Head of Applications

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Head of Applications & Delivery provides strategic and operational leadership for Dŵr Cymru’s application landscape and digital delivery portfolio. The role is accountable for ensuring applications are secure, reliable and fit for purpose, and that technology change is delivered effectively to support business and operational outcomes. As a senior leader within Finance, Regulation & Business Performance, you will set application strategy, oversee delivery performance, and guide teams and partners to deliver high-quality digital solutions aligned to the Target Operating Model.

• Develop and deliver the enterprise applications and digital delivery strategy aligned to business priorities and regulatory requirements.
• Guide the management of the application portfolio, including lifecycle planning, performance, resilience and obsolescence.
• Oversee the delivery of digital and technology programmes and projects, ensuring effective governance, quality and benefits realisation.
• Ensure robust application support, release and change management to maintain service continuity and stability.
• Manage application architecture and integration in collaboration with Enterprise Architecture and Data teams.
• Guide supplier and partner management for applications and delivery services, ensuring performance, assurance and value for money.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, OT, Security, Data and business teams to enable joined-up technology delivery.
• Guide, develop and build capability within applications and delivery teams, embedding strong delivery and service cultures.
• Provide clear reporting and insight on application performance, delivery progress, risk and investment to senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in application delivery practices, tools and ways of working.

The following are essential requirements for the recruitment of the role:

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification in information technology, computer science, engineering, digital delivery or a related discipline.

• Professional qualifications in digital delivery, programme or project management (e.g. Agile, SAFe, PRINCE2, MSP) desirable.

• Senior-level experience leading enterprise applications and digital delivery within a complex, asset-intensive or regulated organisation.
• Proven experience managing large application portfolios, including core enterprise, operational and customer-facing systems.
• Experience of delivering complex technology programmes and projects using a range of delivery methodologies.
• Demonstrable experience leading multi-disciplinary digital, technology or delivery teams and managing strategic suppliers.

• Experience working closely with business, operational, IT/OT, data and security stakeholders.

• Strong knowledge of enterprise applications, system integration and application lifecycle management.
• Deep understanding of digital delivery, change and release management in business-critical environments.
• Sound commercial and financial acumen, including budget management and supplier performance.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with reliable, high-quality delivery outcomes.

Good to Know

• There will be a requirement to participate in standby rota

As well as a market competitive salary, 36 days annual leave (pro rata, including public holidays), we offer a range of employee benefits and rewards including:

Variable pay schemes (your salary band will remain the same, but performance depending, you could receive an incremental within-band increase and a yearly incentive) Option to buy additional annual leave up to 5 days per year Enhanced employer pension contributions - Up to 11% employer contributions Free Mortgage Brokering Services Enhanced family friendly policies Progression opportunities, including the ability to apply for funded training and coaching and mentoring programmes Gym and fitness discounts as well as high street shopping Cycle to work scheme Discount off all Welsh Water visitor attraction centres and gift shops Car-leasing scheme and free on-site parking at all sites Health CashBack scheme and access to an online GP service An employee assistance programme for employees and their immediate family

Private Health Insurance Many more can be found on our website.

Due to the nature of the industry, we require satisfactory references, post offer medical clearance, and a criminal records Basic Disclosure check on all new employees joining the business.

For some roles there may be additional checks and security clearance required, and this offer is subject to all checks being satisfied. You will receive further information on how to complete these checks via email once you have accepted this offer.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water keep 3 million people healthy each day with safe, reliable water, and take away wastewater to clean, before returning it safely to our beautiful rivers and seas.

To be able to deliver high quality, essential services which help to protect the health of our customers, colleagues and our environment, we need the right people to deliver on our vision. This is achieved by living our core values and demonstrating the core behaviours that underpin them. The security of our people, assets and information is key to us, so we are looking for people who understand and comply with the company’s required security objectives.

We know that the most successful teams are the most diverse teams. Equality, diversity and inclusion provide the very foundation to our culture at Welsh Water. We want every individual to feel confident, proud and able to bring their whole selves to work.

To ensure an improved representation in our workforce, applications are particularly welcome from minority groups including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, Females, LGBT+, Non-binary and people with disabilities. Together we continue to build a workplace that not only celebrates the diverse voices of our colleagues but also represents each customer we serve.

In essence, ours is a company based on trust, openness, respect, commitment and honesty. A company that our colleagues are proud to work for.

Dŵr Cymru Cyf, a limited company registered in Wales No. 2366777. Registered office: Linea, Fortran Road, St. Mellons, Cardiff CF3 0LT