, integration, cyber-security posture, systems development and diagnostic, clinical and corporate systems.

Manage revenue and capital budgets for all teams including the County-wide IT Service (CITS) ensuring delivery against financial plan, delivery of Cost Improvement Plans, and evidenced value-for money services.

Work with national bodies e.g. NHSE on policy, programmes and best practice

Develop, in conjunction with the CDIO long term digital strategies

Provide effective leadership and direction, engaging and managing stakeholders in order to deliver high profile and digital change

To lead on the development of strategic planning and provision of a high-quality service, consistent with the overall digital strategy and provide management of the teams within the Applications & Clinical Systems portfolio

Oversee the design, implementation, testing, maintenance and future development of complex and robust applications, relational databases, reporting systems and the provision of technical support for Trust applications

Provide specialist technical advice to the Trust to enable effective application development and integration through highly complex analysis, interpretation, design, testing and maintenance practices

Be a subject-matter expert in the practical application of advanced technology and technological solutions

Support the transformation programme and ultimately delivering significant improvements to patient safety, quality, and experience

Manage Technical Projects from initialisation of scheme/project and option appraisal through to successful implementation and sign off

Initiate proposals and prepare plans, where required, to bring about change that ensures that Technical Projects, Integration and Development Services continue to pro-actively support Trust

Ensure that there is sufficient capacity within the team, and understand the impact on BAU operational work with the implementation of new systems and processes

Ensure all new technology and releases of software are reviewed and assessed to ensure compatibility and operability with existing technology and software

Ensure all unplanned downtime is reviewed and analysed and a fully documented root cause analysis is completed

Work with the operational divisions to analyse and deliver highly complex solutions, leading them through the process

Liaise with all departments to identify further opportunities for Integration and Development for the benefit of the services and clinical patient care

Working with the IT & Cyber Teams to ensure that all components used within the department are secure, and following trust standards

To develop a team structure and underlying processes which will ensure that the deliverables within the Trust strategy and vision are achieved.

To be an effective member of the CDIO leadership team

Report progress to all key stakeholders, escalating issues, risks and programme decisions

Establish and maintain professional and effective relationships and contract governance with third party providers

Ensure effective management of resources and funds to deliver within the agreed financial envelope

Contribute to the overall successful performance of the Trust

Management of Others

Responsible as a line manager for multiple departments within the digital directorate. Overseeing the planning, allocation and direct workload of the Department Heads to achieve internal/external deadlines, outcomes, agreed work plan and strategic direction. The postholder through effective leadership will ensure team members understand the key objectives and outputs for their areas of work and individual role, and are adequately trained and supported to deliver key outputs.

Responsible for direct Departmental staffing currently around 130 WTE and budgets of approximately £15 Strategic and operational lead for CITS, Clinical Systems and Diagnostics.

Support the CDIO in the line management of the Division.

Operational requirements

To support the Trust on call rota, ensuring key relationships with the operational and clinical teams and support Operational performance.

Working within the overall strategic objectives, devise, implement and monitor the strategy and annual plan.

Evaluate, interpret and locally implement best practice and new digital health innovations.

Lead the Trust in the development of activity plans at Directorate and specialty level ensuring that they link with finance and workforce plans. This will require analysis of highly complex multi stranded information resulting in decisions that may be sensitive or contentious in nature and where opinion may differ

Report progress against the digital strategy through personal representation at senior management forums and by written reports to appropriate boards and groups of staff.

Present complex information on all aspects of function practice in a clear, understandable and audience-appropriate manner to senior management and board level groups.

Challenge ways of working and persuade, motivate and influence other senior managers to realign their practice where necessary.

Manage third party suppliers ensuring the service which is delivered is in line with contractual agreements and meets the requirements of the organisation

Personally lead, support and contribute to formal negotiations with senior level staff from external stakeholders, providing a high level of negotiating expertise to secure the most advantageous arrangements.

Work closely with the CDIO to advise on innovative opportunities and support all departments in their strategies and programmes to maximise service benefits.

Ensure the securing of value for money, giving due consideration to all relevant factors including risk, quality and other factors.

Represent the department on matters pertaining to service reconfiguration and technical innovation as required

Deputise for the CDIO as required.

Financial and Physical Resources

The post holder will have operational budgetary responsibility for the services provided within the post holders areas of responsibility. This will include evaluating the value for money of new contracts, monitoring the performance of existing providers and ensuring that provider performance aligns, and complies, with contractual terms and conditions;

Act in a way that is compliant with Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions in the discharge of this responsibility.

