Corporate Head of Resources

Winchester City Council has been recognised by the Local Government Association (LGA) as a "well-respected and high-performing" authority, noted for its strong service delivery, prudent financial management, and commitment to engaging residents in decision-making. This is an organisation that doesn't settle for the status quo-it continually seeks to innovate, modernise, and deliver better outcomes for its communities.

Your new role

You will play a pivotal role in supporting the Director of Finance as Winchester City Council prepares for Local Government Reorganisation. A major focus of your work will be leading the seamless transition of our IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits systems into the new Unitary Authority by April 2028. This includes ensuring technical readiness, data integrity, system compatibility, and operational continuity throughout the transformation.

As Head of Corporate Services, you will lead a high-impact, technology-driven portfolio with a strong emphasis on IT and digital services. You will:

• Shape and deliver the Council's IT and digital strategy within a shared-service environment
• Oversee the modernisation, integration, and optimisation of core business systems
• Ensure robust cyber security, data governance, and digital resilience
• Drive the adoption of innovative technologies that improve customer experience and operational efficiency
• Lead teams across IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits to deliver reliable, cost-effective, user-centred services

Leadership and strategy

• Council's lead adviser for Digital and IT strategy
• Visible member of corporate management
• Set improvement plans and standards for service excellence
• Line manage Service Leads for IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits
• Coach and mentor teams, modelling the Council's values

IT, digital and transformation

• Own IT governance, risk and compliance within the shared service
• Deliver the digital strategy and roadmaps to modernise services
• Ensure ICT is ready to support transition to a new Unitary Authority

Finance, Revenues and Benefits

• Strategic leadership and operational oversight of Revenues and Benefits
• Act as deputy s151 officer subject to qualifications and experience
• Lead finance, audit and insurance to meet legislative requirements
• Support financial and IT strategies for reorganisation

Governance, reporting and engagement

• Deliver annual service plans and hit corporate performance standards
• Advise committees on service delivery, development and statutory needs
• Engage with national and regional bodies to bring in best practice
• Build strong partnerships to maximise resources

Commercial input and improvement

• Entrepreneurial options appraisal and benchmarking
• Identify service integration and continuous performance improvement
• Research and market engagement to develop commercial opportunities

What you'll need to succeed

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of senior leadership in corporate services-someone who leads with vision, empowers others, and champions continuous improvement. You will bring experience in organisational change, service transformation, and partnership working, ensuring services are efficient, effective, and forward-thinking. Strong influencing and negotiation skills are essential, enabling you to shape decisions and drive progress.

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience with evidence of CPD
• Preferably a business or management qualification
• Senior leadership track record in relevant services
• Proven delivery of organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement
• Strong knowledge of legislation, regulations and industry standards
• Customer-focused and commercially aware with digital service experience
• Skilled partnership builder with political acumen, ethical approach and commitment to equality, diversity and safeguarding
• Resilient, results-driven and highly effective communicator

What you'll get in return

Winchester City Council offers an excellent package of benefits including:

• Hybrid Working 50% office-based, 50% remote
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: Membership to the Local Government Pension
• Essential Car User Allowance, Free parking close to Winchester City Council
• Employer-Paid Health Cash Plan
• Excellent Annual Leave: 27 days per year, rising to 30 days after 2 years' continuous service, then 35 days after 5 years' continuous service (can be carried across from another local government organisation for continuous service)
  - 13 additional flexi-leave days annually
  - Option to purchase up to 5 extra days
• Free Parking: At any Winchester Park and Ride location
• Discounts: Major high street brands and local leisure centres
• Excellent Working Environment
• Season Ticket Loans
• Professional Development: Ongoing support for continuous learning and growth
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Available for cars and bikes
• Working in Winchester means being based in one of the UK's most attractive small cities, surrounded by countryside and history but within an hour of London Waterloo by train.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. To find out more, please contact Sophia Redpath on note that this advert may close early once suitable applicants have been interviewed, so we encourage you to apply without delay for this unique opportunity. Regrettably, we are unable to respond to all applicants

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