Director, Strategy & Governance

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Overview

The Director, Strategy & Governance is accountable for defining and driving the strategic and governance framework for Global IT, ensuring full alignment with the BDO Global Strategy and enabling delivery of measurable value across the BDO network. The role leads the global IT strategy lifecycle, sets network‑aligned priorities, embeds disciplined governance and decision‑making frameworks, and provides strategic insight and assurance to senior and executive leadership. Drawing on market, regulatory, and competitive intelligence, the role ensures Global IT programmes and investments are prioritised effectively, aligned to network strategy and risk expectations, and deliver sustained value while strengthening the maturity and operational effectiveness of the technology function.

What you’ll be doing

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Direct and continuously evolve the Global IT strategy and roadmap, ensuring alignment with Global Office priorities, financial plans, and service line needs.
• Produce high‑quality executive and board‑ready strategy materials, articulating priorities, progress, risks, and long‑term outlook.
• Define outcome‑based KPIs/OKRs and leading indicators; track performance and inform course‑correction based on data and market signals.
• Run the strategy execution reporting cadence (monthly/quarterly), including KPI dashboards, benefits tracking, and risk/issue escalation with options and recommendations.
• Sponsor or lead cross‑functional strategic projects from problem definition to execution support, including change adoption.

Governance, Processes & Risk

• Oversee the Governance & Standards function, ensuring strong governance frameworks, policies, and operating standards across the organisation.
• Manage enterprise standards and certification pathways (ISO, SOC and other industry-specific certifications) to maintain readiness, compliance, and successful audits.
• Define and enforce minimum operating standards, and implement governance reviews, including maturity assessments, risk controls, and assurance activities, to drive consistency, quality, and risk reduction.
• Ensure portfolio decisions are grounded in financial analysis, risk assessment, and enterprise impact.

Knowledge Sharing -Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Build trusted relationships with Global IT leadership, Global Office functions, service line leadership, and firm executives to ensure strategic alignment and sponsorship.
• Oversee the Knowledge Sharing function ensuring strong communication and change management frameworks, policies, and operating standards across the organisation.
• Oversee internal and external GIT communications, including messaging, branding, crisis communications, stakeholder updates, and executive communications support.
• Lead and mentor a team of communications, training, and engagement specialists, fostering a culture of high performance and ongoing development.
• Partner with senior leadership, HR, Technology, and operational teams to ensure communication and training initiatives support major programmes, transformation efforts, and organisational priorities.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to evaluate communication effectiveness, training outcomes, and employee engagement, using insights to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• 10+ years’ leadership experience in strategy, IT, or business roles within complex or regulated organisations.
• Demonstrated stewardship of corporate or technology strategy, including hands‑on strategic analysis, issue structuring, and performance improvement.
• Experience leading strategic planning cycles, portfolio management, PMO disciplines, and benefits realisation.
• Strong vendor and partner management experience across large‑scale technology programmes.
• Background in M&A or strategic partnerships (pipeline evaluation, diligence, integration) is an advantage.
• Degree in Business, IT, or equivalent; MBA or advanced qualification preferred.

Skills and capabilities

• Exceptional executive communication and influence, including the ability to craft clear, concise materials for senior leadership and board audiences.
• Strong analytical and structured problem‑solving ability; able to turn ambiguity into actionable frameworks and strategic options.
• Strategic agility and sound judgment under uncertainty; balances innovation with governance, risk, and compliance.
• Strong cross‑functional leadership with the ability to coach, delegate, and empower teams.
• Commercial and financial acumen, including long‑term planning, value modelling, and benefits tracking.
• Advanced market and competitive intelligence capability, with strength in synthesising insights and scenario analysis.
• Portfolio and programme leadership, with a focus on outcomes and adoption across global stakeholder groups.

Why BDO?

We inspire others, to go further

At BDO, your ideas matter. You’re encouraged to think beyond the expected, explore new possibilities, and shape your own path. Here, you can make a meaningful impact, on your career, on your community, and on the future we build together.

We create together, to reach higher

We’re a people‑powered organisation, united by our diverse strengths and shared ambition. You’ll join a collaborative global team that values your perspective, amplifies your ideas, and supports your growth. Through global connections, shared knowledge, and opportunities for mobility, you’ll be part of something bigger: creating solutions that matter.

We build trust, to lead purposefully

Your expertise drives real outcomes at BDO. You’ll be part of an organisation that is trusted, recognised, and respected worldwide. With a strong commitment to integrity, sustainability, and positive impact, you'll be empowered to lead with purpose, both in the work you deliver, and in the communities where you live and work.

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