Digital Services Manager

Ards and North Down Borough Council; Hirael; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government body is seeking a leader to manage its Digital Services team, responsible for ICT strategy and digital transformation. The ideal candidate will have significant management experience in IT, a Level 6 qualification in Computing or related fields, and proven skills in project management and stakeholder engagement. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

35 days of annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Health benefits

Flexi time

Homeworking options

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years management experience in IT or digital services.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Digital Services team.
• Develop and implement ICT strategy for the council.
• Ensure delivery of ICT programmes according to customer requirements.

Skills

Management experience

Project management skills

Interpersonal skills

Technical knowledge

Customer care skills

Partnership working skills

Education

Level 6 qualification in Computing or Software Engineering

Relevant managerial experience

Job description

To be responsible to the Head of Strategic Transformation and Performance for enabling Digital Transformation, effective leadership, technical and professional oversight, operational delivery, and management of the full range of IT Services offered within the Councils Digital Services function and to make decisions on IT related matters which will affect the future operating model of the Council. Please note

Responsibilities

• 1. To assist the Head of Strategic Transformation and Performance in leading, managing and motivating the Digital Services team ensuring that the overall objectives of the service are met, being cognisant of the strategic objectives of the council.
• 2. To assist with the corporate management of the service in the development and delivery of the Digital Services business plans.
• 3. To be responsible for the development and implementation of the council's ICT strategy.
• 4. To be responsible for the delivery of ICT Programmes in accordance with customer requirements; developing (where applicable) agreed information systems solutions and ensuring the acquisition, enhancement and implementation of agreed package solutions to deliver the Digital Transformation of business processes in a cost effective and timely manner.
• 5. To seek and implement innovative and creative (technological) solutions for the relevant services to meet the Council's needs to bring about change and improvement in service delivery and outcomes achieved, within budget provision.
• 6. To monitor and manage the Corporate ICT Revenue and Capital budgets.
• 7. To develop and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships between and with council directorates, member/ officer groups, external customers, government departments, statutory bodies and Council's Auditors on matters affecting ICT programmes and project delivery.
• 8. To represent Council at local and regional levels on any relevant IT partnership, steering or working groups.
• 9. To review and quality assure programme and project risk management arrangements, building capacity needed to maximise delivery.
• 10. To produce timely briefings, performance management and financial reports and papers for members and both corporate and external customer project boards as and when required.
• 11. To assist with resource planning, performance management, and improvement programme elements of the service, working within a budgetary framework.
• 12. To operate within the agreed standards for computer systems delivery, this will include all aspects of customer training and technical support.
• 13. In conjunction with other managers identify, acquire and introduce, such standards, methodologies and processes necessary to ensure the provision of a quality, cost-effective service.
• 14. To effectively market appropriate products developed or adapted by the service.
• 15. To provide leadership and support within the service.
• 16. To promote positive and constructive relationships.
• 17. Motivate and manage any staff, that may be assigned to the postholder, to ensure effective service delivery and to be responsible for reviewing and implementing a proper staff training programme.
• 18. Participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Ards and North Down Borough Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.
• 19. Participate as directed in the Council's recruitment and selection procedures.
• 20. Act in accordance with the Council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.
• 21. Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the Council.
• 22. Undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.

Service Area Responsibilities

Infrastructure

• Management and monitoring of the Corporate LAN/WAN
• Internal Corporate and Public Wi‑Fi Services procurement and installation
• Hybrid On‑Premises/ Cloud Server and Storage services

Security and Governance

• Managing Corporate ICT and Cyber Security risk management services including the development and review of associated policies
• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
• Security of data, network access and backup systems

Hardware / Software

• Management and monitoring of the Council's physical and virtual ICT assets
• Management of Application Development
• Web Architecture
• Customer Service and Service Desk Support
• Software Defined Networking and Telephony services
• Support of AVC Media Equipment Solutions
• Research and development on new and emerging technologies

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant level 6 qualification, plus a minimum of 2 years management experience as detailed in the Essential Experience below.
• A relevant qualification includes Computing, Software Engineering or other disciplines relevant to Information Systems and Information Technology. Only those courses where a computing content of 50% or more can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the panel will be considered relevant.
• A minimum of 4 years management experience as detailed in the Essential Experience below.

Key Competencies

• Management experience working collaboratively with senior leaders and managing diverse stakeholders to successfully lead multidisciplinary team(s) delivering IT/digital products or services of significant scale and complexity aligned to the organisations strategic priorities.
• Successfully developing and delivering business efficiencies through IT enabled business change projects, to ensure digital opportunities are fully exploited by the organisation.
• Managing the procurement, development, implementation and review of significant information technology projects at a senior level for a large and complex organisation.
• Managing and motivating staff, i.e. direct reports, in accordance with the principles of performance management and personal development.
• Managing customer relationships and working with multidisciplinary project teams, Interpersonal skills: excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to represent the council, deliver presentations to groups and provide written reports and the ability to influence and persuade individuals and groups.
• Project management skills: the ability to manage the delivery of projects effectively, within agreed parameters of cost, timescales and quality, including the development and implementation of business processes to meet identified business needs and use of appropriate resources and skills.
• Technical knowledge: the ability to identify new and emerging technologies and developments in information systems and their potential application to develop creative and practical solutions to improve business efficiency and meet corporate priorities.
• Analysis and decision‑making skills: the ability to analyse scenarios and contribute to effective decision making and provide effective solutions to problems and customer challenges.
• Staff leadership and team working skills: the ability to motivate, manage and develop a team of professional officers to help them perform at their best within a complex organisation in a changing financial and administrative environment.
• Customer care skills: the ability to understand and respond to customer needs, provide services to the highest quality, maximise customer satisfaction with a commitment to the principles of customer care.
• Partnership working skills: the ability to form, develop and maintain partnerships and other working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Political sensitivity skills: the ability to work in a political environment with awareness, sensitivity and commitment to working closely with elected politicians, partners and local organisations.

Driving Licence and Transport

• A current full driving licence and access to a suitable form of transport.
• Applicants without a full driving licence should have access to a form of transport to enable them to meet the nature and requirements of the post.
• Access to a good internet and WIFI services if working from home or on a hybrid basis.

Benefits

• 35 days of annual leave (including bank/public holidays), rising to 38 days after five years of service, and 41 days after 10 years of service (pro rata)
• Northern Ireland Local Government Pension Scheme (Council contributes 19% of salary)
• Health benefits: Westfield Healthcare Scheme; Leisure Centre Membership; Cycle to Work Scheme
• Flexi time/ Time Off in Lieu (TOIL)
• Homeworking and hybrid working options for relevant suitable posts
• Education / qualifications support after qualifying period
• Plus much more