At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital innovation and technology transformation for Milton Keynes City Council.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to improving community outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, excellent pension, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our city with cutting-edge technology and AI solutions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in ICT leadership and transformation across complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
Closing Date: 05/07/2026
Job Category: ICT
Service Area: Finance & Resources - Services- ICT
Package Description:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme - eligible employees can access low‑cost leasing of electric and low‑emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
Job Introduction:
Shape the Future of Our City. 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. Interviews for this role will be held on 10th July 2026.
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- 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.
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.
About The Organisation:
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
Chief Information Officer employer: MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL
Milton Keynes City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 28 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to diversity, employees are empowered to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. The Council's focus on innovation and technology transformation provides unique opportunities for career advancement in a forward-thinking environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Information Officer
✨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 MILTON KEYNES 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 MILTON KEYNES 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 MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL!
✨Direct Apply to MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL
Let's not forget to apply directly through the MILTON KEYNES 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 Chief Information Officer
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 MILTON KEYNES 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 MILTON KEYNES 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 MILTON KEYNES 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.
