Head of Digital Operations & Infrastructure - Band 8c

The closing date is 15 November 2026

This is a pivotal digital leadership role responsible for the planning, assurance, and secure delivery of all core digital infrastructure and user support services across Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Reporting to the Director of Digital Operations (CTO), the post holder will manage the functions critical to the Trust's digital stability and resilience. The role requires proven strategic and operational leadership, focusing on translating the overarching digital strategy into executable technical roadmaps and maintaining world-class service standards.

This role is strategically balanced:

50% focused on Digital Service Delivery and Service Strategy:
Owning the user experience, governance, continual service improvement, and strategic direction for the Service Desk, Telephony, IT Admin, and small project delivery.

50% focused on Core Infrastructure Strategy and Resilience:
Leading the planning, architecture, security assurance, and technical evolution of Server, Data Centre, Network, and foundational Digital Solutions infrastructure.

The Head of Digital Operations & Infrastructure will ensure the underlying technology and support ecosystem is resilient, future-proofed, and fully compliant with national (NHS) and local governance requirements, enabling exceptional patient care and a productive staff experience

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

• Strategic Leadership and Alignment:
  Proven ability to work with the Director of Digital Operations / CTO to translate the Trust's overarching Digital Strategy into actionable, short- and medium-term Infrastructure and Service Delivery roadmaps, ensuring alignment with Trust and IC S goals.
• Infrastructure Governance and Assurance:
  Strong capability to advise on the strategic design and technical evolution of core Digital Infrastructure, assuring the Director/Board that solutions are resilient, future-proof, secure, and cost-effective for 24/7 clinical operations.
• Critical Risk and Resilience:
  Extensive experience in leading and governing Critical Incident Management (CIM) processes and possessing a strong understanding of digital risk management and governance frameworks.
• Service Transformation and Benefits Realisation:
  Demonstrated track record of leading service-led change, particularly in driving IT Service Management maturity and linking continuous service improvement outcomes (e.g., increased efficiency, improved user experience) to strategic objectives.
• Financial and Commercial Acumen:
  Proven ability to manage significant Digital Budgets (Revenue and Capital), develop compelling business cases for infrastructure investment, and deliver Cost Improvement Plans (CIPs) through effective supplier management.
• Collaborative Stakeholder Management:
  Excellent skill in building strong, collaborative relationships with a significant number of strategic stakeholders (clinical, operational, and external partners) to ensure productive partnerships and shared ownership of digital stability.
• People and Workforce Development:
  Experience in workforce planning and developing the capabilities of multi-disciplinary teams across technical infrastructure and service desk functions, ensuring long-term succession pathways.

The post holder will provide professional, strategic, and operational leadership across the Digital…