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You will play a pivotal role in supporting the Director of Finance as Winchester City Council prepares for Local Government Reorganisation. A major focus of your work will be leading the seamless transition of our IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits systems into the new Unitary Authority by April 2028. This includes ensuring technical readiness, data integrity, system compatibility, and operational continuity throughout the transformation.

You will lead a high-impact, technology-driven portfolio with a strong emphasis on IT and digital services. You will:

• Shape and deliver the Council's IT and digital strategy within a shared-service environment
• Oversee the modernisation, integration, and optimisation of core business systems
• Ensure robust cyber security, data governance, and digital resilience
• Drive the adoption of innovative technologies that improve customer experience and operational efficiency
• Lead teams across IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits to deliver reliable, cost-effective, user-centred services

Your leadership will be instrumental in preparing the organisation for structural change, ensuring that technology underpins a smooth transition and positions the new authority for long-term success.

Collaboration will be essential. You will work closely with internal service leads, external partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to deliver forward-thinking digital solutions aligned with council priorities. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence, ensuring our technology landscape is fit for the future.

• Council's lead adviser for Digital and IT strategy
• Visible member of corporate management
• Set improvement plans and standards for service excellence
• Line manage Service Leads for IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits
• Coach and mentor teams, modelling the Council's values

• Own IT governance, risk and compliance within the shared service
• Deliver the digital strategy and roadmaps to modernise services
• Ensure ICT is ready to support transition to a new Unitary Authority

• Strategic leadership and operational oversight of Revenues and Benefits
• Act as deputy s151 officer subject to qualifications and experience
• Lead finance, audit and insurance to meet legislative requirements
• Support financial and IT strategies for reorganisation

• Deliver annual service plans and hit corporate performance standards
• Advise committees on service delivery, development and statutory needs
• Engage with national and regional bodies to bring in best practice
• Build strong partnerships to maximise resources

• Entrepreneurial options appraisal and benchmarking
• Identify service integration and continuous performance improvement
• Research and market engagement to develop commercial opportunities

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of senior leadership in corporate services—someone who leads with vision, empowers others, and champions continuous improvement. You will bring experience in organisational change, service transformation, and partnership working, ensuring services are efficient, effective, and forward-thinking. Strong influencing and negotiation skills are essential, enabling you to shape decisions and drive progress.

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience with evidence of CPD
• Preferably a business or management qualification
• Senior leadership track record in relevant services
• Proven delivery of organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement
• Strong knowledge of legislation, regulations and industry standards
• Customer-focused and commercially aware with digital service experience
• Skilled partnership builder with political acumen, ethical approach and commitment to equality, diversity and safeguarding
• Resilient, results-driven and highly effective communicator

• Hybrid Working 50% office-based, 50% remote
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: Membership to the Local Government Pension
• Essential Car User Allowance, Free parking close to Winchester City Council
• Employer-Paid Health Cash Plan
• Excellent Annual Leave: 27 days per year, rising to 30 days after 2 years' continuous service, then 35 days after 5 years' continuous service (can be carried across from another local government organisation for continuous service)
• 13 additional flexi-leave days annually
• Option to purchase up to 5 extra days
• Free Parking at any Winchester Park and Ride location
• Discounts: Major high street brands and local leisure centres
• Excellent Working Environment
• Season Ticket Loans
• Professional Development: Ongoing support for continuous learning and growth
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Available for cars and bikes
• Working in Winchester means being based in one of the UK's most attractive small cities, surrounded by countryside and history but within an hour of London Waterloo by train.

If you're interested in this role, apply now to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.