Fractional Executive Opportunity

About This Interim CIO Opportunity in the UK

We are seeking an experienced Interim CIO (also known as an Acting IT Director or Interim Chief Information Officer) to provide strategic technology and information leadership to organisations across the United Kingdom. This is a full-time interim role typically lasting 3-12 months, supporting businesses through digital transformation, IT modernisation, or leadership transitions.

An Interim CIO brings the same calibre of strategic IT leadership as a permanent Chief Information Officer, with the agility to make immediate impact. According to the BCS (British Computer Society), demand for interim IT leadership has surged as organisations accelerate their digital transformation initiatives.

What Does an Interim CIO Do?

As an Interim Chief Information Officer, you will deliver board-level IT strategy and operational technology leadership. The BCS recognises the critical importance of information leadership in the UK's digital economy.

Key responsibilities include IT strategy and digital roadmap development, enterprise architecture and systems integration, IT team leadership and vendor management, cybersecurity governance and compliance, cloud migration and infrastructure modernisation, and business intelligence and data strategy.

Interim CIO Day Rates in the UK

This role offers day rates of £900-£1,400 depending on sector complexity and experience level. According to Glassdoor UK salary data, interim IT leaders can expect annual equivalent earnings of £220,000-£350,000.

The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) reports that the UK faces a critical shortage of senior IT leaders, with digital transformation demands outpacing available talent.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates for this Interim CIO position will have 15+ years in IT leadership with experience managing enterprise-scale technology operations. You will have held a senior IT role (CIO, IT Director, VP IT) in organisations with complex technology landscapes.

The Government Digital Service (GDS) has set standards for digital leadership that IT executives should understand, particularly when working with regulated industries.

Working Arrangements

Interim CIO roles typically require 4-5 days per week presence, with hybrid arrangements common once systems and team relationships are established. The Tech Nation reports that distributed IT leadership has become standard practice.

UK Sectors Seeking Interim CIOs

Demand for Interim Chief Information Officers spans multiple sectors:

• Financial Services — Core banking modernisation, FCA technology compliance (£1,100-£1,500/day)
• Healthcare & NHS — EPR implementation, clinical systems integration
• Retail & E-commerce — Omnichannel platforms, supply chain digitalisation
• Manufacturing — Industry 4.0, IoT implementation, ERP modernisation
• Public Sector — Digital service delivery, legacy system replacement

The UK Interim CIO Market

According to Gartner, IT leadership is among the most critical executive functions, yet many organisations cannot justify permanent CIO hires. The interim model provides organisations with experienced IT leadership during transformation or transition periods.

How to Apply for Interim CIO Roles in the UK

If you are an experienced IT leader seeking interim opportunities, Acting IT Director roles, or CIO positions across the UK, register your interest through Fractional Quest.

Browse more opportunities: All Interim CIO Jobs UK | Fractional CIO Jobs UK | CIO Salary Guide | What is a Fractional CIO?