Strategic Manager Applications and Development

Durham County Council; North East; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in North East England is seeking an experienced leader to drive digital transformation within their Applications & Development service. The successful candidate will set strategic direction and manage the development of digital services to ensure alignment with corporate goals. Candidates should possess extensive senior management experience and a proven ability in strategic leadership. The role offers a competitive rewards package and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Attractive salaries

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Extensive senior management experience in a large, multi-functional organisation.
• Proven track record in strategic leadership and business transformation.
• Ability to think strategically while delivering operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Set direction, priorities, and policies for the Applications & Development team.
• Lead the development and delivery of the application's strategy and roadmap.
• Manage strategic supplier relationships.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Change leadership

Project management

Operational excellence

Education

Degree level education in relevant subject

Job description

INTRODUCTION

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for digital transformation and strategic delivery? Durham County Council is seeking an experienced professional to head up our Applications & Development service, driving innovation and excellence across our digital estate. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of how we deliver technology across the council, ensuring our systems are secure, efficient, and aligned with our corporate priorities.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

As the strategic lead for Applications & Development, you’ll set the direction, priorities, and policies for the team, ensuring alignment with both corporate and service goals. You’ll play a key role in the wider management team, championing the council’s vision, values and behaviours.

You’ll lead the development and delivery of our application strategy and roadmap, overseeing the full lifecycle of digital services – from innovation and design to procurement, implementation and support. Working in close partnership with infrastructure, governance and programme teams, you’ll ensure our application estate is secure, cost‑effective and future‑ready.

Your remit will include managing strategic supplier relationships, ensuring contracts deliver value for money and supporting enterprise architecture development. You’ll also collaborate with services across the council to maximise efficiency, consolidate systems and ensure our digital platforms meet business outcomes.

Externally, you’ll lead service delivery to schools and other customers, ensuring high standards and strong relationships. You’ll also oversee our Print Service, maintaining productivity, quality and budget performance.

This role demands a strong corporate presence, engaging with regional and national bodies to bring best practice and partnership opportunities into the council.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

You’ll be educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject, with extensive senior management experience in a large, multi‑functional organisation. You’ll bring a proven track record in strategic leadership, business transformation, and continuous improvement.

Core skills include project management, change leadership and the ability to think strategically while delivering operational excellence. You’ll be professional, forward‑thinking and confident in navigating complex digital landscapes. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held on 9th and 10th December 2025. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who meet all essential criteria and indicate they have a disability, are a looked‑after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.

Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 or via email [e-mail]. All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from [e-mail]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

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Important Information for Members of the Local Government Pension Scheme

HM Revenue and Customs impose controls on the amount of pension savings you can make without having to pay extra tax. These controls are known as the Annual Allowance and Lump Sum Allowance. The Annual Allowance is the amount by which the value of your pension benefits may increase in any one year without you having to pay a tax charge. You are most likely to be affected by the Annual Allowance if you receive a significant pay increase, and/or you are a high earner. Two lump sum limits were also introduced in April 2024. If the value of all lump sums taken from UK pensions is higher than these limits, you will have to pay tax on any excess at your marginal rate.

More information can be found at www.lgpsmember.org/your-pension/the-essentials/tax/

If you are successful in your application for this post and wish to find out more about these controls, please contact the Pension Section at [e-mail].