Critical Systems Manager

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Royal Leamington Spa; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A public safety organization in Leamington Spa seeks a Critical Systems Manager to lead the governance and delivery of essential digital infrastructure. You'll oversee procurement, manage supplier performance, and drive innovation to enhance emergency response services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public sector procurement, project management skills, and the ability to engage stakeholders effectively. This role offers a competitive salary within a supportive and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Salary Band N (£46,142 - £48,226)

Workplace support and professional development opportunities

Flexible, hybrid working arrangements

Inclusive culture and commitment to equality

Opportunity to shape digital transformation

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement and contract management, ideally in public sector or digital systems.
• Ability to lead complex projects and matrix-manage technical and administrative teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement and contract management for major digital systems.
• Manage performance and resolve issues with suppliers and system integrators.
• Oversee digital risk and resilience, ensuring strategic alignment.

Skills

Procurement and contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management expertise

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

PRINCE2

APM

Job description

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue - Critical Systems Manager

Location: WFRS HQ, Leamington Spa / Hybrid

Overview

Shape the future of digital systems that keep Warwickshire safe. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) is seeking a Critical Systems Manager to lead the governance and delivery of our essential digital infrastructure. This senior technical specialist role offers the chance to drive innovation, resilience, and compliance across systems that underpin emergency response and community protection.

About Us

WFRS plays a vital role in protecting communities across Warwickshire. We are committed to delivering modern, efficient, and secure digital services that support emergency operations and public safety. Join us and make a real difference.

What you’ll do

• Lead procurement and contract management for major WFRS digital systems, ensuring best value and service quality.
• Act as the single point of contact for suppliers and system integrators, managing performance and resolving issues.
• Maintain a forward‑looking roadmap for upgrades, licensing, and compliance.
• Horizon scan for emerging technologies and opportunities to improve interoperability and efficiency.
• Oversee digital risk and resilience, ensuring strategic alignment with NFCC standards and HMICFRS improvement plans.
• Provide governance and accountability for critical systems and digital infrastructure.
• Support major projects and deliver transformation initiatives using PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies.

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in procurement and contract management, ideally in public sector or digital systems.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Project management expertise (PRINCE2, APM or similar).
• Ability to lead complex projects and matrix‑manage technical and administrative teams.
• Analytical thinking and independent decision‑making to deliver innovative solutions.

Desirable

• Understanding of fire and rescue service operations.

What we offer

• Salary: Band N (£46,142 - £48,226)
• Workplace support and professional development opportunities
• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
• Inclusive culture and commitment to equality, diversity, and wellbeing
• Opportunity to shape digital transformation in a vital public service

Our Values

We live by the Fire Service Core Code of Ethics and Warwickshire DNA: putting communities first, acting with integrity, promoting equality and inclusion, and leading with resilience.

Additional Information

Warwickshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Successful applicants will be subject to a range of pre‑engagement checks, including a relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

To discuss the role please contact Group Manager Mike Atkin – [e-mail].

Application

Closing date: 12th January 2026

Interview date: W/C 19th January 2026

To apply, please complete the online application form attaching your CV and supporting statement on how you meet the job requirements.

Should you require application forms in an alternative format / language or any adjustments to be made throughout the application process or upon appointment, please contact [e-mail] and we will make every effort to meet your specific requirements.

Warwickshire County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and is keen to address areas of under‑representation in its workforce. See more.

Job Description and Person Specification.