Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative business systems and digital services for the council.
- Company: Join Thurrock Council, a dynamic organisation making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services while impacting lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in ICT operations and team leadership required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive and inclusive environment focused on equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 75312 - 87033 £ per year.
Salary: £75,312 - £87,033 per annum (pro rata if part-time)
Grade: I
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
About the Department
This new role sits within the ICT and Digital team in the Corporate Services Directorate, responsible for supporting and enabling the Council to deliver modern services through resilient technology infrastructure and a wide range of digital applications. The team works across council services, providing digital services to residents and service users while ensuring colleagues have the devices and systems needed to keep services running and improving.
About the Role
As Head of Business Systems & Development you will play a central role in delivering the council's strategic objectives by leading the management and operations of the Business Systems, Platform Development & Automation and Spatial Data teams. You will ensure these provisions work together to provide a cohesive enterprise architecture that continually innovates and keeps up with emerging technologies.
Scope of the role includes:
- Owning the council's Enterprise Architecture and Digital Roadmap, driving delivery in collaboration with colleagues.
- Accountable for the development, deployment, and maintenance of business-critical applications and systems, ensuring they meet the needs of end-users and stakeholders.
- Driving the adoption of modern software development methodologies and practices, promoting agility and innovation in application development and delivery.
- Managing the Council's "digital front door" technology, ensuring residents and service users can access and transact with ease.
- Supply chain management of application, platform and automation tools including procurement and contracts.
- Leading the automation and development team, which incorporates developers and platform product owners to optimise the benefits of modern automation and AI tools.
- Ensuring the security of all applications, systems, and digital tools.
- Accountable for business systems resilience and continuity.
- Using performance metrics and dashboards to deliver continuous improvement.
- Budgetary and spend responsibility for Business Systems and Development operations, including staff and suppliers.
- Developing, motivating and retaining a high‑performing team and encouraging succession planning.
Responsibilities
Leading, planning, developing and delivering an expert professional Business Systems and Development service that ensures the Council's applications, platforms and digital development operations are highly available, functional and evolving, so that high‑standard services can be delivered on budget to colleagues, service users and residents. The role works closely with internal customers, stakeholders, corporate governance and suppliers. It is accountable for the development and delivery of the Enterprise Architecture and Digital Roadmap and for overall digital development that enables transformation.
What We're Looking For
- Successful track record of running ICT operational functions responsible for core and critical business systems and platforms in a large, complex organisation.
- Demonstrated experience of successfully leading, managing and developing an ICT service team, focusing on customer/colleague experience and high performance.
- Experience of developing and delivering an effective and secure digital estate to support wider business objectives.
- Detailed knowledge of cyber‑security requirements in a large, complex organisation.
- A strong technical understanding across local authority applications, platforms and digital tools; how they integrate to form an effective Enterprise Architecture.
- The ability to develop and translate strategy and objectives into roadmaps for real actions and outcomes.
Essential qualifications
- Achieved or working towards ITIL and wider architectural standards.
- DBS Check Basic Level is required for this post.
Benefits of Working with Us
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable).
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Staff discounts and local offers.
- A supportive and inclusive working environment.
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 2nd April 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 19th April 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 27th April 2026
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: Paul Day Interim Chief Digital Officer paul.day@thurrock.gov.uk | 01375 652856
About Us
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve. Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach, linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead. This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification. We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
Head of Business Systems and Development in Grays employer: Thurrock Council
Contact Detail:
Thurrock Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Systems and Development in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Business Systems & Development role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in managing ICT operational functions and developing digital estates. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research the council's current digital initiatives and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can drive innovation and improve services using modern software development practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Thurrock Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Systems and Development in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Business Systems & Development. We want to see how you can contribute to our digital transformation journey!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in previous roles. We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact on business systems and development.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Thurrock Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thurrock Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the council's digital roadmap and enterprise architecture. Brush up on your knowledge of modern software development methodologies and how they can drive innovation in application delivery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading ICT teams and managing complex systems. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams and driven high performance, as this role is all about leadership and collaboration.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the council's strategic objectives and how the Business Systems & Development role fits into them. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their goals during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in digital transformation or how they measure success in their business systems, showing that you're proactive and engaged.