At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation initiatives and enhance public services through innovative technology.
- Company: Braintree District Council, a dynamic and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Flexible working, local government pension, employee discounts, and health programmes.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team in a rapidly growing district with excellent career opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services and drive meaningful change in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven IT leadership experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 81618 - 81618 £ per year.
Braintree District Council is seeking an experienced IT professional to lead the authority's digital function and support the transition to the new North East Essex unitary authority. This is a unique opportunity to take the lead on transformative digital initiatives, drive and deliver meaningful change across the organisation, and play a key role in shaping the future of public services.
Leading an experienced team of digital professionals, you will deliver a robust, efficient, and secure technology environment which utilises technology to enhance business performance. As a senior leader, you will work closely with stakeholders across the organisation to align technology initiatives with wider business objectives, driving innovation and continuous improvement.
You will play a pivotal role in identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve operational efficiency, and leverage data to support informed decision-making. Our values are integral to who we are at Braintree; they are the guiding principles informing how we work together, support each other, and make decisions. We need our new Head of Digital to embody these when providing clear, visible, and motivational leadership across the ICT service, where our people are encouraged to contribute to the development of service improvements.
You must be a strong role model and lead a positive and forward-thinking culture, responsive to change, performance-driven, and customer-focused. As a proven technology leader with a collaborative style and great communication skills, your experience of leading change, managing third-party suppliers, and delivering complex IT projects will be highly advantageous.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished leader in IT to join a high-performing Council which is heading into the most significant change project it has seen.
Why choose Braintree District Council? Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away, and the District located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community. Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach, which is led by our employees, and are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Our people see the difference they make and how the work they do actively contributes to and encourages positive change in the local community.
We also offer some great benefits, including:
- Flexible working
- Hybrid working arrangements (home/office based with a minimum of 2-3 office days per week, plus in-person meetings as the role requires subject to business needs, which may include evening meetings)
- Local government pension scheme
- Learning and development for all employees
- Employee discounts at local businesses
- Employee recognition schemes
- Extensive health and wellbeing programmes, including discounted gym membership
Please Note - Essex County Council is advertising this role on behalf of Braintree District Council and if successful you will be employed by Braintree District Council.
Head of Digital - Braintree District Council employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital - Braintree District Council
✨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 Essex County Council 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 Essex County Council 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 Essex County Council!
✨Direct Apply to Essex County Council
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Essex County Council 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 Head of Digital - Braintree District Council
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 Essex County Council.
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 Essex County Council. 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 Essex County Council
✨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.
