Associate Director - IT and Digital Transformation
Job summary
The role is responsible for shaping and delivering a unified digital and innovation strategy, modernising legacy systems, and embedding a culture of digital excellence across the organisation. The role will ensure strong governance, cyber security, risk management, and supplier partnerships, while aligning IT investment to organisational priorities and financial sustainability.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, works collaboratively across Clinical Services and Corporate functions to support operational delivery, innovation, and long-term strategic goals.
This role will be 3 days per week with flexibility to discuss number of part time days.
Main duties of the job
Role Purpose
To lead the IT function within PML, driving the delivery of a robust technology strategy and enabling organisation-wide digital transformation. The postholder will oversee IT operations, digital services, and business intelligence, ensuring systems and infrastructure in place to support efficient, high-quality, and sustainable patient services.
About us
PML is a successful not-for-profit, GP-led organisation providing various NHS community and primary care clinical services to patients across Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire. We have evolved as a NHS healthcare provider since 2004 and in the last few years have grown significantly, now employing around 300 staff with a turnover of circa £16m. PML holds GMS contracts, as well as being a GP Federation representing circa 50 GP practices covering approximately 650,000 patients.
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and circumstances and people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010
Job description
Job responsibilities
Role Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and deliver an organisation-wide IT and Digital Transformation strategy aligned to PMLs vision, values, and overall Strategic aims
- Lead the design and implementation of transformation programmes that improve efficiency, productivity, and service outcomes
- Drive innovation and identify opportunities to embed emerging technologies (including AI and data platforms)
- Ensure that IT and digital capabilities enable organisational growth, resilience, and contract performance
Digital Transformation & Programme Delivery
- Lead large-scale transformation of technology systems, including modernisation of legacy platforms
- Commission and oversee delivery of multi-disciplinary digital and IT programmes that achieve measurable ROI
- Develop and implement effective rollout and adoption strategies across clinical and non-clinical teams
- Unify digital systems and platforms into a cohesive, integrated environment
IT Operations & Infrastructure
- Oversee all IT operations, infrastructure, and service delivery across the organisation
- Ensure the provision of reliable, secure, and high-performing systems that support business andclinical operations
- Deliver a robust suite of business systems and software that underpin organisationaleffectiveness
- Drive a service-oriented, user-centred IT function
Data , Business Intelligence & Innovation
- Lead the development of the business intelligence team and analytical capabilities to informdecision-making and strategy
- Build platforms that enable secure, accessible, and effective use of organisational data
- Support the organisation in leveraging data for performance improvement and innovation
- Promote digital innovation and establish PML as a leader within its sector
Cyber Security, Governance & Risk
- Ensure robust governance frameworks for IT and digital services
- Develop and implement comprehensive cyber security strategies, policies, and controls Oversee compliance with legislation and risk management practices
- Provide assurance to the Board and Executive team on IT risks and mitigation
Leadership & People Development
- Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing IT and Digital Transformation team
- Develop organisational digital capability, supporting teams with varying levels of digital maturity
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and senior leaders on digital strategy andinvestment
- Unite remote clinical teams around a shared digital vision and transformation agenda
- Communicate complex technical and strategic concepts to varied audiences
- Engage with external partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to deliver effective solutions
Financial & Commercial Management
- Manage IT budgets and oversee commercial and contractual arrangements with suppliers
- Provide strategic advice on the financial impact and viability of digital investments
- Lead and support business case development for digital initiatives
- Ensure value for money and sustainable investment decisions
Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve systems, processes, and service delivery
- Embed agile and co-design principles into digital development
- Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and best practices
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Degree Bachelors degree in IT, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Systems, or related field.
- Evidence of continuous professional development (e.g., certifications in IT, Digital Transformation, Cyber Security, or Leadership)
- Relevant postgraduate qualification or professional accreditation (e.g., MSc, MBA, CIO/CDO pathways)
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong understanding of IT governance, cyber security, and data protection
- Strong understanding of NHS technical infrastructure and limitations
- Commercial acumen, including budget and P&L responsibility
- Ability to develop scalable digital services and infrastructure
- Knowledge of emerging technologies, including AI and data platforms
- Expertise in digital transformation, systems integration, and innovation
- Strong awareness of data security, cyber security, networks, legislation and data laws
- Experience in healthcare preferably primary care or similar
Experience
- Senior leadership experience within IT, Digital, or Technology functions
- Proven experience developing and delivering Digital/IT strategy
- Experience leading large-scale digital transformation programmes, particularly within legacy environments
- Experience operating at an Executive/Board level
- Strong track record in change management across complex organisations
- Experience managing IT operations, infrastructure, and service delivery
- Experience working with diverse and distributed workforces (e.g., clinical teams)
Behaviours and Attributes
- High integrity and ethical standards
- Exceptional leadership and influencing skills
- Politically astute with strong stakeholder awareness and communication skills
- High emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery
- Commitment to continuous improvement, learning, and innovation
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
Principal Medical Limited
Address
Principal Medical Ltd
3 Barberry Place
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 3HA
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.principal-medical.co.uk