Assistant Director - Technology & Operations in Walsall

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 are 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.

• 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 are 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. whg is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our customers and communities.

Please note that for some roles, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required as part of our pre‑employment screening process.