At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead application improvements and drive innovation through technology.
- Company: Join Honeycomb Group, a values-driven organisation focused on digital transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in application support and strong leadership skills required.
Strategic Lead (Applications)
Are you an experienced applications leader with a passion for digital transformation, systems improvement and delivering exceptional user experiences?
At Honeycomb Group, we're looking for a strategic and hands-on leader to oversee the development and support of our applications portfolio, ensuring our systems continue to evolve, enable smarter working, and deliver real value for colleagues and customers alike.
As our Strategic Lead for ICT Applications, you'll lead a small Applications Support team while working closely with stakeholders across the business and external suppliers.
You'll play a key role in driving innovation, improving processes through technology, and ensuring our applications remain reliable, effective and fit for purpose.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our digital landscape, championing continuous improvement, automation and emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance services and business performance.
What you’ll do
- Lead the development and delivery of application improvements, digital workflows, process automation and system enhancements.
- Manage system upgrades and projects from planning and testing through to successful implementation.
- Ensure excellent day-to-day application support, maintaining service levels and driving continuous improvement.
- Work closely with business teams, suppliers and stakeholders to identify opportunities for innovation and change.
- Explore and implement AI-enabled solutions that improve efficiency and customer experience.
- Lead training, testing and engagement activities to support the successful adoption of new systems and enhancements.
- Monitor performance, measure benefits and provide meaningful reporting to project boards, improvement boards and leadership forums.
- Champion robust data management, governance and business continuity practices across applications and systems.
Who you are
We're seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking technology professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills.
You'll bring
- Experience leading application support, systems development or digital transformation activities.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a logical and analytical approach.
- Demonstrable experience managing third-party suppliers, integrations and technology partners.
- Significant hands-on experience with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Share Point, Teams and Power Automate.
- The ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, engaging communications for a range of audiences.
- Experience prioritising and managing backlogs, system enhancements, roadmaps and change initiatives.
- A strong understanding of data management, information security and application governance.
- Knowledge of ITIL principles and service management practices.
- Experience using technology and AI to drive business improvement and innovation.
Desirable
- Project, Change Management or Lean qualification.
- People management qualifications or formal leadership training.
- IT degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- Microsoft 365 certification.
- Experience working alongside data and analytics teams
Why Join Us?
At Honeycomb Group, you'll have the opportunity to influence strategic technology decisions, lead meaningful change, and help shape digital services that make a real difference to our colleagues and customers.
Working within a values-driven organisation, you'll be empowered to innovate, collaborate and continuously improve how we deliver our services
Learn more about our great staff benefits, how we live by our Honeycomb values, and what it's like working here by visiting our Careers Hub.
Apply now! We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.
- Shortlist date: 23rd November 2026
- Interview date: TBC
Strategic Lead (Applications) in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Honeycomb Group
As a Homeless Support Officer with us, you will be part of a compassionate team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in Cheshire East. We pride ourselves on our supportive work culture, offering flexible hours and ongoing professional development opportunities to help you grow in your career while contributing to meaningful change in the community. Join us for a rewarding experience where your efforts are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead (Applications) in Stoke-on-Trent
✨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 Honeycomb Group 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 Honeycomb Group 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 Honeycomb Group!
✨Direct Apply to Honeycomb Group
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Honeycomb Group 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 Strategic Lead (Applications) in Stoke-on-Trent
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 Honeycomb Group.
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 Honeycomb Group. 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 Honeycomb Group
✨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.
