Location: London, Hybrid working
Salary: 95-110k + benefits
Contract: Permanent
Are you a visionary digital leader with the ambition and expertise to shape the future of technology, data, and digital transformation? The Royal College of Surgeons are seeking an exceptional Director of Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) to define and deliver a bold strategy that empowers our staff, enhances member services, and drives organisation-wide innovation.
This is a rare opportunity to create and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team and play a pivotal role in transforming how our organisation uses technology, data and digital services to create meaningful impact.
About the Role
As the College’s most senior digital, data and technology leader, you will:
- Set the vision and strategic direction for all DDaT services, aligning our digital roadmap with organisational goals and user needs.
- Lead major digital transformation programmes, inspiring teams and stakeholders to deliver measurable improvements, efficiencies, new capabilities and value.
- Build and embed a data-driven culture, transforming data into a strategic asset that powers insight-led decisions and improved outcomes.
- Oversee secure, modern and robust technology operations, including systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance, platforms, and member-facing digital experiences.
- Champion professional excellence and user-centred design, nurturing innovation and supporting the growth and development of DDaT teams across the College.
This role is central to shaping how the College evolves—modernising our digital ecosystem, enhancing user experience, and enabling our staff and members to thrive.
Person Specification
Essential Education, Qualifications & Experience
- A relevant degree or significant senior technology leadership experience reporting at Executive or Board level.
- A proven track record delivering DDaT functions such as infrastructure, systems, platforms, information security, digital content, digital skills, organisation transformation, data governance, analytics or business insights.
- Experience leading high-performing, multidisciplinary digital, data and technology teams.
- Strong experience managing capital and revenue budgets and overseeing a portfolio of digital/technology projects.
- Understanding of how AI and emerging technologies can enhance user experience, improve efficiency, or create new revenue opportunities.
- Knowledge of project/product management, user-centred design and business change methodologies.
- Demonstrable understanding of governance, risk management, data protection, and best-practice technology service delivery frameworks (e.g., ITIL).
- Experience managing cybersecurity and applying security standards such as Cyber Essentials.
- Experience in not-for-profit or professional membership organisations is desirable.
Competencies
We’re looking for someone who is:
- A strategic leader with the ability to see the big picture and translate vision into action.
- A collaborative influencer, able to work effectively across all levels and functions.
- A proactive self-starter with drive, ambition and the determination to deliver meaningful results.
- An articulate communicator who can simplify complex concepts, listen deeply, challenge constructively, and provide clear, focused feedback.
- A problem-solver with commercial acumen and intellectual curiosity.
- A truth-teller who acts with courage, integrity and authenticity.
- An inclusive team player who values and promotes respect for all.
Why Join Us?
- Lead the organisation’s digital future
- Shape a modern, data-enabled, user-centred culture
- Deliver innovative solutions with tangible impact
- Work alongside talented, values-driven colleagues
- Drive transformation in an influential and respected organisation
How to Apply
Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the Royal College of Surgeons. An executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.
The closing date for applications is 11 January 2026.
Please note, Anderson Quigley will be closed for the holiday season from 24 December at midday and will reopen on 2 January 2026.
Applications should consist of:
- A full CV.
- A covering letter (2 pages of A4) outlining your motivation and details of how you meet the qualification, skills and experience criteria of the person specification.
- Please include details of two referees in your CV, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.
Should you wish to discuss further details about the role in strict confidence, please get in touch with Grace Tattersall at grace.tattersall@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7510 384 761 or Elyse Turner-Pearce at elyse.turner-pearce@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7808 648 559.
