Overview

Are you ready to take the lead on how an organisation uses technology, data and security to grow, adapt and make a real difference?

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join Compass as Assistant Director of IT, Data and Information Governance, a remote role where your expertise will directly shape the future of our organisation.

You will lead the vision for technology, data and information governance, ensuring systems are reliable, secure and enable innovation, collaboration and growth. You will be at the heart of digital transformation, driving improvements that empower colleagues across the organisation to work smarter, faster and more effectively. You will oversee our Managed Service Provider and a small internal team, ensuring excellence in service delivery, cyber security and user experience, while providing strategic leadership at senior level.

As part of the senior leadership team, you will influence decisions at the highest level to shape how we support children, young people and families for years to come. This role combines technical expertise, leadership skills and strategic thinking to create systems that keep us safe and help us thrive.

If you are looking for a role to lead change on a national scale, build systems that matter, and leave a lasting impact, this is an opportunity to make it happen.

Main duties

You are not just an IT leader. You are someone who sees the bigger picture and knows how to use technology to create real change. We are looking for a candidate who can combine strategic vision, technical expertise and inspiring leadership to guide Compass into its next chapter.

You will bring:

• Proven senior IT leadership experience, with success in shaping and delivering large scale strategies
• Strong technical knowledge, including Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, SharePoint and cyber security
• A deep understanding of information governance and data protection, including GDPR and ISO standards
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire colleagues and manage complex third party relationships
• The confidence to influence at senior level, turning technical detail into clear insight that drives decisions

It would be advantageous to hold certifications such as ITIL or Cyber Essentials, have experience with Power BI, or understand Microsoft’s Modern Workplace tools.

A driving license is desirable but not essential; travel between locations as needed (e.g., York Head Office for meetings) is expected.

Most importantly, you will lead with integrity, curiosity and courage, always looking for ways to innovate and improve.

If you are ready to bring your expertise to a role where you can shape the future of a national organisation and leave a lasting legacy, we’d love to hear from you.

About us

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity with services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and related prevention and health promotion initiatives.

All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

We positively encourage applications from all members of the community and are committed to equality and a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time (pro rata)
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Enhanced sick pay
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual performance/salary review

Requirements

Qualifications

• Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
• Desirable: Certifications such as ITIL

Experience

• Essential: Minimum of 5 years in senior IT management roles; experience leading IT strategy and transformation; managing enterprise-level IT infrastructure including cloud, networking and cybersecurity
• Experience with Microsoft Azure, Azure Virtual Desktops, Windows 365, Microsoft 365, SharePoint
• Strong knowledge of IT frameworks and standards such as ITIL, Cyber Essentials, or ISO 27001
• Experience implementing and managing business-critical applications
• Strong understanding of GDPR, DPA18 & PECR
• Desirable: Power BI and Microsoft Modern Workplace skills

Additional Criteria

• Excellent leadership with a track record of managing high-performing teams and third-party relationships, particularly with an MSP
• Strong communication, with ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Stakeholder management and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to align IT initiatives with business objectives to drive measurable value
• Analytical mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement
• Occasional travel to other Compass sites; out-of-hours support may be required
• Willingness to travel between locations; Driving License is desirable but not essential

Disclosures

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires an enhanced Disclosure to check for previous convictions.

Job details

Employer: Compass

Location: York area (York Business Park, North Yorkshire, YO26 6RW) with remote/hybrid elements

Salary: £64,394 to £76,766 per year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Date posted: 19 September 2025

Closing date: 6th Oct

Interview date: w/c 13th Oct