Constantly strive for value for money and greater efficiency in the use of these budgets and to ensure that they operate in recurrent financial balance year on year.

General conditions Confidentiality

In the course of your employment, you may have access to, see or hear confidential information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and or staff. Unless acting on the instruction of an authorised officer, on no account must such information be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duties. Breaches of confidence, including improper passing of registered computer data, will result in disciplinary action, which may lead to dismissal. You should be aware that regardless of any action taken by your employing authority, a breach of confidence could result in a civil action for damages.

In addition, records, including VDU screens and computer printouts of registered data must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them. Written records must either be destroyed or retained in safe custody when no longer required, VDU screens should always be cleared when unattended.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Overview

Working alongside the Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO) the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) will be responsible for supporting the development and delivery of an ambitious digital transformation programmes. The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) will be responsible for the Clinical Systems, Diagnostic Systems, Applications, Integration, Development and System Architecture Teams as well as Countywide IT Services (CITS).

The post holder will support the CDIO in leading the provision of an efficient, effective and high quality professional and well-co-ordinated digital service capable of meeting all statutory, regulatory and NHS requirements ensuring alignment with the activity of the organisation.

Job purpose

To provide visible leadership to the digital and information teams, deputising for the CDIO as required, and ensuring teams within CTO remit deliver on strategic, operational and regulatory objectives.

Lead strategically and operationally on all aspects of the Trust technical, system, integration and application architecture ensuring safe, resilience and highly-performing environments

Develop and deliver the technical strategy for the Trust including enterprise architecture, systems and security architecture, integration, cyber-security posture, systems development and diagnostic, clinical and corporate systems.

Manage revenue and capital budgets for all teams including the County-wide IT Service (CITS) ensuring delivery against financial plan, delivery of Cost Improvement Plans, and evidenced value-for money services.

Work with national bodies e.g. NHSE on policy, programmes and best practice

Develop, in conjunction with the CDIO long term digital strategies

Provide effective leadership and direction, engaging and managing stakeholders in order to deliver high profile and digital change

To lead on the development of strategic planning and provision of a high-quality service, consistent with the overall digital strategy and provide management of the teams within the Applications & Clinical Systems portfolio

Oversee the design, implementation, testing, maintenance and future development of complex and robust applications, relational databases, reporting systems and the provision of technical support for Trust applications

Provide specialist technical advice to the Trust to enable effective application development and integration through highly complex analysis, interpretation, design, testing and maintenance practices

Be a subject-matter expert in the practical application of advanced technology and technological solutions

Support the transformation programme and ultimately delivering significant improvements to patient safety, quality, and experience

Manage Technical Projects from initialisation of scheme/project and option appraisal through to successful implementation and sign off

Initiate proposals and prepare plans, where required, to bring about change that ensures that Technical Projects, Integration and Development Services continue to pro-actively support Trust

Ensure that there is sufficient capacity within the team, and understand the impact on BAU operational work with the implementation of new systems and processes

Ensure all new technology and releases of software are reviewed and assessed to ensure compatibility and operability with existing technology and software

Ensure all unplanned downtime is reviewed and analysed and a fully documented root cause analysis is completed

Work with the operational divisions to analyse and deliver highly complex solutions, leading them through the process

Liaise with all departments to identify further opportunities for Integration and Development for the benefit of the services and clinical patient care

Working with the IT & Cyber Teams to ensure that all components used within the department are secure, and following trust standards

To develop a team structure and underlying processes which will ensure that the deliverables within the Trust strategy and vision are achieved.

To be an effective member of the CDIO leadership team

Report progress to all key stakeholders, escalating issues, risks and programme decisions

Establish and maintain professional and effective relationships and contract governance with third party providers

Ensure effective management of resources and funds to deliver within the agreed financial envelope

Contribute to the overall successful performance of the Trust

Management of Others

Responsible as a line manager for multiple departments within the digital directorate. Overseeing the planning, allocation and direct workload of the Department Heads to achieve internal/external deadlines, outcomes, agreed work plan and strategic direction. The postholder through effective leadership will ensure team members understand the key objectives and outputs for their areas of work and individual role, and are adequately trained and supported to deliver key outputs.

Responsible for direct Departmental staffing currently around 130 WTE and budgets of approximately £15 Strategic and operational lead for CITS, Clinical Systems and Diagnostics.

Support the CDIO in the line management of the Division.

