Information Systems Team Manager

Role overview The Grade 9 Information Systems Specialist provides senior technical leadership and operational management for the Council’s enterprise applications and information systems. The role combines hands-on specialist expertise with team leadership, solution design, project delivery, technical governance, supplier management and strategic planning. It ensures business-critical digital services are secure, resilient, well governed and aligned with service needs and digital transformation priorities.  

What the role is accountable for What effective delivery looks like
• Leading and developing the Applications Team, allocating resources and deputising for the Applications Manager.
• Clear priorities, capable staff, effective performance management and continuity of leadership.
• Providing senior technical support and coordinating major incidents across a large, complex application estate.
• Critical services are restored quickly, risks are controlled and stakeholders receive clear communication.
• Designing and delivering new systems, upgrades, integrations, automation and cloud-based solutions.
• Solutions are secure, supportable, scalable and successfully transitioned into operation.
• Governing technical change through CAB, Technical Design Authority, digital triage and service review arrangements.
• Changes are evidence-based, appropriately approved and introduced with minimal disruption.
• Managing application life cycles, security, resilience, continuity, suppliers, contracts and technical standards.
• Services remain compliant, resilient and provide value for money throughout their lifecycle.
• Contributing to application roadmaps, emerging technology ( AI, Microsoft Copilot) and continual improvement.
• Technology investment supports business priorities, service improvement and long-term digital transformation. Core strengths required
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise applications, databases, integrations, scripting, cloud services and information security.
• The ability to analyse complex problems, assess risks and make sound decisions, often in situations where information is incomplete or time is limited.
• A practical, hands-on approach to troubleshooting, service improvement and the delivery of technical solutions.
• The confidence to lead, support and develop colleagues while building effective relationships with customers, suppliers and stakeholders.
• The ability to communicate complex technical issues clearly and appropriately to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience of ITIL service management, technical governance, project delivery and supplier management, with a focus on achieving positive outcomes for services and customers.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and finding better ways to use technology to support Council services. Role context
• Direct line management responsibility for three Application Support Officers, providing day-to-day leadership, support and development.
• Supports and helps develop an application estate of more than 300 business systems, including critical services that underpin the delivery of Council functions.
• Works with a wide range of internal services, suppliers and technical specialists to resolve issues, deliver improvements and support new initiatives.
• Regularly deputises for the Applications Manager and participates in the Applications Out of Hours rota.
• Balances operational support, major incidents, project delivery, governance activities, supplier management and service improvement.
• Provides technical advice and guidance to colleagues, managers, project teams and governance forums to support informed decision-making. Overall contribution:
The role links expert technical…