Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transition of IT and digital services for Winchester City Council's reorganisation.
- Company: Join a high-performing council known for innovation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance and shape the future of public services.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in corporate services and organisational change.
- Other info: Work in beautiful Winchester, just an hour from London, with a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Winchester City Council has been recognised by the Local Government Association (LGA) as a "well-respected and high-performing" authority, noted for its strong service delivery, prudent financial management, and commitment to engaging residents in decision‑making. This is an organisation that doesn’t settle for the status quo – it continually seeks to innovate, modernise, and deliver better outcomes for its communities.
Your new role
You will play a pivotal role in supporting the Director of Finance as Winchester City Council prepares for Local Government Reorganisation. A major focus of your work will be leading the seamless transition of our IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits systems into the new Unitary Authority by April 2028. This includes ensuring technical readiness, data integrity, system compatibility, and operational continuity throughout the transformation.
Head of Corporate Services
You will lead a high‑impact, technology‑driven portfolio with a strong emphasis on IT and digital services. You will:
- Shape and deliver the Council's IT and digital strategy within a shared‑service environment
- Oversee the modernisation, integration, and optimisation of core business systems
- Ensure robust cyber security, data governance, and digital resilience
- Drive the adoption of innovative technologies that improve customer experience and operational efficiency
- Lead teams across IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits to deliver reliable, cost‑effective, user‑centred services
Your leadership will be instrumental in preparing the organisation for structural change, ensuring that technology underpins a smooth transition and positions the new authority for long‑term success. Collaboration will be essential. You will work closely with internal service leads, external partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to deliver forward‑thinking digital solutions aligned with council priorities. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence—ensuring our technology landscape is fit for the future.
Leadership and strategy
- Council's lead adviser for Digital and IT strategy
- Visible member of corporate management
- Set improvement plans and standards for service excellence
- Line manage Service Leads for IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits
- Coach and mentor teams, modelling the Council's values
IT, digital and transformation
- Own IT governance, risk and compliance within the shared service
- Deliver the digital strategy and roadmaps to modernise services
- Ensure ICT is ready to support transition to a new Unitary Authority
Finance, Revenues and Benefits
- Strategic leadership and operational oversight of Revenues and Benefits
- Act as deputy s151 officer subject to qualifications and experience
- Lead finance, audit and insurance to meet legislative requirements
- Support financial and IT strategies for reorganisation
Governance, reporting and engagement
- Deliver annual service plans and hit corporate performance standards
- Advise committees on service delivery, development and statutory needs
- Engage with national and regional bodies to bring in best practice
- Build strong partnerships to maximise resources
Commercial input and improvement
- Entrepreneurial options appraisal and benchmarking
- Identify service integration and continuous performance improvement
- Research and market engagement to develop commercial opportunities
What you’ll need to succeed
We are looking for someone with a proven track record of senior leadership in corporate services—someone who leads with vision, empowers others, and champions continuous improvement. You will bring experience in organisational change, service transformation, and partnership working, ensuring services are efficient, effective, and forward‑thinking. Strong influencing and negotiation skills are essential, enabling you to shape decisions and drive progress.
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience with evidence of CPD
- Preferably a business or management qualification
- Senior leadership track record in relevant services
- Proven delivery of organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement
- Strong knowledge of legislation, regulations and industry standards
- Customer‑focused and commercially aware with digital service experience
- Skilled partnership builder with political acumen, ethical approach and commitment to equality, diversity and safeguarding
- Resilient, results‑driven and highly effective communicator
What you’ll get in return
Winchester City Council offers an excellent package of benefits including:
- Hybrid Working 50% office‑based, 50% remote
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: Membership to the Local Government Pension
- Essential Car User Allowance, Free parking close to Winchester City Council
- Employer‑Paid Health Cash Plan
- Excellent Annual Leave: 27 days per year, rising to 30 days after 2 years' continuous service, then 35 days after 5 years' continuous service (can be carried across from another local government organisation for continuous service) - 13 additional flexi‑leave days annually - Option to purchase up to 5 extra days
- Free Parking: At any Winchester Park and Ride location
- Discounts: Major high street brands and local leisure centres
- Excellent Working Environment
- Season Ticket Loans
- Professional Development: Ongoing support for continuous learning and growth
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Available for cars and bikes
Working in Winchester means being based in one of the UK’s most attractive small cities, surrounded by countryside and history but within an hour of London Waterloo by train.
What you need to do now
If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up‑to‑date copy of your CV. To find out more, please contact Sophia Redpath on Sophia.redpath@hays.com. Please note that this advert may close early once suitable applicants have been interviewed, so we encourage you to apply without delay for this unique opportunity. Regrettably, we are unable to respond to all applicants. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. For more detailed information, or to view other vacancies with this organisation, please visit our dedicated website https://webmicrosites.hays.co.uk/web/winchester-cc.
Corporate Head of Resources in Winchester employer: Cyber Security training courses
Contact Detail:
Cyber Security training courses Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Head of Resources in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people know you’re looking, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how it aligns with the role at Winchester City Council.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, keep an eye on our site for new opportunities that might be a perfect fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Head of Resources in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Corporate Head of Resources. Highlight your leadership in corporate services and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive organisational change.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your vision aligns with Winchester City Council's commitment to innovation and service excellence. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your leadership style and how you empower teams. We want to see examples of how you've championed continuous improvement and driven successful transformations in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our dedicated website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyber Security training courses
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of Winchester City Council's IT and digital strategy. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to organisational change and service transformation. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your senior leadership experience, particularly in corporate services. Think about times when you’ve empowered teams or driven continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how you can lead the transition to a new Unitary Authority effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be prepared to talk about your experience in building partnerships. Share specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes, especially in a shared-service environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the challenges facing the council. Inquire about their vision for the future of digital services or how they plan to ensure data integrity during the transition. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the role.
