Chief Information Officer in Aylesbury

We are seeking an outstanding Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead digital innovation and technology transformation across Milton Keynes City Council. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role at the heart of a forward-thinking organisation, driving the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI and data-driven solutions, to improve outcomes for our residents, communities, and businesses.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Resources, you will act as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive, Elected Members and Corporate Leadership Team. You will help deliver organisational transformation while ensuring that our technology platforms are secure, resilient, and future-ready.

Milton Keynes City Council’s ICT function has undergone significant modernisation, focused on building a secure, resilient, and future-ready digital foundation to support critical council services.

Key achievements include:

• Cloud Transformation: Transition from an on-premise Azure VMware Solution to a native Azure platform, delivering enhanced scalability, resilience, disaster recovery, and cost transparency.
• Network Modernisation: Implementation of SD-WAN and consolidation of the wide area network to improve connectivity, performance, and sustainability.
• Cyber Resilience: Strengthening of security through a refreshed Cyber Incident Response Plan, enhanced monitoring, and plans for a managed Security Operations Centre (SOC) with 24/7 incident response.
• AI & Innovation: Scaling AI, particularly Copilot - from pilot initiatives into everyday use, supported by strong governance, risk frameworks, and benefits realisation.
• Partnerships: Leveraging suppliers and external partners to accelerate innovation and integrate AI into core systems.

Together, these initiatives position the Council to operate on a modern, secure, and resilient digital platform capable of supporting services in an increasingly complex environment.

At Milton Keynes City Council, we aim to make a difference every day. We’re dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We act as one council, and we work hard to create cleaner, safer and healthier communities while tackling inequalities and supporting people to thrive.

Responsibility

• Set Strategic Direction: Develop and deliver a bold, future-focused ICT and Digital Strategy aligned to Council ambitions.
• Lead AI & Innovation: Drive the scalable, governed adoption of AI, automation, and data-driven solutions.
• Deliver Transformation: Enable organisation-wide change through technology and digital services.
• Ensure Service Excellence: Maintain high-performing, reliable ICT services across infrastructure, applications, and support.
• Strengthen Cyber Security: Ensure robust, compliant, and resilient security frameworks aligned to best practice.
• Lead People & Culture: Inspire and develop a high-performing, collaborative workforce.
• Engage Stakeholders: Build effective relationships with Members, senior leaders, and external partners.
• Drive Value: Manage significant budgets and supplier relationships to deliver value for money.

The Ideal Candidate

• Significant experience as a senior ICT leader, with a proven track record of delivering transformation across complex, multi-functional organisations.
• Strong technical knowledge across cloud platforms (Azure), enterprise infrastructure, cyber security, networking (including SD-WAN), and digital service delivery.
• Experience leading AI adoption and innovation, with a clear understanding of governance, risk, and value realisation.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and change, balancing competing priorities and managing risk effectively.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget management and supplier oversight.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with experience working with senior leaders and elected members.
• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to engage, inspire, and develop high-performing teams.
• Sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity.

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public holidays.