Director, Technology Strategy & Transformation

Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for a Director, Technology Strategy & Transformation to join our global team.

Team Purpose

Purpose of the team is to lead on the strategic planning, design and delivery of digital and data technology solutions used across SCA. The team are key to defining the Technology strategy including roadmaps for product developments, ensuring our systems remain fit for purpose, maximising the value they deliver and enabling our organisation to achieve impact for children. Working in partnership with Transformation Delivery, the team will be accountable for planning, design and delivery of digital and data technology solutions to Transformation Delivery projects, SCI Global Functions, SCA Members and internal IT functions. 

Role purpose

The purpose of the role is to lead the Technology Strategy and Transformation team, directing the 30+ team resources in the core areas of 

• Technology strategy and roadmaps – defining the future direction and change of SCI’s technology platforms and data. 
• Technology Architecture and Design – applying a technology to business requirements to ensure the appropriate digital and data technology solutions are delivered.
• Data and Integrations – technical ownership and delivery of SCIs core data, reporting and integrations platforms

They will also act as a senior member of the IT Leadership team.

• Job Title: Director, Technology Strategy & Transformation
• Reports To: Chief Information Officer
• Work Pattern: Hybrid/Remote with flexible working options available
• Location: Any approved Save the Children International office location. For a full list of locations that Save the Children International can hire in, please visit: SCI Careers
• Required Time Zone: Any
• Contract Length: Permanent
• Right to Work: The successful candidate must have the right to work in the country where the role is based, for the duration of employment. 
• Language Requirements: English
• International Travel: up to 10% 
• People Management: Number of people managed in total: 30; Manager of a team: Yes; Team Manager (manager of multiple teams): Yes 
• Budget Responsibility: $2.5m+ (annually)
• Remit: Global

Principal Accountabilities

• Partner closely with Transformation Delivery to define and maintain the technology and business system components of the Transformation Project Portfolio, to scope, size, budget, and plan the technology delivery for projects and ensure alignment with strategic technology standards and principles.
• Lead the creation and maintenance of multi-year Product Roadmaps for core systems and digital technologies, ensuring continuous improvement and that systems remain fit for purpose. Partnering with Transformation Delivery through annual business function reviews and collaborating with Functional Business teams, Product Owners, Members, Vendors, and IT functional teams to identify and prioritise key requirements and initiatives.
• Own the generation of multi-year IT Transformation plans with IT Functional owners. Identify key requirements for change, scope these changes, budget and plan them, ensuring alignment with IT BAU resources and strategic technology standards.
• Own the delivery of technology components of Transformation Projects by partnering with Transformation Delivery. Ensure adherence to Project Delivery Lifecycle methodology to drive successful project execution, maintain alignment with strategic technology principles, and ensure comprehensive delivery plans.
• Own the development, maintenance and delivery of data warehouse, reporting and integration platforms ensuring they are delivered effectively and efficiently.
• Manage the assessment and delivery of appropriate technology changes through the Change Request pipeline in conjunction with SCI business functions and Members. Identify and deliver technology changes, ensuring proper scoping, budgeting, and planning while adhering to agreed processes and methodologies.
• Lead transformation within the technology function by implementing new technology initiatives, fostering continuous improvement and new ways of working. This includes driving Technology Change Projects, enhancing service delivery, and building new capabilities reflective of the organisation’s evolving needs and priorities

Experience and Skills

Essential

1. Technology Competence: Extensive, practical understanding of technology project management and delivery of complex global business solutions to stakeholders. Proficient skills in defining and implementing application strategies and technology architectures that align to business strategies and needs. Knowledge of emerging technologies and their potential impact on organisational transformation
2. Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and integrate long-term technology plans with organisational goals. Strong experience in assessing, budgeting, planning and delivering major technology and systems investments. Competent at establishing sound and viable financial and non-financial business cases for major core system investments 
3. Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proven track record of effectively collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders at all levels including Senior Leaders, maintaining close and effective working relationships. Ability to articulate complex concepts to non-technical audiences, achieving buy-in to the vision and case for change
4. Experience: Proven Project Management delivery capability to successfully achieve large-scale technology-based business change projects within complex business environments. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional project teams and manage vendor relationships. 
5. Collaboration and Leadership: Extensive experience in working collaboratively with business teams, product owners, and external partners to identify and prioritise key project requirements. Proven ability to foster a culture of inclusiveness, integrity, and teamwork, aligning with SCI's core values
6. Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Substantial experience in implementing innovative technology solutions to drive continuous improvement within an organisation. Proven track record of leading technology change projects that enhance service delivery and build new organisational capabilities
7. Team Leadership and Coaching: Multi layered team leadership capabilities to support and guide team members and ensure they are clear on their responsibilities and are held to account for their delivery
8. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology projects and team management. Experience in creating an inclusive workplace environment that values diverse perspectives and ensures equity in career development opportunities

Desirable

• Experience leading IT transformation in challenging country environments
• Non-profit sector knowledge/experience 

Education and Qualifications 

Essential

• Education: A formal degree in Technology Management, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is advantageous but not compulsory if relevant professional experience and competencies can be demonstrated

Desirable

• External Accreditation in Project Management

Working at Save the Children International

Save the Children is the world's leading organisation for children, employing ~25,000 staff. We save children's lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. Through our work in 116 countries, we put the most deprived and marginalised children first.

We know that great people make a great organisation, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

The work here is challenging but is also immensely rewarding. At Save the Children, you will be in good company, working with talented, like-minded individuals who are determined to ensure that all children survive, learn, and are protected. Your contribution will help ensure children's voices are heard at the highest levels, and that we achieve our global strategy, Ambition for Children 2030, and reach every last child.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

DEI is core to our vision, values and global strategy. Save the Children is committed to creating a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation, and one which will support us in our vision to ensure every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, caring or parental responsibilities, age, or beliefs and religion. We are committed to diversifying our staff to better represent the communities we serve and actively welcome underrepresented groups to apply.

Reasonable adjustments will be made should any candidate invited to interview require this.

Application Information

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application. A full copy of the role profile can be found at SCI Careers. It is recommended that you save a copy of the role profile as it will no longer be available after the advert closes.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the job advert may be closed earlier than advertised subject to the volume of suitable applicants. Please submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates who are successfully shortlisted should expect to hear from us within 2 weeks of the advert deadline.

Our Recruitment Process

1. Application review by our recruiting team based on your CV and cover letter
2. Two-stage competency-based interviews with the hiring team
3. Some recruitment may include an additional assessment or case study stage, or a third stage interview
4. If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment, followed by your contract subject to passing background checks

We need to keep children and adults safe so our selection process includes rigorous background checks and reflects our commitment to the protection of children and adults from abuse.  All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our Code of Conduct and all policies and procedures relating to Anti-Harassment, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and DEI and Equal Opportunities.

Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.