This role leads the organization's IT department and digital transformation strategy. The post holder is responsible for translating overarching strategic objectives into operational efficiencies, driving a modern digital culture, and maintaining robust IT infrastructure. The position oversees technical operations, vendor relationships, cyber resilience, and system compliance while managing a dedicated team of IT professionals.
Strategic Goals
Operational & Service Excellence: Support high-quality, safe, and efficient delivery across all operational and clinical services.
- People & Capability: Act as an employer of choice by developing internal talent, promoting innovation, and supporting continuous learning.
- Research & Innovation: Foster environments that support technological advancements and collaborative partnerships.
- Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen network and partner connections to maximize service performance and end-user outcomes.
Qualifications & Experience Requirements
Educational Background: Level 8 Degree (or equivalent recognized third-level qualification) in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years' experience leading ICT teams or managing technology functions in a complex, high-stakes, or regulated environment.
- Relevant industry certifications (e.g., networking, systems management, or enterprise technology).
- Management, leadership, or supervisory training certifications.
- Understanding of critical infrastructure regulatory standards (e.g., NIS directives/essential service operator frameworks).
Key Accountabilities & Operational Responsibilities
- Lead the design, execution, and continuous alignment of the enterprise ICT and digital roadmap.
- Provide expert guidance to senior executive teams regarding technological capabilities, emerging tools, risk mitigation, and digital opportunities.
- Direct and line-manage the internal IT team, balancing structured oversight with operational autonomy to drive innovation.
- Manage service delivery schedules, performance metrics, and departmental budget allocations.
Technical Infrastructure & Cyber Resilience
- Direct day-to-day IT support operations, ensuring high availability, security, and responsive incident resolution.
- Maintain and test business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
- Serve as the principal lead for IT security, implementing threat mitigation, access controls, and cybersecurity frameworks.
- Evaluate emerging software, hardware, and smart technology tools (including automation and modern digital platforms) for organizational suitability.
- Oversee enterprise system architecture, data governance structures, and information asset security.
- Ensure strict adherence to relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR), supporting information audits and privacy impact assessments.
- Lead procurement processes for hardware, software, and external services in accordance with public sector governance requirements.
- Manage external vendor contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and project implementation partners.
Project Delivery & Change Enablement
- Act as the technical lead on cross-departmental projects, system upgrades, and digital transitions.
- Implement structured change-management practices to support smooth user adoption of modern technologies.
- Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) and keep technical documentation fully up to date.
Core Competencies & Person Specification
- Technical Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of enterprise networking, cloud/on-premise infrastructure, cyber security, data management, and specialized service technologies.
- Strategic & Analytical Mindset: Demonstrated capability to translate broader organizational mandates into actionable technology plans and balance immediate operational demands with long-term strategy.
- People Leadership: Strong line-management capabilities, with a track record of supporting staff development, evaluating performance, and driving collaborative team performance.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to non-technical, administrative, and clinical leadership.
- Quality & Compliance Focus: Dedication to continuous improvement, adherence to regulatory standards, user-centric service design, and strict data confidentiality.