Shape the Future of Digital, Data and Technology in Local Government



There has rarely been a more important moment for local government. As councils respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by devolution, public service reform and financial sustainability, the Local Government Association is helping to shape the future of the sector nationally. Representing councils across England and Wales, the LGA's influence reaches into the heart of government, policymaking and public service delivery.



We're now seeking an exceptional
Chief Technology Officer to lead one of the most important digital, data and technology leadership roles in local government. Reporting to the Director of Membership, Insight and Innovation, you will lead the LGA's Enterprise Digital, Data and Technology function, bringing together technology, digital services, data, information management and service design within a single integrated team. Leading a multidisciplinary team of more than 20 professionals, you will play a central role in delivering the ambitions of both Future LGA and LGA Digital.



This is far more than a traditional technology leadership position.



You will be responsible for the digital and technology foundations that enable the LGA to operate effectively, securely and efficiently, while simultaneously transforming the way member councils engage with us. From the continued evolution of the LGA website and myLGA platform to the development of a modern Microsoft and Dynamics ecosystem, you will help create seamless, customer-focused digital experiences underpinned by resilient enterprise technology and robust governance.



You will provide leadership across enterprise architecture, cyber resilience, information governance, service management, supplier strategy, digital delivery and data architecture. You will help build a more evidence-led organisation, ensuring that technology, data and insight become core enablers of organisational effectiveness and member value.



What makes this opportunity particularly distinctive is its influence beyond the organisation itself. As a senior leader within the LGA, you will have the opportunity to shape thinking across the wider local government sector, working closely with colleagues involved in sector support, improvement and innovation. Your expertise will help inform how councils respond to some of the biggest digital, data and technology challenges they face, from service modernisation and organisational transformation to data governance, cyber resilience and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.




About you



We're looking for a strategic and credible leader with significant experience of leading digital, data and technology transformation within a large, complex organisation. You may come from local government, the wider public sector, a membership organisation or another environment where organisational transformation, customer experience and stakeholder engagement are critical to success.



You will bring:

• A track record of leading large-scale digital, data and technology transformation.


• Experience of modernising enterprise technology environments and customer-facing digital services.


• Strong understanding of enterprise architecture, information governance and service design.


• Experience of building and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams.


• Commercial and supplier management expertise.


• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive change across complex organisations.


• A commitment to using technology, data and insight to improve services and deliver measurable impact.

This is a rare opportunity to build modern digital foundations, transform services for member councils and help shape the future of digital, data and technology across local government.




Join us and help ensure local government is equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world.



For a confidential discussion, please contact our search partner
GatenbySanderson on: Jude Watters on: jude.watters@gatenbysanderson.com



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Recruitment Timetable



Closing date

11.59 Sunday 11 October 2026



Longlist Meeting

w/c 19 October 2026



Technical Interviews

w/c 26 October 2026



Shortlist Meeting

w/c 2 November 2026



Final Panel Interviews

w/c 9 November 2026




How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.


• Detail any employment or education gaps.


• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.


• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.


• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com