At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital innovation and cyber operations across three boroughs, driving transformation and efficiency.
- Company: Achieving for Children (AfC) is a forward-thinking organisation focused on child welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29-35 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's services through cutting-edge technology and innovation.
- Qualifications: Expertise in digital technology, AI, and cyber operations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 66000 £ per year.
Achieving for Children (AfC) is looking for a driven, energetic, and strategic technology leader to join our Technology, Business Support and Commissioning Directorate as the Principal Lead for Digital Innovation & Cyber. In this pivotal role, you will serve as AfC’s subject matter expert on digital transformation, innovation, and cyber operations, providing specialist guidance across all three boroughs: Kingston, Richmond, and Windsor & Maidenhead. Reporting to senior leadership you will hold product ownership over key digital systems, manage a team delivering technical workstreams, and oversee our digital transformation portfolio budgets.
About the role
- Product Ownership & Platform Management: Driving the product ownership and lifecycle management of organisational digital systems and platforms, ensuring they are user-centred, secure, available, and scalable.
- Leading AI Design & Enablement: Taking end-to-end accountability for the design, delivery, evaluation, and adoption of AI tools across our workforce. This includes advising leaders on how AI can enhance service delivery, establishing governance frameworks for responsible AI use, and guiding cultural change to make AI a trusted everyday tool.
- Innovation, Modernisation & Process Optimisation: Championing digital innovation and technical initiatives to modernise core systems, streamline workflows, and fix inefficient processes across departments to drive operational efficiency.
- Operational Cyber Management: Leading the day-to-day operational management of the cyber security function across all three boroughs.
We work in a flexible, hybrid way to support, learn, and collaborate effectively with each other across our service locations.
About you
We are looking for an ambitious, values-driven professional who brings a positive, child-focused approach to digital innovation and infrastructure. To be successful in this role, you should bring:
- Expert Knowledge & Qualifications: Professional qualification or applied experience in a Digital & Technology field, alongside subject matter experience in AI, cyber operations or emerging technologies.
- Product Ownership & System Expertise: Proven experience in system product ownership, managing organisational digital solutions, and leveraging user-centred design to build and continuously improve tech platforms.
- AI Tool Design & Implementation: A wide-ranging understanding of how emerging technology—including the design and implementation of Artificial Intelligence tools—can transform Children's Services and improve outcomes.
- Operational Cyber & Continuity Experience: Practical experience managing operational cyber controls, cyber incident response, business continuity planning, and maintaining platform security and availability.
- Commercial & Financial Acumen: Demonstrated capability in budget management, business case development, and leading commissioning and procurement lifecycles.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract).
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC.
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension).
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance.
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- A range of staff benefits and discounts.
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway.
Principal Lead for Digital Innovation & Cyber in Twickenham employer: Achieving For Children
Achieving for Children is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new supported accommodation service in Maidenhead. With a strong commitment to providing high-quality support for vulnerable young people, we foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and personal growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and being part of a dedicated team focused on positive outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Lead for Digital Innovation & Cyber in Twickenham
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Achieving For Children values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Achieving For Children might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Achieving For Children!
✨Direct Apply to Achieving For Children
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Achieving For Children website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Lead for Digital Innovation & Cyber in Twickenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Achieving For Children.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Achieving For Children. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Achieving For Children
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
