Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO)
Salary Commensurate with a senior position in a charitable organisation operating within a complex environment Contract type Permanent Hours Full Time Location Poole, Dorset, England Location description Hybrid between home and our Poole Support Centre - working a minimum of 2 - 3 days per week in Poole Closing Date 15-12-2025 Reference 20848 Documents (please view all documents)
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We are looking for an outstanding, accomplished executive leader to join the RNLI as our new Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), to lead, inspire and support the RNLI’s Insights, Technology and Solutions’ directorate in the development and delivery of our digital strategy. This is a hugely exciting opportunity for a proven technology leader to frame the future of the RNLI’s lifesaving mission; to make a real difference, by helping to ensure our digital systems, data, and technology empowers our crews and teams to be more interoperable with search and rescue partners, so that we may respond faster, smarter, and more safely in critical situations.
About us
Since 1824, more than 146,000 people have owed their lives to the courage and professionalism of our volunteers and staff. The delivery of this vital lifesaving work, across the UK, Ireland, and further afield, is only made possible by the support, dedication and commitment of our amazing volunteers and staff, all pulling together as one crew.
As we embark on our third century of lifesaving, this remarkable national institution must be more curious, receptive to progressive ideas, so that we can better deliver our service, enhance the safety of our people, and transform the way we operate. The way people are using the coast and the water is changing. We therefore need to operate in the most efficient and cost-effective way; we need to explore innovative ways to raise the funds needed to sustain this incredible service; and we need to work with partners, nationally and internationally to maximise our reach and impact. We know that we need to adapt and rise to the challenges ahead of us, with courage, purpose, and integrity.
About the role
Our new Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) will lead the RNLI’s digital transformation, technology strategy, and information governance to enable the charity to deliver its lifesaving mission more effectively and sustainably. This key executive role will ensure that digital innovation, data intelligence, and IT infrastructure are aligned fully with RNLI’s 2040 vision, strategic goals, operational needs, and values.
Reporting to the Chief Executive and working collaboratively with the other members of the RNLI Executive Team, you will lead on the development, maintenance and governance of our digital architecture, our systems, our security, and our standards. Additionally, you will provide the organisation with support and expertise on all digital and data technology-related issues, shaping future requirements, identifying the business benefits and efficiencies, so that we can ensure that the potential of digital and data capability is exploited fully by the organisation.
About you
We are looking for someone who has a proven track record of leading complex digital transformation in service-based organisations, combining strategic vision with deep technical expertise. You will be a collaborative senior leader, who thrives in a purpose led environment, is determined to make a difference by leveraging technology, and able to use data to support people and drive operational excellence
Our ideal candidate will be an experienced and influential leader, who is not only confident and knowledgeable in the IT space but also someone who has the passion and values that align with those of the RNLI, and has the skills to ensure the charity continues to innovate and deliver on its digital, analytical and information assets to build a sustainable future as we strive to save every one
How to apply
The RNLI has appointed Sainty Hird and Partners to oversee this appointment.
For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Sainty Hird and Partners: