Head of Innovation Delivery and Digital

Luton Homeless Partnership; Luton; On-site; GBP 69,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking local authority in Luton is seeking a Head of Innovation Delivery and Data to lead digital transformation and shape inclusive public services. You will be responsible for developing the technology strategy while inspiring multidisciplinary teams to innovate. A proven background in strategic leadership and digital change is required. You'll use tools like Microsoft 365 and AI to drive improvements that truly benefit the diverse communities of Luton, making a real difference in people's lives.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Career development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Relocation package up to £8,000

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic digital leadership.
• Ability to deliver measurable improvements in services.
• Experience in championing user-centred design.

Responsibilities

• Shape the council’s technology strategy and innovation.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and improve services.
• Drive organisational culture change through data insight.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Digital transformation

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Inclusive design

Education

Proven track record in delivering large scale programmes

Tools

Microsoft 365

Power Platform

AI technologies

Job description

Role: Head of Innovation Delivery and Data

Salary: M8 Grade from £69,563 to £77,056 plus car allowance (£3,203)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Are you ready to lead digital transformation at the heart of a bold, community-focused local authority? Luton Council is hiring a Head of Innovation Delivery and Data to drive excellence, champion cutting-edge technologies, and shape the future of inclusive public services. Step up to a strategic role where your vision, leadership and data expertise will make a lasting impact on the lives of Luton’s diverse communities.

About the Job

Lead the Future of Luton.

As Head of Innovation Delivery and Data, you’ll shape the council’s technology strategy, champion innovation, and deliver data-driven, inclusive services that make a real difference for Luton’s communities.

You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, harness the power of Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and AI, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

If you thrive on modernising services, building organisational capability, and turning strategic vision into operational excellence, we want to hear from you!

About You

Are you a strategic digital leader with a passion for innovation and service transformation?

We want someone who can set direction, inspire teams, and deliver measurable improvements across digital, data, and technology.

You’ll have a proven track record in leading large-scale digital change, championing inclusive, user‑centred design, and building strong relationships with stakeholders at every level.

We need an innovator, someone who can do things very differently by changing how we think about meeting the needs of the community of Luton.

You’ll need a proven track record of delivering large scale programmes and projects.

Your expertise in adopting technologies like Microsoft 365, Power Platform, and AI will help us modernise services and unlock new capabilities.

The role will in be responsible for turning data into insight, driving organisational culture change, and making a real impact for diverse communities.

Why Luton Council?

At Luton Council, we are committed to delivering excellent services that meet the needs of our diverse community. We believe our people are our greatest asset and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package
>Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• Flexible working arrangements
• A chance to make a real difference in the community

Apply Now

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and want to be part of a forward-thinking local authority, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach out to our Project Lead, Joanne Cumper, to learn more, email her on [e-mail] and set up a call.

About us

Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents. It’s an awesome time to join. We have more than £5bn of investment underway across multiple developments, as part of Step Forward Luton. This is Luton’s moment, be part of it.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough

Application Process

Please apply via the Luton Website providing an updated CV and Supporting Statement.

Closing date for applications is 25 January 26

Interviews will be held 3 February 26

Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.

On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.

Benefits

• From 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
• Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
• Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
• Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
• Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
• Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
• Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
• Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel

How to apply

We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail. The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!