Assistant Director of Technology Operations & Security in London

Assistant Director of Technology Operations & Security in London

London Full-Time 86652 - 108462 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Southwark Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead technology operations and ensure secure, high-performing digital services for residents.
  • Company: Join Southwark, a diverse borough committed to innovation and community wellbeing.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, local government pension scheme, and supportive team culture.
  • Other info: Be part of a motivated team making a real difference in residents' lives.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of technology in one of London's largest local authorities.
  • Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in technology operations and cyber security required.

The predicted salary is between 86652 - 108462 £ per year.

Southwark is one of London’s most ambitious and diverse boroughs. Home to more than 300,000 residents, we're committed to creating a fair, green and equal borough where everyone can thrive. Technology is central to achieving that ambition. As we deliver our transformation programme, we're investing in modern digital services, strengthening cyber resilience and building an in-house technology capability that enables innovation while maintaining the trust and confidence of residents. This is a rare opportunity to join our senior leadership team and shape the future of technology operations across one of London's largest and most complex local authorities.

What you'll be doing

Technology underpins everything we do at Southwark, from delivering frontline services to supporting our ambitious transformation agenda. As Assistant Director you'll ensure our technology estate remains secure, resilient and high performing, enabling residents and staff to access reliable digital services every day. Working as part of the Digital and Resident Experience senior leadership team, you'll lead operational technology services through a period of significant modernisation. You'll shape future operating models, oversee major technology investments and ensure cyber security, infrastructure and service management capabilities are fit for the future.

Key responsibilities:

  • Lead technology operations, infrastructure, networking and cyber security services across the council.
  • Deliver a resilient and secure operating model that supports organizational transformation and digital innovation.
  • Oversee technology suppliers and contracts, ensuring strong performance, value for money and service quality.
  • Drive service excellence through effective governance, risk management, resilience planning and continuous improvement.
  • Manage significant operational and capital budgets, ensuring investment delivers measurable outcomes and benefits.

What we're looking for

We're seeking an experienced technology leader who can combine strategic thinking with strong operational delivery. You'll be comfortable leading large-scale services, navigating complex environments and making informed decisions that balance innovation, risk and organizational priorities. You’ll bring the credibility and leadership skills to engage senior stakeholders, influence strategic direction and build high-performing teams. Most importantly, you’ll be passionate about using technology to improve services, strengthen resilience and deliver better outcomes for residents.

We're looking for someone who has:

  • Significant senior leadership experience across technology operations, infrastructure, cloud and cyber security environments.
  • A strong track record of leading operational transformation, service improvement and organizational change.
  • Expertise in cyber security, technology risk, resilience, disaster recovery and service management frameworks.
  • Experience managing large budgets, commercial contracts and strategic supplier relationships.
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams and influence at executive level.

Additional Information

In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

  • Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
  • Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
  • If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organization who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £86,652 - £108,462

Assistant Director of Technology Operations & Security in London employer: Southwark Council

Southwark Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a fair and inclusive work environment where technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing community services. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, a supportive team culture, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to meaningful projects that directly impact the lives of over 300,000 residents. Join us in shaping the future of technology operations in one of London's most dynamic boroughs, where your expertise will drive innovation and resilience.

Southwark Council

Contact Details:

Southwark Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Technology Operations & Security in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already working at Southwark. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Southwark's recent tech initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about our mission to improve services for residents.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with our goals in technology operations and cyber security. We want to hear how you can make a difference!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Technology Operations & Security in London

Technology Operations Management
Cyber Security Expertise
Infrastructure Management
Cloud Technology Knowledge
Operational Transformation
Service Improvement
Organisational Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Assistant Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in technology operations and how it relates to Southwark's ambitious goals.

Showcase Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for using technology to improve services for residents. Share examples of how you've driven innovation and transformation in previous roles, as this will resonate well with our mission.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application is received directly by our team and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council

Know Your Tech Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in technology operations, cyber security, and digital services. Be ready to discuss how these elements can drive transformation at Southwark and improve resident services.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in managing large teams and complex projects. Highlight how you've influenced strategic direction and built high-performing teams in previous roles.

Understand the Local Context

Familiarise yourself with Southwark's unique challenges and opportunities. Think about how your experience can contribute to creating a fair, green, and equal borough, and be ready to share your vision for technology's role in that.

Engage with Stakeholders

Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with senior stakeholders and manage supplier relationships. Show that you can balance innovation with risk management while ensuring service excellence and value for money.