Head of Applications

As Head of Applications, you’ll provide strategic leadership for the council’s Applications portfolio, ensuring our key line-of-business systems are supported, improved and ready for the future. The portfolio includes business applications, Business Intelligence and Reporting, GIS and data interfaces between major corporate systems.

Reporting to the Chief Digital and Technology Officer, you’ll work closely with other Heads of Service to deliver Southwark’s Digital and Technology Strategy and support the transformation programmes that sit beneath it. You’ll provide direction for programme leads, application managers and specialist analysts, with direct responsibility for four permanent staff and wider leadership of a team of up to 50, including interims, consultants and third-party specialists., * Leading the Applications function, setting the strategic direction for critical systems, reporting tools, GIS capability and data integration services.

• Driving programmes that improve, rationalise and modernise the council’s application estate, ensuring services are secure, resilient and aligned to business need.
• Building trusted relationships with senior leaders, members, services, suppliers and partners, translating organisational priorities into practical technology solutions.
• Managing revenue and capital budgets, procurement activity, contracts, suppliers and technology assets in line with corporate and legal requirements.
• Contributing as a senior member of the Technology and Digital Services leadership team, representing the council through wider digital networks, including as Southwark’s LOTI Operational Lead., As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Do you have experience in Leadership?, We’re looking for an experienced and credible technology leader who can bring strategic focus, delivery confidence and a collaborative approach to a complex applications environment. You’ll understand how technology supports public services and how to align digital capability with the needs of a large, customer-focused organisation.

You’ll be confident working with senior stakeholders, elected members, suppliers and multi-disciplinary teams, and able to influence decisions through clear advice, sound judgement and strong organisational awareness. Just as importantly, you’ll be passionate about developing people, improving services and using technology to solve real business challenges., * Senior-level experience, supported by a relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience in technology, digital or applications leadership.

• A strong understanding of local government, including the social, political, digital and economic context in which councils operate.
• A proven track record of leading applications, technology or transformation services within a large and complex organisation.
• Experience of managing interdependent programmes, budgets, suppliers, contracts and multi-disciplinary teams, including through matrix management.
• Knowledge of enterprise applications, business intelligence, GIS, data interfaces, smart working, AI, automation and change management approaches.

Southwark is one of London’s most ambitious, diverse and fast-changing boroughs. Our Technology and Digital Services division plays a central role in helping the council deliver modern, reliable and accessible services for more than 300,000 residents.