Job title:Head of Security & Technical Architecture

Salary:DIR 60% £75,571 - £82,929

Hours:37

Contract: Permanent

Internal vacancy. Applications will only be considered from existing Leeds City Council employees.

As our Head of Security & Technical Architectureyou’ll thrive being part of a dynamic, fast paced and agile team environment, committed to transforming public services through implementing and adopting contemporary technology, Cloud First, Zero Trust, replacing our soft-centred legacy on-premises and in-house systems whilst delivering significant benefits through automation, data insights and artificial intelligence.

​This role isn’t just about keeping things ticking along, worrying about firewalls and antivirus solutions. We’re looking for an innovative leader who is an enabler of our DevSecOps aspirations whilst dedicated to keeping our environment secure and compliant through good governance and working practices. We are looking for an individual who has experience of implementing necessary governance without slowing down the pace of change.

​We’re one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees with a significant IT organisation of around 400 professionals and we seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our and ambitions.

​Leeds is renowned for excellence in the digital sector, it’s a great place to continue your career and bring your experience. 

About you

As our Head of Security & Technical Architecture you will bring to the role:

​Innovation and a passion to support our IT transformation whilst keeping us secure, flexible and Agile, improving the services we provide and ensuring value for money

Excellent communication to enable you to engage widely and persuasively with councillors, colleagues, partners and other stakeholders Ability to manage a number of substantial budgets and collaborate to find solutions to complex financial problems

About the role

​As our next Head of Security & Technical Architecture, you’ll be part of our Integrated Digital Service (IDS), working across Leeds City Council and the Leeds Integrated Care Board (ICB). 

​You will lead the security strategy and technical architecture operating model for the Council and Integrated Care Board (ICB), with both the resilience and gravitas to engage widely and persuasively, ensuring service delivery meets the required performance standards and the statutory duties of the authority.

​You’ll define and embed an Information Security Policy Framework across the council and the ICB that addresses the needs of each organisation and is in line with relevant legislation, industry standards, and the statutory duties of the authority.

​You’ll also provide advice and direction to the IDS senior leadership team on the integration of security practices into the council and ICB’s processes.

​Our Integrated Digital Service improves how services are delivered, using user research to inform technology based solutions that are accessible, easy to use and reliable. We are innovating and changing services by investing in automation through technologies such as power platform and RPA.

​You’ll be essential to the team as you help them drive forward change, and you’ll see how these changes significantly improve the lives of the Leeds residents that rely on our services.

​What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

​How to apply

Apply for this job online by completing an application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023 We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

​This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

​Job purposeLead the security strategy and technical architecture operating model for the Council and Integrated Care Board (ICB), with both the resilience and gravitas to engage widely and persuasively. Ensuring service delivery meets the required performance standards and the statutory duties of the authority.

