Head of Technology Operations and Cyber Security in Kent

Head of Digital Technology Operations and Cybersecurity is required by highly successful and purpose led organisation. Purpose of the job Leverage Digital Technology and support colleagues to enhance their digital capabilities to improve the business, modernise how we work and deliver services to customers. Be accountable for, and lead, Digital Technology business as usual service delivery, Digital Technology infrastructure and security functions to enable them to be the best in Kent. Architect, implement and manage on premise and cloud IT services and infrastructure that are secure, resilient and fit for purpose, safeguarding the performance, confidentiality, integrity and availability of Digital Technology systems, network services and data. Engage stakeholders to plan, design, obtain, transition, deliver, support and improve Digital Technology services and infrastructure of value to the business, including applications, office productivity solutions, user devices and secure underlying platforms and devices, ensuring efficient, easy to use and customer focused services. This role reports to the Digital Technology Director and will, on occasion, deputise for the Director The role leads a multi-disciplinary Digital Technology function. Responsibilities 1. Service Strategy, Design & Value Delivery Support the development and execution of Digital Technology strategy, ensuring services and infrastructure are well-defined, secure, efficient and aligned to business strategic plan objectives and outcomes. Engage stakeholders to design, deliver and continuously improve Digital Technology services with clear service levels, value agreements and performance metrics. Champion user-centred design to improve customer and colleague experience, reducing effort and increasing engagement. 2. Operational Service Management & Continuous Improvement Lead planning, delivery and control of Digital Technology services and infrastructure, ensuring they meet business requirements and deliver value Establish and embed ITIL-aligned service management processes, tools and performance frameworks. Drive a programme of continuous improvement and projects, delivering to agreed scope, quality, cost and timelines. Lead major incident, problem and service recovery management, ensuring effective and tested response capability. 3. Infrastructure, Architecture & Technology Leadership Provide technical design authority and architectural leadership across cloud and on premise environments. Ensure Digital Technology infrastructure is resilient, high-performing and fit for purpose. Oversee capacity, performance, monitoring and operational control of systems and services. 4. Cybersecurity, Risk & Resilience Strengthen cybersecurity posture and resilience through risk management, vulnerability management, and incident scenario exercising and response management aligned to best practice, securing where possible appropriate certifications. Maintain and test disaster recovery, backup and business continuity arrangements to ensure organisational resilience. Ensure systems are patched, monitored and protected against current and emerging threats. Safeguard the confidentiality, integrity and availability of systems, networks and data. 5. Supplier, Commercial & Governance Management Manage suppliers, partners, contracts and licensing to ensure value, performance and alignment to business objectives. Ensure compliance with regulatory, data protection, cybersecurity and licensing obligations. Lead security governance, and security risk management Lead operational risk management for Infrastructure and IT Operations Lead reporting and communication of service performance to the business Lead change enablement and chair the IT Performance and Change Advisory Board. Apply strong financial and commercial management across budgets and resources. 6. People Leadership & Organisational Contribution Lead, develop and motivate a multi-disciplinary team in line with organisational values and leadership expectations. Build digital capability across the organisation, enabling colleagues to adopt and maximise technology. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion, role-modelling organisational values at all times. Contribute flexibly to wider organisational priorities as required. Measures Resilience: Confidentiality, integrity and availability of core systems Cyber secure: accreditation and evidence-based assurance Service, infrastructure and security KPIs and satisfaction: targets achieved Projects and improvements delivered to agreed scope, quality, time and budget Person specification Expertise Senior Digital Technology leadership experience in a similar sized organisation across Digital Technology service delivery, infrastructure and cybersecurity. Experience of leading technical, infrastructure and support teams and delivering continuous service and operational improvements. Track record in business engagement, strategic service planning, design, sourcing, transition and delivery of Digital Technology services and infrastructure encompassing data, software, hardware, networks and user support. Experience of designing, delivering and managing secure, resilient Digital Technology infrastructure and systems. Experience of leading cybersecurity, risk management and compliance activities. Strong technical knowledge of infrastructure, cloud platforms, networking, end user technologies and cybersecurity trends. Experience of successfully inspiring, leading, driving and developing modern, high quality, responsive and customer focused Digital Technology services. Comprehensive financial, project and risk management experience across Digital Technology services to agreed quality, cost and timetables. Commercial thinking; identifying and evaluating opportunities, negotiating strategic partnerships and ensuring effective supplier and contract management. Experience of procuring, negotiating and managing business critical service contractors in a customer focused environment. Personal influence; working effectively with stakeholders, suppliers and user groups. Substantial experience ensuring compliance with licensing, data protection, cybersecurity, regulatory requirements and operating codes of practice. Ability to build strong, effective and productive relationships Qualifications and skills Degree level education or equivalent through relevant training/experience. Professional Digital Technology qualifications or equivalent supported by continuing professional development. IT Infrastructure Library certification (ideally v4 or v5) or comparable relevant experience. Project management qualification (Agile and/or Prince2) or comparable relevant experience. Relevant infrastructure, cloud and/or cybersecurity certifications, or equivalent demonstrable knowledge and experience, including UK National Cyber Security Centre and the US National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity frameworks. Desirable Advanced ITIL certification (eg ITIL Managing Professional and Strategic Leader). Security certifications (eg CISSP or equivalent). Knowledge of best practices including Secure DevOps, TOGAF, Agile Project Management and Programme Management. June 2026 Knowledge of digital enablers including cloud, data, mobility, collaboration tools and analytics for business transformation. Knowledge of core enterprise technologies including Microsoft platforms, virtualisation, networking and business systems. Knowledge of systems integration including web services and APIs. Knowledge of procurement frameworks appropriate to IT. Knowledge of legislative frameworks for Data Protection and eCommerce. Excellent training and career development opportunities exist for the right candidate. Basic salary £85-93,000 + excellent benefits Based Sevenoaks (Kent)/remote TPBN1_UKTJ