Applications, Development and Data Team Leader

Rochdale Council; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

LGPS pension

Generous annual leave

Wellbeing support

Learning & development

Job summary

Rochdale Borough Council is seeking an experienced Applications, Development & Data Team Leader to drive its digital transformation and lead multidisciplinary teams across applications, development, data and social care systems.

You will inspire high-performing teams, align delivery with the council’s digital strategy and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across the service.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading large, multidisciplinary ICT or Digital teams within a complex organisation.
• Proven track record of managing managers, technical specialists and diverse disciplines during organisational change.
• Experience bringing together teams and creating a shared vision and operating model.
• Strong leadership with ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Balance of operational delivery with strategic transformation programmes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Applications, Development, Adult Care Systems and Children's Services Systems.
• Lead and develop managers, specialists and technical professionals to create a high-performing culture.
• Converge Applications and Development functions with shared standards and delivery approaches.
• Drive organisational change and align teams to business priorities.
• Identify opportunities to use AI, automation and data-driven technologies to improve efficiency.
• Oversee development, support, optimisation and integration of critical business systems.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders and translate needs into practical digital solutions.
• Ensure systems meet resilience, security, accessibility and data protection standards.
• Champion modern technology practices and continuous improvement.

Skills

Large multidisciplinary teams

People management

Stakeholder management

Digital transformation

AI & automation awareness

Job description

Applications, Development & Data Team Leader

Help Shape the Future of Digital Services at Rochdale Borough Council

Rochdale Council is looking for an exceptional and experienced leader to drive the next phase of our digital transformation.

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for bringing together multidisciplinary teams across applications, software development, data and critical social care systems to deliver modern, resilient and customer-focused digital services.

We are seeking a proven people manager with a strong track record of leading diverse technical teams through change, transformation and service improvement. This role is not simply about technical expertise; it is about inspiring high-performing teams, creating a shared vision, developing talent and delivering results through others.

As part of our ambitious digital strategy, you will lead the convergence of our Applications and Development functions, embedding consistent standards, modern ways of working and a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. You will also play a leading role in the adoption of AI, automation and data-driven technologies to improve services for both residents and colleagues.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of ICT & Digital, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across multidisciplinary teams responsible for Applications, Development, Adult Care Systems and Children's Services Systems.
• Lead and develop managers, specialists and technical professionals, creating a high-performing culture focused on accountability, collaboration and service excellence.
• Bring together previously separate teams, establishing shared standards, common delivery approaches and clear ownership of systems and services.
• Drive organisational change, ensuring teams are aligned to business priorities and equipped to meet future challenges.
• Identify and deliver opportunities to utilise AI, automation and data-driven technologies to improve efficiency, reduce manual processes and enhance service delivery.
• Oversee the development, support, optimisation and integration of critical business systems and digital platforms.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the Council, translating business needs into practical digital solutions.
• Ensure all systems and services meet high standards of resilience, security, accessibility, compliance and data protection.
• Champion modern technology practices, continuous improvement and innovation across the service.

What We're Looking For

Essential

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience leading large, multidisciplinary ICT or Digital teams within a complex organisation.
• A proven track record of managing managers, technical specialists and diverse professional disciplines whilst successfully delivering organisational change.
• Experience bringing together teams, functions or services and creating a shared culture, operating model and vision.
• Strong leadership credentials with evidence of building, motivating and developing high-performing teams.
• Success in balancing operational service delivery with strategic transformation and improvement programmes.
• Experience managing multiple competing priorities, budgets, resources and stakeholder expectations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and build effective relationships across organisational boundaries.
• A strong understanding of enterprise applications, software development, systems integration and digital service delivery.

Why Join Rochdale Council?

This is an opportunity to lead a broad and influential portfolio at a time of significant investment and transformation.

In return, we offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance.
• A competitive salary and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement and comprehensive wellbeing support.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities, including leadership development and career progression pathways.
• The opportunity to shape the future direction of digital services across the Council.
• A modern, award-winning workplace at Number One Riverside, recognised as one of the UK's leading public sector workplaces.
• A supportive, inclusive and forward‑thinking organisation committed to innovation and public service excellence.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role