Chief Information Officer

Role: Interim Chief Data Officer / Chief Information Officer (CDO / CIO)

Contract Length: 6 months initially (extensions likely, up to 12 months+)

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Hybrid – with significant presence required in Scotland, Aberdeen

Clearance: SC clearance

A greenfield public sector organisation is seeking an interim CDO / CIO to provide immediate leadership in building its digital, data, and technology capability from the ground up.

This role will act as the critical bridge between organisational strategy and delivery, ensuring that information and technology are harnessed effectively to support programmes ranging from large-scale investments to local community initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define & deliver the digital, data, & tech strategy in alignment with Board and government priorities
• Establish clear roadmap for data governance, AI readiness, digital platforms, and IT operations
• Advise the Board on digital and data transformation opportunities, risks, and investments

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary technology and data advisor to the CEO and Board.
• Engage with senior government officials, ministers, and industry stakeholders to align priorities.
• Represent the organisation at senior external forums and partnerships.

Organisation Building

• Establish foundational functions for engineering, data, AI, and governance.
• Prioritise where to build internal teams vs. leveraging third-party vendors etc.
• Shape & define the technical stack & data platforms to ensure scalability, security, and innovation.

Delivery & Oversight

• Lead digital & data transformation initiatives, balance immediate delivery needs with long-term capability building.
• Oversee supplier relationships, procurement, and delivery governance.
• Ensure information security, compliance, & alignment with public sector frameworks.

Required Experience

• Proven track record as a CDO or CIO in public sector roles
• Extensive experience establishing digital and data organisations from the ground up
• Strong background in digital transformation, governance, and data strategy
• Skilled in stakeholder management at the highest levels, including government officials, ministers, and boards.
• Demonstrable ability to define and implement a technology stack and data platforms in a greenfield setting
• Experience balancing in-house capability development with third-party/vendor delivery models.

Desirable Skills

• MPLA-trained or familiarity with public sector CDIO/CDO leadership frameworks
• Understanding of AI, data science, and modern engineering practices (though not expected to be hands-on)
• Experience driving transformation in organisations with both large-scale and community-level impact