Critical Systems Manager

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) is seeking a Critical Systems Manager to lead the governance and delivery of our essential digital infrastructure. This senior technical specialist role offers the chance to drive innovation, resilience, and compliance across systems that underpin emergency response and community protection., * Lead procurement and contract management for major WFRS digital systems, ensuring best value and service quality.

• Act as the single point of contact for suppliers and system integrators, managing performance and resolving issues.
• Maintain a forward-looking roadmap for upgrades, licensing, and compliance.
• Horizon scan for emerging technologies and opportunities to improve interoperability and efficiency.
• Oversee digital risk and resilience, ensuring strategic alignment with NFCC standards and HMICFRS improvement plans.
• Provide governance and accountability for critical systems and digital infrastructure.
• Support major projects and deliver transformation initiatives using PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies.

Essential:

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in procurement and contract management, ideally in public sector or digital systems.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Project management expertise (PRINCE2, APM or similar).
• Ability to lead complex projects and matrix-manage technical and administrative teams.
• Analytical thinking and independent decision-making to deliver innovative solutions.

Desirable:

• Understanding of fire and rescue service operations.

• Salary: Band N (£46,142 - £48,226)
• Workplace support and professional development opportunities
• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements
• Inclusive culture and commitment to equality, diversity, and wellbeing
• Opportunity to shape digital transformation in a vital public service

Our Values

We live by the Fire Service Core Code of Ethics and Warwickshire DNA: putting communities first, acting with integrity, promoting equality and inclusion, and leading with resilience.

Working for Warwickshire - This is the difference you make

Warwickshire County Council is a place where everyone feels valued, included, safe, supported, and welcome. Our people are at the heart of this vision, could you be one of them!

At Warwickshire County Council we are committed to ensuring Warwickshire's economy is vibrant and supported by the right jobs, training, skills and infrastructure. Our people vision for Warwickshire County Council is a great place to work where diverse and talented people are enabled to be their best.

Your future matters to us, we provide a generous pension scheme which includes an employer contribution rate of typically around 19 percent per month, to help support your financial security during retirement. The scheme also offers a valuable package of benefits for members and their dependants. To find out more please visit: Warwickshire Pension Fund homepage - Warwickshire Pension Fund'

The benefits we offer include agile working, a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government, generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays and an additional day at Christmas, and access to Vivup benefits and discounts platform.

WFRS plays a vital role in protecting communities across Warwickshire. We are committed to delivering modern, efficient, and secure digital services that support emergency operations and public safety. Join us and make a real difference., Warwickshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Please be advised successful applicants will be subject to a range of pre-engagement checks, including a relevant Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS). In accordance with the DBS code of practice and our own policy, should an individual have a declared criminal offence an individual assessment will be completed. Warwickshire County Council adheres to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.