Job Description
Group Head of Digital and Technology - Swim England - Loughborough
Macildowie are delighted to be partnering with Swim England in the appointment of their Group Head of Digital & Technology.
Organisation
Swim England are the recognised national governing body for swimming, diving, artistic swimming, water polo and open water swimming. At their heart they are a membership organisation dedicated to supporting their clubs and members to develop and succeed. They also maintain the laws of the sport, run world-class national events that are open to all and operate a comprehensive range of qualification and education programmes for teachers, coaches, officials and tutors.
They are a values-driven organisation making a real difference across learn to swim, grassroots participation, talent pathways, and community well-being. Each month millions of people are able to enjoy swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming because they have been through their renowned Learn to Swim Programme.
Be a part of something bigger. Help shape the digital future of aquatic sports in England.
Group Head of Digital and Technology Remit
Reporting into their COO you will be leading the Digital and IT teams with 4 direct reports and total responsibility for a team of 10.
This is a brand new role and presents an opportunity for an individual wanting to truly shape and influence the direction of the function the next few years, having a lasting impact as well as joining a great cause and passionate team across the Swim England Group. This will be shaping how technology supports every part of their work - from engaging and supporting members, clubs, swim schools, volunteers, learners and the wider sector to streamlining internal operations and ensuring they remain digitally prepared for the future.
This is more than just a technology role - it's about creating a seamless technology and digital experience that supports their people, amplifies the impact, and helps deliver on their One Swim England strategy for the years ahead.
They have recently gone through a comprehensive external digital audit and made a start to their digital road map but are now needing an individual to lead on this strategy and implementation the next 3-5 years.
This would suit an individual who has experience in a broad role (across both Digital and Technology), likely in a small or medium sized business due to the breadth and hands on nature to the role. This might present a great fit for someone who is wanting to step away from a highly demanding and stressful role in the private sector but who wants to retain the strategic level and impact by joining a worthy and fulfilling cause with much better balance in regards to demands and expectations.
Key focuses within the role include
1. Setting the strategic direction and implementation plan following the audit for the following areas:
- Digital platforms and systems across the Swim England Group of companies.
- Data management
- Internal IT infrastructure
- Technology strategy and standards
2. Leading an internal team - providing both technical support and strategic leadership
3. Accountable for the commissioning and overall management of internal and external digital projects, platforms and services
Benefits
- Paying up to £76,831
- Pension - 7% employer contribution with only 1% employee contribution required
- Hybrid working - 3 days per week on site (SportPark Loughborough, LE11 3QF) - if you wish to be on site more there is the opportunity to do so
Minimum Requirements
- Experienced and comfortable working at a strategic level, working with board and executive level colleagues
- Willing and able to stretch vertically within the role, to support from a hands on technical basis as well as operating strategically
- Experience of leading/ working on digital change projects
- Knowledge and experience of digital system integration's, web applications and internal digital/IT ecosystems
- Experience of decision-making in technology at a senior level, with budget management of technology and digital platform selection and procurement
- Thorough understanding of web application UX, design and development
- Experience of internal IT system and external platform management
- Proven experience of building data capability within an organisation
Timetable
Closing date Thursday 12th June 2025 (Midnight)
Short list Review Tuesday 17th June 2025
Panel Interviews w/c 23rd June 2025
If you meet the requirements and are open to finding out more then please apply now and Peter Newman who is exclusively managing this vacancy will be in touch.
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