Director of Technology in Birmingham

We have a unique opportunity for a Director of Technology in the WMCA's Technology & Insight Directorate to shape the future of digital and technology at the heart of a region-wide transformation. As the WMCA embarks on an ambitious journey - redefining how we deliver services, embracing major programmes such as bus franchising, and deepening collaboration with partners across the region - digital and technology will play a critical role in enabling that change.

We have created a brand-new leadership role to drive this transformation, reimagining how technology is managed, delivered, and experienced across the organisation and beyond. As the organisation grows in scale and complexity, you will lead the shift towards a more agile, product and service‑led environment, ensuring technology is not only reliable and secure, but a true enabler of innovation and impact. This is an opportunity to step into a challenging and high‑profile space, working with passionate colleagues and partners to deliver meaningful change that will benefit communities across the West Midlands.

We are looking for someone with the experience, mindset, and ambition to lead through complexity – someone who is motivated by making a difference, thrives in transformation, and is driven to enable others to succeed. In return, you’ll have an opportunity to shape services, systems, and infrastructure that underpin the region’s future.

What you will be doing:

• Set and maintain the Technology Strategy & Roadmap.
• Establish assured standards for distributed infrastructure/IoT across the public realm, including where assets are operated by delivery arms or partners.
• Provide senior technical oversight for transport payment systems.
• Champion modern engineering and service practices.
• Line manage and develop the Head of Corporate IT and Head of Technology Systems & Infrastructure, setting clear objectives, coaching performance and growing talent pipelines.
• Run a best‑in‑class Service Desk and core IT operations.
• Ensure effective operation, maintenance and renewal of physical and back‑office assets.
• Be accountable for the operational delivery of security, privacy and information governance controls.
• Oversee the management of all technology‑associated budgets.
• Monitor all legislation relevant to the management of the Digital, Data and Technology solutions.

What’s essential:

• Proven experience in a similar leadership role.
• Degree level or equivalent qualification in a relevant technology‑related field.
• Background in designing/developing Digital systems and planning IT implementation.
• Demonstrable ability to drive organisational change, led by digital architecture and data.
• Strategic‑level experience of developing and delivering large‑scale transport ticketing solutions in a multi‑stakeholder and political environment.
• Experience of leading, managing, influencing and inspiring teams and stakeholders.
• Experience of overseeing complex programme delivery within the public sector.
• Experience of managing multimillion‑pound capital and operational budgets.
• Experience of leading the operation of large customer‑dependent systems.
• In‑depth knowledge of Digital systems and infrastructure.
• Excellent knowledge of data structures and design.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships and influence decisions.
• Commercial awareness and negotiation skills.

Location: The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD, with at least 2‑3 days a week spent in the office.

Salary and benefits:

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year‑on‑year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest‑free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big‑name retailers, and more.
• You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

Reasonable adjustments: If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team.

Right to Work in the UK: Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Non‑UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).