Digital Services Manager

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking an experienced Digital Services Manager for a 12‑month maternity cover. You will own the council’s main website, intranet and digital platforms, driving user‑centred design, accessibility, and content standards.

You will lead a major CMS migration, collaborate with suppliers and internal teams, and champion collaboration and continuous improvement across digital services for Dorset residents.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex websites or digital services.
• Delivery of website transformation or CMS migration projects.
• Experience managing teams, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Ability to use data and research to improve services.
• Experience developing and managing content strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the council’s digital services and platforms.
• Act as product owner for the website and CMS.
• Deliver a migration to a new CMS.
• Use data, insight and user research to improve services.
• Set and maintain content standards across the organisation.
• Ensure accessibility standards and GDS guidance are met.
• Collaborate with service teams, ICT, communications and suppliers.
• Support and develop a team of Senior Content Designers and Content Designers.

Skills

Leading complex websites

CMS migration projects

Team management

Data-driven service improvement

Content strategy development

Job description

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Digital Services Manager to work with us for 12 months to cover a period of maternity leave.

You will lead the council’s digital services function and improve how people interact with us online. This includes ownership of our website, content and leading a major programme to modernise how we manage and deliver them.

Our website is the main way people access council services. We want our online services to be easier to use, reduce demand on other channels and help improve outcomes for Dorset residents.

The Digital Services Manager has ownership of the council’s main website, intranet and digital platforms. You will make sure they are clear, accessible and designed around user needs.

Content management system and website project

We’re looking for someone who can lead a major update to the council’s website, including the move to a new content management system.

Over the next 12 months, you’ll provide senior leadership and expert oversight for a major CMS replacement, working closely with a newly appointed supplier and colleagues across project management, communications, content design, service design and ICT.

You’ll act as a champion for collaboration and user‑centred thinking, ensuring our digital platforms are accessible, resilient, designed around the needs of Dorset residents.

What you will do

You will:

• lead and manage the council’s digital services and platforms
• act as product owner for the website and content management system
• deliver a migration to a new CMS
• use data, insight and user research to improve services
• set and maintain content standards across the organisation
• make sure content meets accessibility standards and GDS guidance
• work with service teams, ICT, communications and suppliers
• manage and support a team of Senior Content Designers, Content Designers and our Information and Advice Coordinator.

What we are looking for

You will need experience of:

• leading complex websites or digital services
• delivering website transformation or CMS migration projects
• managing teams, suppliers and stakeholders
• using data and research to improve services
• developing and managing content strategy

You should also:

• understand user centred design and content design
• know how to meet accessibility standards and digital best practice
• be able to explain complex information in a simple way
• be confident making decisions and leading change
• be a people-centred line manager

While the CMS migration is a key priority for the next 12 months, this remains a broad digital leadership role with responsibility for standards, content, accessibility, user experience and continuous improvement.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Emily Hasson-Chapman, Digital Services Manager on 01305 838184 or [e-mail]

We support flexible working and you will be able to work in a hybrid pattern. Attendance at offices in Dorchester will be required several times a month to enable effective relationship management and delivery of the CMS project.

Applications are welcomed as either:

• a fixed-term appointment, or
• a secondment opportunity for existing employees.

Candidates seeking appointment on a secondment basis should note that release from their substantive post is subject to management approval and operational requirements.

This post requires significant travel.

You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.