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
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Essex County Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Essex County Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digital - Braintree District Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Essex County Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Essex County Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Essex County Council.
