Winchester City Council has been recognised by the Localernment Association (LGA) as a “well‑respected and high‑performing” authority, noted for its strong service delivery, prudent financial management, andmitment 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 oues for itsmunities.
Your new roleYou will play a pivotal role in supporting the Director of Finance as Winchester City Council prepares for Localernment 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, systempatibility, 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:
1. Shape and deliver the Council’s IT and digital strategy within a shared‑service environment
2. Oversee the modernisation, integration, and optimisation of core business systems
3. Ensure robust cyber security, dataernance, and digital resilience
4. Drive the adoption of innovative technologies that improve customer experience and operational efficiency
5. Lead teams across IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits to deliver reliable, cost‑effective, user‑centred services
Your leadership will be instrumental in preparing the organisation for structural change, ensuring that technology underpins a smooth transition and positions the new authority for long‑term success.Collaboration will be essential. You will work closely with internal service leads, external partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to deliver forward‑thinking digital solutions aligned with council priorities. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence—ensuring our technology landscape is fit for the future.
Leadership and strategy
6. Council’s lead adviser for Digital and IT strategy
7. Visible member of corporate management
8. Set improvement plans and standards for service excellence
9. Line manage Service Leads for IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits
10. Coach and mentor teams, modelling the Council’s values
IT, digital and transformation
11. Own ITernance, risk andpliance within the shared service
12. Deliver the digital strategy and roadmaps to modernise services
13. Ensure ICT is ready to support transition to a new Unitary Authority
Finance, Revenues and Benefits
14. Strategic leadership and operational oversight of Revenues and Benefits
15. Act as deputy s151 officer subject to qualifications and experience
16. Lead finance, audit and insurance to meet legislative requirements
17. Support financial and IT strategies for reorganisation
18. Deliver annual service plans and hit corporate performance standards
19. Advisemittees on service delivery, development and statutory needs
20. Engage with national and regional bodies to bring in best practice
21. Build strong partnerships to maximise resources
22. Entrepreneurial options appraisal and benchmarking
23. Identify service integration and continuous performance improvement
24. Research and market engagement to developmercial opportunities
What you'll need to succeedWe 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.
25. Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience with evidence of CPD
26. Preferably a business or management qualification
27. Senior leadership track record in relevant services
28. Proven delivery of organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement
29. Strong knowledge of legislation, regulations and industry standards
30. Customer-focused andmercially aware with digital service experience
31. Skilled partnership builder with political acumen, ethical approach andmitment to equality, diversity and safeguarding
32. Resilient, results-driven and highly effectivemunicator
What you'll get in returnWinchester City Council offers an excellent package of benefits including:
33. Hybrid Working 50% office-based, 50% remote
34. Outstanding Pension Scheme: Membership to the Localernment Pension
35. Essential Car User Allowance, Free parking close to Winchester City Council
36. Employer-Paid Health Cash Plan
37. 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 localernment organisation for continuous service)
- 13 additional flexi-leave days annually
- Option to purchase up to 5 extra days
38. Free Parking: At any Winchester Park and Ride location
39. Discounts: Major high street brands and local leisure centres
40. Excellent Working Environment
41. Season Ticket Loans
42. Professional Development: Ongoing support for continuous learning and growth
43. Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Available for cars and bikes
44. 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.