Responsibilities

Strategically lead and be responsible for implementing the service plan and drive continuous improvement initiatives through leading and contributing to cross Council projects, collaborative working with partners and supporting Directorate management teams. Support the delivery of programmes of strategic significance to deliver services in line with Council & Directorate priorities. Responsible for driving a programme that delivers the Council’s ambitions, in terms of time, budget, quality, quantity and that fits with the Council’s wider strategic goals and values. ​Work as part of the senior leadership team, bringing together services from across the organisations to ensure consistently high levels of performance and service delivery within a number of service areas, maintaining effective communications with staff, service users, councillors, trade unions, and stakeholders. ​Strategic management of cyber security services supporting leadership of cross-cutting projects and priorities while also working closely with the information governance function. ​Support service improvement including effective and flexible deployment of staff to ensure improvement priorities are achieved. Provide specialist expertise and resources to facilitate and execute the technical planning, technical design, specification, development and implementation across a range of Technology platforms, including a mix of technologies covering data centre, infrastructure, cloud and mobile. Define, develop and maintain a Council and ICB-aligned Cyber Security strategy and operating model. ​Work with Information Governance team to define and embed Information Security Policy Framework across the Council, ICB that addresses the needs of each organisation including colleagues, citizen, and other external stakeholders in line with relevant legislation and industry standards ​Provide advice and direction to the IDS’s senior leadership team, in the integration of security practices into the Council and ICB’s strategic and operational processes ​Drive and deliver change to the Council and ICB’s Information and Cyber Security systems, processes and procedures by continuously analysing and reviewing new security technologies and practices as informed by industry best practice Report to the CDIO on Information and Cyber Security matters. Represent the Council and ICB sortium groups and boards and engage effectively in appropriate external networks (incl. NCSC, WARP) Provide senior leadership and oversight of effective information and Cyber Security risk management, integrated with the Council and ICB’s risk management framework Ensure information and Cyber Security risks to the Council and ICB presented through suppliers and delivery partners are identified and managed appropriately Develop and maintain an effective Information Security Management System and processes for continual improvement Ensure Information Security and Governance are managed effectively throughout the IT service delivery lifecycle (incl. Security Operations, Security Architecture and Security Assurance) Lead on development and delivery of measures and metrics to support the assessment, reporting and ongoing improvement of the information security and governance posture Work closely with internal stakeholders and business units to keep abreast of planned changes to technologies, working practices, and business activities that could have an impact on the Council and ICB’s Information Security or risk profile Define and implement an appropriate information assurance framework for the Council and ICB, enforcing compliance with policies in conjunction with internal audit Ensure and promote an appropriate level of information security culture and awareness across the Council and ICB Direct, and assist as necessary, investigations into information security breaches and pursue associated disciplinary and legal matters, liaising with the relevant teams on data protection legislation ensuring root-causes of such breaches are understood and addressed. Lead on defining the data recovery processes and assist with the implementation of backup and recovery technologies. Lead a team of technical experts accountable for specification and design of information systems and components meeting defined business needs ensuring lifecycle requirements are planned into the definition of services. Translate architecture and high level design into deliverable components developing the detailed design and implementation approach to solutions delivered by DIS. Work with the commissioning function, Solutions Architects and other stakeholders to fully exploit existing solutions Manage effective provision of third line technical support ensuring service and application availability Develop and maintain technical frameworks, technical roadmaps, policies and standards aligned to ICT Strategies and define and exploit new and existing technologies. Facilitate research, evaluation and selection of hardware & software technology, advise business stakeholders on technology design options and choices, providing advice across a range of areas. Ensure Solution Architecture direction takes account of existing and planned environments and retains compatibility across system components. Develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers, other stakeholders and partners to achieve excellent outcomes for the citizens of Leeds. Accountable for safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with Legislation and the Council Health and Safety Policy. Manage, promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery, focussing on equality of outcome.

In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework to be responsible and accountable for all financial resources within service area ensuring value for money, working within financial regulations

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate to the grade.

Qualifications 

Appropriate professional qualification or equivalent substantial knowledge gained through significant managerial experience across the service area.

​Working Context -Work flexibly from home and at various locations across the City and region. All colleagues should work in line with our hybrid working principles and spend regular time in the workplace to support service delivery, meeting the needs of the team and the requirements of their individual role. The hours are worked mainly Monday to Friday. However, the post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours, including attendance at evening/weekend meetings or events if required to meet the needs of the service.

Essential requirementsIt is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

Able to demonstrate examples of managing services, implementing change and achieving quality transformational outcomes. Able to provide effective leadership in the Directorate and implementation of innovative solutions to complex financial problems. Able to provide appropriate strategic advice relating to the work of the Directorate to Members and council officers so as to manage risk and support them in their respective roles. Able to use strong people management skills to motivate, develop and performance manage staff and drive service improvements. Knowledge, understanding of planning, delivery and requirements for the group of services managed Demonstrate knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, policies, inspections and performance information and relevant strategic functions. Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems and experience of working on politically sensitive issues. Substantial senior leadership and management experience relevant to the area of service delivery Experience of working with senior management to shape and influence the delivery of strategic priorities at a City, Directorate and Service level ensuring people issues are kept at the forefront. Substantial experience in building credible and effective collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholder. Evidence of significant experience and commitment in relation to the engagement of relevant citizens, customers and stakeholders in decision making processes. Significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions and Corporate Leadership Team which commands respect trust and confidence

Behavioural & other Characteristics required.

Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct. Be aware of promote and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection. Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the behaviours, values and standards of Leeds City Council. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.

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