Join AHDB as Chief Data and Information Officer (CDIO), a pivotal and newly created post at the heart of the organisation’s leadership team. You will play a critical part in shaping how digital services, data, technology and information are used across AHDB and the wider agricultural sector to deliver lasting value for levy payers.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the CDIO will set the enterprise vision, standards and investment priorities that modernise services, strengthen insight and build cyber resilience. Working closely with the board, executive colleagues and external partners, you will influence and champion responsible innovation and ensure AHDB’s platforms and information are secure, trusted and future‑ready – turning strategy into measurable impact.
This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with two to three days per week based at our HQ in Coventry. As a visible and engaged leader, you will build strong relationships across the organisation, bring people together and help AHDB operate as one connected, high‑performing organisation.
About AHDB
We are the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British producers in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers, growers and processors, often where no one else can or will.
We share the expert, evidence‑based research and reports that inform on‑farm decision‑making. We promote British produce to the UK public through domestic marketing campaigns, and we identify and open new global export opportunities to help farm businesses grow.
We help levy payers learn more, sell more and export more to remain sustainable and profitable. Together, we deliver the insights, the influence and the impact that farmers need.
Responsibilities
Set and lead AHDB’s enterprise‑wide digital, data, technology and information strategy, aligned to the corporate plan and long‑term statutory purpose
Act as principal adviser to the CEO and the board on technology‑enabled change, information risk, cyber resilience and future capability
Provide executive assurance and challenge on major digital, data and technology investments, ensuring evidence‑based decision making and clear benefits realisation
Establish and own enterprise standards, principles and governance, covering architecture, data, security, interoperability and responsible technology use
Lead AHDB’s information and data stewardship agenda, ensuring data is ethical, secure and trusted by levy payers, partners and government
Set and embed AHDB’s technology and cyber risk appetite, overseeing resilience, incident governance and third‑party risk
Represent AHDB externally, influencing government, cross‑sector partners and policy and shaping strategic partnerships that deliver system‑wide outcomes
Build and lead a high‑performing, multidisciplinary digital, data and technology workforce, managing significant operational and capital budgets
Essential criteria
Senior leadership experience shaping and delivering enterprise‑wide digital, data and technology strategy in a complex organisation
A strong track record of advising and influencing board‑level stakeholders, providing strategic insight, assurance and constructive challenge
Proven experience governing major technology and data investments, with clear accountability for value, risk and benefits realisation
Deep expertise in data governance, information risk, cyber security and organisational resilience, ideally in a high‑trust or regulated environment
Credibility representing an organisation externally with government, regulators and strategic partners
Demonstrated ability to build, lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, managing competing priorities and significant budgets
The benefits...
35 hours per week, Monday–Friday, to include hybrid working
30 days annual leave plus one privilege day and bank holidays
Life assurance cover (4x salary)
A market‑leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service
A paid day each year to volunteer and make a difference in your community
Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
Recognition awards throughout the year
Reward Gateway membership – this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings
Apply now, or call 024 7693 5722 if you require any further information.
Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.
At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.
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