Swindon seeks £100k leader to spearhead ‘ambitious digital transformation’


Wiltshire local authority is advertising a director post with the responsibility for delivering a new strategy focused on preventative support, and relying on implementation of AI and other new technologies

Swindon Borough Council is seeking to appoint a senior technologist to lead the authority on an “ambitious digital transformation journey”, including greater use of artificial intelligence to help take a preventative approach to supporting citizens.

The local authority is currently advertising for a vacant position as service director for IT, data and digital. The £111,955-a-year post comes with responsibility for directly overseeing the work of 20 people and sitting at the head of digital and data operations throughout the council.

Potential applicants are advised that “in this role, you will champion the adoption of AI and new technology solutions, positioning Swindon as an insights-led, digitally progressive council”, according to the job advert.

The postholder will have managerial oversight of a Project Management Office which the council has recently created with a remit of “ensuring that digital and data strategies drive efficiency, optimise customer service, and promote workplace connectivity”.

These strategies will be intended to further an ambition to “drive a forward-thinking agenda that aligns technology initiatives with Swindon’s corporate objectives”.

As well as assisting with the deployment of AI and other new technologies, the tech director will also “oversee critical IT infrastructure [and] manage complex data architectures”.


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The advert adds: “This role places you at the heart of Swindon’s transformation, empowering you to shape digital futures and make a tangible impact on the community. We’re integrating services, connecting our workforce with a sense of mission, fostering improved partnerships and harnessing AI and data to inform our preventative approach.”

The digital and IT leadership role is one of six director posts the council is currently seeking to fill, following the launch this summer of a new 10-year Swindon Plan. The long-term strategy sets three overarching objectives, for the town to become: better; fairer; and greener.

With a population of more than 180,000, Swindon is one of the largest towns in the UK, and the biggest urban area in the county of Wiltshire.

In a post on LinkedIn promoting the digital position, the council said: “At Swindon we want our town to be the best it can be. Our ambitious vision in the new Swindon Plan is supported by realistic transformation programmes, with the people of Swindon at their heart. Because that’s who we’re doing it for – the communities and businesses that make our town great. In this role you will provide strategic leadership to the challenges and opportunities for data and digital in the public sector and can bring, from any background, the drive, skills and leadership to take us onto the next level.”

The post added: “Most of the focus of this role will be upon delivering all the aspects of digital and data in our transformation plan and ensuring the transformed services are customer focused and enabling the right conditions for accelerating high-quality performance and supporting sustainable growth in Swindon. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.”

Applications are open until midnight on 17 November and the hiring process is being supported by recruitment firm Tile Hill.

Sam Trendall

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