Assistant Director of Technology Operations & Security
Southwark Council
About the service
Southwark is one of London’s most ambitious and diverse boroughs. Home to more than 300,000 residents, we're committed to creating a fair, green and equal borough where everyone can thrive.
Technology is central to achieving that ambition.
As we deliver our transformation programme, we're investing in modern digital services, strengthening cyber resilience and building an in-house technology capability that enables innovation while maintaining the trust and confidence of residents.
This is a rare opportunity to join our senior leadership team and shape the future of technology operations across one of London's largest and most complex local authorities.
We're delighted to be working with Allen Lane on this appointment. To find out more and submit your application, please click here.
What you'll be doing
Technology underpins everything we do at Southwark, from delivering frontline services to supporting our ambitious transformation agenda. As Assistant Director you'll ensure our technology estate remains secure, resilient and high performing, enabling residents and staff to access reliable digital services every day.
Working as part of the Digital and Resident Experience senior leadership team, you'll lead operational technology services through a period of significant modernisation. You'll shape future operating models, oversee major technology investments and ensure cyber security, infrastructure and service management capabilities are fit for the future.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead technology operations, infrastructure, networking and cyber security services across the council.
- Deliver a resilient and secure operating model that supports organisational transformation and digital innovation.
- Oversee technology suppliers and contracts, ensuring strong performance, value for money and service quality.
- Drive service excellence through effective governance, risk management, resilience planning and continuous improvement.
- Manage significant operational and capital budgets, ensuring investment delivers measurable outcomes and benefits.
What we're looking for
We're seeking an experienced technology leader who can combine strategic thinking with strong operational delivery. You'll be comfortable leading large-scale services, navigating complex environments and making informed decisions that balance innovation, risk and organisational priorities.
You'll bring the credibility and leadership skills to engage senior stakeholders, influence strategic direction and build high-performing teams. Most importantly, you'll be passionate about using technology to improve services, strengthen resilience and deliver better outcomes for residents.
We're looking for someone who has:
- Significant senior leadership experience across technology operations, infrastructure, cloud and cyber security environments.
- A strong track record of leading operational transformation, service improvement and organisational change.
- Expertise in cyber security, technology risk, resilience, disaster recovery and service management frameworks.
- Experience managing large budgets, commercial contracts and strategic supplier relationships.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams and influence at executive level.
Additional Information
We're delighted to be working with Allen Lane on this appointment. To find out more and submit your application, please click here.
Benefits and more information:
In your role, we want you to feel supported, challenged and rewarded. You will benefit from our family-friendly policies including flexible working, home working, and a local government pension scheme, plus many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated, driven and supportive team that strives for excellence and values its members. You will also be part of a successful and high-achieving development team that is making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Staff Benefits page.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
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