There is no single centre to Essex. 72% of the county is rural. We have 35 islands and 350 miles of coastline, the most of any county in Britain. But we are also busy towns and cities, port communities, post war new towns; a diverse series of interconnected economic corridors from the Roman city of Colchester to the new towns of Harlow and Basildon, the seaside resort of Clacton-on-Sea and the market town of Saffron Walden.
Essex is a gateway to trade and investment. A powerful economy and a net contributor to the country’s growth agenda, with strong connections to London, Cambridge and the M11 corridor. We have the seventh largest road network in the country, two international airports, two emerging Freeports and 57 railway stations. We are also home to two universities: the University of Essex, and Anglia Ruskin University, both of which generate research with world-leading impact. Essex has some of the most outstanding schools in the country – four of which, the girls’ and boys’ grammar schools in Chelmsford and Colchester, regularly feature amongst the top 20.
Essex is many things – it is big, bold, ambitious, and confident.
We are ambitious, and want to be a leading digital council that drives excellent customer service with transformation at the heart.
Technology is a key enabler of the Council’s ability to deliver for its residents; this includes supporting employees in doing their jobs, being more customer facing, and transforming the way it works in the future.
The new Essex Digital Service will provide a council-wide view of technology demand, help plan investment and resources to deliver efficiencies, identify and join up cross-cutting requirements and support the delivery of value and excellent services to Essex residents.
This role is all about using human centred design, service design and digital innovation to lead change and improve the experience of everyone we support.
The new Director will need to be bold in delivering digital transformation and developing operational service excellence. This will include delivering high quality, accessible, repeatable and scalable solutions. All underpinned with a resilient and reliable infrastructure and operations.
Advocating the latest business, digital and technology trends and innovations, the new Director will bring expertise, gravitas and collaboration to enable the Council to create a culture of digital innovation; and a working environment that supports creativity and embraces critical challenge to constantly improve.
The postholder would be eligible to apply for private medical insurance with Bupa (couple’s cover) at no cost to them with a value of £2,939.04 per year, in addition to a car allowance.
For further details about the role, including to hear from Nicole Wood, Essex County Council's Executive Director for Corporate Services, please click on the profile and useful links below.
For more information please contact Sunita Patel on 07561 708023 (sunita.patel@starfishsearch.com) or Jamie Brown on 020 2971 0839 (jamie.brown@starfishsearch.com).
ROLE PROFILE Digital Services Overview Whole Council Transformation
Closing date for applications: 15 September 2024
Longlist Meeting: 25 September 2024
Technical Interviews: 30 September & 1 October 2024
Shortlist Meeting: 8 October 2024
Officer Interviews: 23 October 2024
Final Member Panel: 5 November 2024
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
If our client is a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and you would like to apply under the scheme, please state that clearly at the top of your supporting statement, along with any adjustments you require to be made if invited for interview.
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