At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology and operations, ensuring robust infrastructure and cyber security.
- Company: Join whg, a top employer dedicated to affordable housing and community sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days leave, pension scheme, health cash plan, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tech leadership while promoting a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Degree in technology or related field; leadership experience in IT operations required.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with a focus on work-life balance and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 87000 - 121800 £ per year.
Make your application after reading the following skill and qualification requirements for this position.
Salary: £87,000 per annum plus excellent benefits
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Contract: Full Time, Permanent, 37 hours per week
Closing Date: 9th January 2026
Interview Date: 23rd January 2026 (Teams) and 2nd February 2026 (In-Person)
Strengthen our foundations. Protect our organisation. Enable our future!
We’re looking for an exceptional technology leader to join us as an Assistant Director of Technology & Operations, a critical role responsible for ensuring whg’s technology infrastructure, cyber security, enterprise applications and IT service operations are robust, resilient and ready for the future.
As Assistant Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across infrastructure, security, service delivery and enterprise applications. You’ll make sure the foundations of whg’s technology estate are strong, secure and aligned to our organisational goals.
Main job responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic and operational delivery of Technology & Operations, ensuring whg’s core technology services are robust, resilient, secure and high performing.
- Oversee infrastructure and cloud services (Azure/AWS, networks, identity, storage and endpoint management), ensuring environments are scalable, cost-optimised and aligned to modern engineering standards.
- Provide leadership on cyber and information security, including vulnerability management, threat monitoring, incident response and embedding secure-by-design practices.
- Own and develop IT Service Management, ensuring effective incident, request, problem, change and release processes, as well as smooth transition of new services into live support.
- Lead the management and modernisation of enterprise applications, ensuring strong architecture, integration, support models and vendor/licence optimisation.
- Manage budgets, contracts and suppliers, ensuring strong commercial performance, compliance and value for money.
- Act as deputy to the Director of Digital, Data & Technology on matters relating to service continuity and operational performance.
- Build and develop high-performing multidisciplinary teams, promoting a collaborative, inclusive and customer-focused culture.
- Work closely with the Assistant Director (Digital & Product) to ensure alignment between product innovation, digital delivery and operational stability.
- Provide clear, informed reporting to senior leaders and committees, using KPIs, analytics and insights to drive continual improvement.
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Degree in a technology or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Professional certifications (desirable): ITIL 4, Azure/AWS, PRINCE2/Agile delivery, CISSP/CISM or equivalent.
- Proven leadership experience across infrastructure, cyber security, IT service operations and enterprise applications in a complex environment.
- Track record of establishing and improving ITIL‑aligned service delivery and major incident/problem/change practices.
- Deep knowledge of Microsoft technologies (Azure, Entra ID/AD, M365), enterprise networking, endpoint management and platform engineering.
- Experience owning enterprise applications architecture, application support models and systems integration patterns.
- Demonstrable experience managing operational budgets, suppliers, multi‑year roadmaps and licensing optimisation.
- Experience delivering infrastructure change and security enhancements while maintaining service stability and compliance.
- Knowledge of security frameworks and certifications (e.g., ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus) and compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR).
- Excellent leadership, influencing and stakeholder management skills, including Board‑level engagement.
- Ability to think strategically and translate vision into delivery plans and measurable operational outcomes.
- A calm and decisive nature when managing incidents with strong communication skills providing clear, audience‑appropriate updates.
- Ability to translate complex technical strategies into clear narratives for technical and non‑technical audiences.
What’s in it for you?
In return, you will receive a competitive salary, 27 days annual leave (plus Christmas shut down), a defined benefit pension scheme, health cash plan, a range of shopping and leisure discounts.
We are output focused and flexible and believe in giving colleagues the right balance of autonomy and support to enable them to work to their full potential. Despite the high expectation for performance and delivery, we are committed to ensuring colleagues have a healthy work-life balance and able to work in agile ways which support them.
About us
At whg, we are dedicated to providing affordable homes across the Midlands and creating sustainable communities. We believe everyone has the right to a safe and secure home, which is the foundation for a successful life. Our values— Trustworthy, Respectful, Accountable, Collaborative and Excellent — guide our work and our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
We have been recognised as a top employer in the prestigious Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025. The awards celebrate the top employers in the UK who are leading the way in employee pride, job satisfaction and wellbeing, as well as reward and recognition.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to providing opportunities and support for all applicants, including those with disabilities.
Assistant Director - Technology and Operations in Walsall employer: Walsall Housing Group
Contact Detail:
Walsall Housing Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director - Technology and Operations in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech and operations field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research whg’s values and recent projects. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in technology and operations. Practise answering common interview questions and be ready to showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested and professional.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining whg. Don’t forget to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills in technology and operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director - Technology and Operations in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Assistant Director in Technology & Operations. We want to see how you can strengthen our foundations and enable our future!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about strategic and operational leadership, don’t forget to include examples of your past leadership experiences. We’re looking for someone who can build high-performing teams and drive continual improvement.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your technical expertise and how it relates to our organisational goals. Remember, we want to understand your vision and how you can translate it into delivery plans!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Housing Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Azure, AWS, and Microsoft tools. Brush up on your knowledge of cyber security practices and IT service management frameworks like ITIL. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led teams or projects. Highlight how you’ve built high-performing teams and fostered a collaborative culture. This is crucial as the role requires strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with whg’s values: Trustworthy, Respectful, Accountable, Collaborative, and Excellent. Think of ways you can demonstrate these values through your work ethic and past experiences. Showing that you resonate with their mission will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially in managing incidents or leading change. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve navigated challenges in technology operations or security. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.