Deputy Director - Transformation & Business Services (Digital and ICT Operations)
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £94,812 per annum
Location: Exeter, Devon
Relocation Package Available
Do it for Devon. Do it for the future.
Devon County Council is seeking a visionary Deputy Director – ICT & Digital Services to lead and transform our digital, technology and information services across a complex and ambitious organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role, combining operational oversight with strategic innovation, and offers a rare opportunity to shape how technology enables services, supports our workforce, and improves outcomes for residents across Devon.
This role is about far more than systems and infrastructure. It is about using digital and data intelligently to enable better services, support our most vulnerable communities, and help the Council operate as One Council in an increasingly digital world.
About the Role
As a senior leader reporting to the Director of Transformation and Business Services, you will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Council’s ICT, digital and information services, ensuring they are secure, resilient, and future‑focused.
- Drive the development of customer‑centric digital services that support colleagues across the organisation to work efficiently and effectively.
- Lead the delivery of digital transformation initiatives, embedding innovation, automation and modern ways of working.
- Oversee an annual budget of approximately £5m, with influence over wider directorate and organisational investment decisions.
- Lead and develop multi‑disciplinary technology and digital teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and professional excellence.
- Influence corporate strategy and contribute to the Council’s One Council approach.
- Play a key role within the Extended Leadership Team, supporting the priorities of the Directorate and the wider Council.
The Opportunity
This role is central to ensuring that Devon County Council has robust, secure and sustainable digital foundations that enable transformation at pace. You will lead the evolution of our ICT and digital services, ensuring they are aligned to organisational priorities, resilient to risk, and capable of supporting modern, agile service delivery.
You will work closely with colleagues across Children’s, Adults’ and Corporate services to ensure technology is an enabler — not a barrier — to delivering the best possible outcomes, particularly for our most vulnerable residents. As part of the Transformation and Business Services Leadership Team, you will champion innovation, support agile working, and drive efficiencies through smarter use of digital tools, data and platforms.
About You
While you will have direct oversight of ICT and digital services, of equal importance is your ability to lead people and change. You will bring strong experience of leading complex services, developing high‑performing teams, and building trusted, collaborative relationships with elected members, senior colleagues, partners and suppliers.
You will be a strategic thinker, comfortable balancing day‑to‑day operational delivery with long‑term transformation, and confident operating at a corporate level within a large, politically led organisation.
Why Devon?
Devon offers more than just a job — it’s a lifestyle. From coastlines and countryside to vibrant communities and cultural heritage, Devon is a place to thrive. We offer:
- Flexible working, combined with office presence and County Hall
- Relocation support tailored to your needs
- Leadership development opportunities
- A culture of collaboration, inclusion, and purpose
About You
You’re a senior leader with the ability to oversee and direct operational services alongside demonstrable experience of working and collaborating across an organisation at a strategic level and with a demonstrable track record of leading change. You bring:
- Senior leadership experience in Property, Facilities Management and Business Support Services and/or evidence of leading support services in a large organisation.
- Strong financial acumen and political awareness
- A passion for innovation, inclusion, and public service
Whether you’re from the public or private sector, if you’re ready to lead with purpose and help shape the future of Devon, we want to hear from you.
For the right person this role offers the opportunity to play a lead role at an exciting time for the Council. For an informal conversation with Matthew Jones, Director of Transformation and Business Services, please contact matthew.jones@devon.gov.uk
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ009454