Operational requirements

To support the Trust on call rota, ensuring key relationships with the operational and clinical teams and support Operational performance.

Working within the overall strategic objectives, devise, implement and monitor the strategy and annual plan.

Evaluate, interpret and locally implement best practice and new digital health innovations.

Lead the Trust in the development of activity plans at Directorate and specialty level ensuring that they link with finance and workforce plans. This will require analysis of highly complex multi stranded information resulting in decisions that may be sensitive or contentious in nature and where opinion may differ

Report progress against the digital strategy through personal representation at senior management forums and by written reports to appropriate boards and groups of staff.

Present complex information on all aspects of function practice in a clear, understandable and audience-appropriate manner to senior management and board level groups.

Challenge ways of working and persuade, motivate and influence other senior managers to realign their practice where necessary.

Manage third party suppliers ensuring the service which is delivered is in line with contractual agreements and meets the requirements of the organisation

Personally lead, support and contribute to formal negotiations with senior level staff from external stakeholders, providing a high level of negotiating expertise to secure the most advantageous arrangements.

Work closely with the CDIO to advise on innovative opportunities and support all departments in their strategies and programmes to maximise service benefits.

Ensure the securing of value for money, giving due consideration to all relevant factors including risk, quality and other factors.

Represent the department on matters pertaining to service reconfiguration and technical innovation as required

Deputise for the CDIO as required.

Financial and Physical Resources

The post holder will have operational budgetary responsibility for the services provided within the post holders areas of responsibility. This will include evaluating the value for money of new contracts, monitoring the performance of existing providers and ensuring that provider performance aligns, and complies, with contractual terms and conditions;

Act in a way that is compliant with Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions in the discharge of this responsibility.

Constantly strive for value for money and greater efficiency in the use of these budgets and to ensure that they operate in recurrent financial balance year on year.

General conditions Confidentiality

In the course of your employment, you may have access to, see or hear confidential information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and or staff. Unless acting on the instruction of an authorised officer, on no account must such information be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duties. Breaches of confidence, including improper passing of registered computer data, will result in disciplinary action, which may lead to dismissal. You should be aware that regardless of any action taken by your employing authority, a breach of confidence could result in a civil action for damages.

In addition, records, including VDU screens and computer printouts of registered data must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them. Written records must either be destroyed or retained in safe custody when no longer required, VDU screens should always be cleared when unattended.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to Masters level and equivalent experience of working at a senior operational level in relevant specialist area

Experience

Essential

  • Outstanding leader who can build successful teams and has influential relationships
  • Experience of employing recognised improvement methodologies
  • Experience of staff management and staff development at a senior level
  • Strategic and operational experience of major programmes and projects
  • Extensive experience at working at a senior level in a complex environment

Knowledge / Skills

Essential

  • Recognised credible leader who can form and manage high performance, output driven teams
  • Strong team player - able to shape a team to deliver high performance and engagement
  • Relationship builder in a complex environment - comfortable building strong relationships at all levels internally and externally and being able to influence in complex stakeholder environments
  • Excellent communicator - on platforms, in teams and in writing. Ability to develop, use, analyse and interpret data
  • Resilient and tenacious in a fast paced and challenging environment
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Educated to Masters level and equivalent experience of working at a senior operational level in relevant specialist area

Experience

Essential

  • Outstanding leader who can build successful teams and has influential relationships
  • Experience of employing recognised improvement methodologies
  • Experience of staff management and staff development at a senior level
  • Strategic and operational experience of major programmes and projects
  • Extensive experience at working at a senior level in a complex environment

Knowledge / Skills

Essential

  • Recognised credible leader who can form and manage high performance, output driven teams
  • Strong team player - able to shape a team to deliver high performance and engagement
  • Relationship builder in a complex environment - comfortable building strong relationships at all levels internally and externally and being able to influence in complex stakeholder environments
  • Excellent communicator - on platforms, in teams and in writing. Ability to develop, use, analyse and interpret data
  • Resilient and tenacious in a fast paced and challenging environment

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trustwide

Gloucester, Cheltenham

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trustwide

Gloucester, Cheltenham

GL1 3NN


Employer's website

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Executive Search

Brendan Davies

bdavies@hunter-healthcare.com

07585356985

Details

Date posted

19 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 9

Salary

£105,385 to £121,271 a year (pro rata if part time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-25-T0373

Job locations

Trustwide

Gloucester, Cheltenham

GL1 3NN


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)