Role Description

The Director of Digital and Innovation is responsible for leading the development, delivery, and performance of the organisation’s digital products and services. This includes ownership of the digital production lifecycle, ensuring all outputs are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The role includes the management, training, and development of the digital production teams, and plays a key role in aligning digital capabilities with business strategy.

Relationships

Internal

• Chief Executive Officer
• General Manager
• Head of Data
• Chief Revenue Officer
• Digital Production Teams
• Project Management

External

• Clients and Client Stakeholders
• Third-party vendors and agencies
• Freelancers and contractors
• Technology partners

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of digital product development across all platforms, ensuring alignment with business goals and client needs.
• Manage the end-to-end delivery of digital outputs, ensuring delivery is on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.
• Oversee the digital production pipeline, including scoping, scheduling, resource planning, and prioritisation across multiple projects.
• Establish, implement, and continuously improve digital production standards, processes, and governance frameworks.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional development for production department heads across key digital domains, ensuring consistent standards and performance.
• Develop and deliver training programmes and upskilling initiatives to ensure the production teams are future-ready and high performing.
• Identify and drive opportunities for improved productivity, including the adoption of AI tools, automation, and emerging technologies that enhance delivery efficiency and output quality.
• Collaborate with internal business leaders and departmental managers to support a culture of open communication, cross-functional collaboration, and mutual accountability.
• Ensure that digital products and services are integrated effectively with data, analytics, commercial, and operational strategies.
• Monitor and manage risks across the digital delivery portfolio, identifying mitigation strategies and maintaining delivery resilience.
• Stay informed on industry trends, digital technologies, and competitor activity to ensure the organisation remains innovative and competitive.
• Manage relationships with external partners, vendors, and freelance contractors to support delivery as required.
• Other duties as required.

Skills & Abilities

• Proven experience in a senior digital leadership role, preferably in an agency, consultancy, or technology-led environment.
• Demonstrable track record in delivering digital products and services to a high standard, on time and within budget.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing multidisciplinary digital teams.
• Excellent understanding of digital production methodologies, including agile delivery.
• Experience managing budgets, timelines, and resource plans.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills at executive level.
• Commercial awareness and ability to align digital work with business outcomes.

Expected Outcomes

If performed effectively, the Director of Digital & Innovation role will deliver the following outcomes:

• Digital products and services are delivered to a consistently high standard, meeting or exceeding client expectations and business requirements.
• Projects are completed within agreed timelines and financial parameters, with minimal overruns or delays.
• The digital production function is staffed by skilled, engaged professionals, with clear leadership at the domain level and active development pathways in place.
• Workflows and delivery processes are optimised through the use of automation, AI, and other appropriate technologies, resulting in faster and more cost-effective delivery.
• Strong working relationships exist between digital, commercial, data, and operational teams, contributing to a cohesive and collaborative organisational culture.
• The organisation stays ahead of digital trends, with new technologies and methods actively explored and implemented where beneficial.
• Digital outputs contribute directly to positive client experiences, reinforcing trust and helping to secure repeat business and long-term relationships.
• Digital activities and investments align with broader company goals, supporting commercial growth and long-term value creation.