> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/725282-head-of-applications](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/725282-head-of-applications). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Head of Applications - **Company:** Southwark Council - **Location:** London, UK (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Contract - **Skills:** Geographic Information Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Business Software, Business Systems, Data Integration, Data Server Interface, Enterprise Software Applications, Tools for Reporting - **Published:** June 29, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d0d267846e165607 ## About the Role 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. ## Description 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. ## Related Videos - [APIs and Architecture for scaling omnichannel payments](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/90-apis-and-architecture-for-scaling-omnichannel-payments) - [Open Source: The Engine of Innovation in the Digital Age](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1103-open-source-the-engine-of-innovation-in-the-digital-age) - [Migrating half a million users to a new payment service provider](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/730-migrating-half-a-million-users-to-a-new-payment-service-provider) - [Strong decisions - decisive distinctions between digital and analog aspects](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1687-strong-decisions-decisive-distinctions-between-digital-and-analog-aspects) - [OLTP in the Lakehouse: Redefining Data for AI Workloads](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2038-oltp-in-the-lakehouse-redefining-data-for-ai-workloads) - [Hosting a modern justice system](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/332-hosting-a-modern-justice-system) ## Related Articles - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [Best Companies to work for in London: Top 25 Companies in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/187-best-companies-to-work-for-in-london-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [IT Salaries in UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/288-it-salaries-in-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary in The UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/231-software-engineer-salary-in-the-uk) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk)