About Us
For over 200 years, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has had a singular purpose: to save lives at sea. Operating from more than 230 lifeboat stations, providing lifeguard cover on hundreds of beaches, and supported by over 50,000 volunteers, the RNLI has saved more than 147,000 lives to date.
The Opportunity
The CDIO will define and deliver an end‑to‑end digital, data and technology strategy aligned to the “One Crew, One Plan” (2026–2030) strategy.
The CDIO will play a central role in modernising how lifesaving services operate across lifeboats, lifeguards and water safety activity, ensuring crews and volunteers are equipped with the tools, insight and connectivity they need.
The Role Will Be Responsible For
* Acting as the organisation’s strategic technology leader, shaping and delivering a clear digital vision
* Leading a multi‑year digital transformation programme to modernise operational and enterprise systems
* Enabling “connected lifesaving” through shared platforms and real‑time data across crews, lifeguards and partners
* Building robust data capabilities, including governance, architecture and advanced analytics
* Leveraging AI, IoT and emerging technologies to support predictive and faster decision‑making
* Modernising digital platforms supporting operations, volunteer management and training
* Reducing technology debt while improving accessibility, security and user experience
* Leading and developing the Information and Digital Services function
Essential Experience and Requirements
* Executive leadership of Digital, Data and Technology functions in complex organisations
* Delivery of large‑scale digital transformation programmes
* Experience in multi‑stakeholder, distributed or operational environments
* Strong understanding of infrastructure, enterprise architecture, data governance and cybersecurity
* Experience leading organisational and cultural change
* Ability to influence at executive and board level
Technical Expertise
* Knowledge of modern digital platforms, cloud, data and integration architectures
* Experience with AI, automation and IoT
* Strong understanding of data strategy, analytics and governance
How to apply
The RNLI has appointed La Fosse Executive to lead the search for our CDIO.
Clicking on the ‘Apply’ button below will redirect you to the La Fosse Executive website, where you can read further detail, download the full specification, and register your interest or apply.
Alternatively, for a confidential conversation about the role, please contact: Olivia Ogilvie, Head of Research, La Fosse Executive [email protected] | 07703 755261
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero‑tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world‑class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
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