Digital Systems and Innovation Manager

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX – Hybrid
• Salary: £60,135 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week – flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. We\’re not just a local authority; we\’re a team of dedicated individuals working together to improve lives across our diverse communities.

Suffolk is a sector leader in the use of digital technology in adult social care. Our Cassius partnership delivers a modern, cutting-edge care technology service which uses the latest digital devices to complement face to face care and help people live happy, independent and connected lives, while the council is also a frontrunner in the use of digital tools to support people\’s interaction with adult social care, such as self-service social care assessments.

Our Adult Social Care Strategy, People at the Heart of Care, aims to better support individuals with increasingly complex needs to maintain their independence and lead fulfilling lives within their communities. Digital is a key enabler for our ambition, using innovative digital solutions and technology to support independence, sustainability and high-quality care. We also want to do more to involve people who use services, the people who support them and our front-line staff in the design of services that will be more personalised and better meet needs, and digital is helping us to do this more effectively.

As our newDigital Systems and Innovation Manager, you\’ll have the unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Your contributions will help build a brighter future for all. If you\’re passionate about making a real, tangible difference, it\’s time to reimagine your career with us. Join Suffolk County Council and turn your passion for positive change into action.

Your role and responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of Suffolk\’s digital innovation agenda for adult social care.
• Lead on supplier relationships including multi-million-pound contracts, to achieve value for Suffolk residents and deliver innovation.
• Drive the evolution of care technology and social care systems, including upgrades and new functionality.
• Collaborate across services and with external partners to embed digital-first approaches and build digital confidence, managing day to day support functions alongside culture and practice change leads.
• Manage a significant care purchasing budget, demonstrating savings through innovative care solutions.
• Inspire and lead teams, fostering a culture of creativity, continuous improvement, and collaboration.

We hope you\’ll bring:

• A genuine desire to make a meaningful impact in Suffolk and have the determination to lead change in the complex landscape of health and social care.
• A passion for the opportunities and benefits digital innovation can bring to do things differently.
• A proactive approach to seeking out the best in innovation and new advances in technology to get the best for Suffolk\’s residents.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply, even if you don\’t meet all of the requirements we would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

About the team

We have brought together two key functions: the LiquidLogic and ContrOCC team and the Cassius Digital Care team, to create an integrated digital and innovation service. This integrated approach will strengthen our ability to support and transform health and social care across Suffolk. As part of this leadership role, you\’ll have overall responsibility for both teams, including direct line management of the Development and Operations Leads.

The Liquidlogic and ContrOCC Team manages, supports, and develops key social care, early help, and finance systems provided by System C, including user portals for customers, providers and professionals.

The Cassius Digital Care Team oversees the delivery of Suffolk\’s care technology service, offering digital tools, training, and support to staff and individuals accessing adult social care.

Empowering Everyone

We\’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We\’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Clare Walker, Senior Manager, Strategy and Change, for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 265868 or emailing clare.walker@suffolk.gov.uk.

How to apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).

Step 2 – Click Apply Now\’ to start your online application.

Step 3 – Upload asupporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 500 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

Question 1: What skills and experience make you a strong candidate to join us as our Digital Systems and Innovation Manager?

Question 2: This senior leadership role is responsible for the strategic relationship management with contract management of key suppliers. A priority for this role will be to lead on the ongoing contract management and future re-procurement of a digital care supplier partnership worth several million per annum, including management of the processes for contract extension or renewal as required.

Please give us an example of your proven experience of managing commercial relationships including management of a significant contract and/or of contract extension or re-procurement. How did you ensure performance and value for money?

Question 3: Describe how you have successfully used financial data to make strategic decisions or demonstrate the financial benefits of a service, programme or investment that you have led on. What tools or methods did you use?

Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.

You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you\’re invited to the next stage, you\’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date: 15 March 2026

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We\’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you\’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).