At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation initiatives and enhance public services through innovative technology.
- Company: Braintree District Council, a forward-thinking local government authority.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, local government pension, employee discounts, and health programmes.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team during a significant organisational change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of public services and drive meaningful change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven IT leadership experience with strong communication and collaboration skills.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 81618 £ per year.
Braintree District Council are 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.
Playing 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 and 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.
Benefits:
- Flexible working
- Hybrid working arrangements are available in this role (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
If you are interested in finding out more about this role, please contact Thea Towers, Specialist Recruitment Consultant on 0333 013 8008 or at thea.towers@essex.gov.uk.
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 (Contract) employer: New Start
New Start is an exceptional employer located in Chelmsford, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With 27 days of holiday and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme, we provide our team with valuable benefits while fostering an environment that encourages mentorship and collaboration among ecologists. Join us to make a meaningful impact on complex development projects in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
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We think this is how you could land Head of Digital – Braintree District Council (Contract)
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digital – Braintree District Council (Contract)
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 New Start.
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 New Start. 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 New Start
✨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.
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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.
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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.
