Head of Technology

Job summary

This is a critical role within the Senior Technology Leadership team reporting to the Chief Digital and Technology Officer.

The technology division comprises approximately 250 staff (of which, approximately 70 are contingent contractors) and works with several third party suppliers to deliver the strategic objectives for the division and wider organisation.

The Head of Technology is responsible for setting and delivering the UKHO’s technology vision and strategy, along with delivering the technology platforms that enable this. This role ensures that technology allows the organisation to achieve its strategic objectives, fosters creative solutions, and provides a secure, resilient, and future-ready digital infrastructure.

This role leads the evaluation, adoption, and integration of technologies that enhance operational effectiveness and data-driven decision-making across the organisation.

The role will support and work with the Chief Digital and Technology Officer to deliver the technology strategy and strategic objectives of the UKHO. In close partnership with the Chief Digital and Technology Officer, this role has specific accountability for the technology platforms.

As part of the Technology Senior Leadership team this role will provide overarching leadership and be a role model for technology managers and specialists to create a high performing division.

As a senior leader within the UKHO, the post holder will also actively contribute and participate as a member of the pan UKHO Senior Leadership Team to lead , manage and deliver the transformational change required in order to deliver the UKHO’s vision, business and technology strategies. The role holder will be required to foster the leadership and cultural behaviours and values required of a senior leader within the organisation.

Hybrid working

Given this is a senior leadership role there is the expectation to be on site 3 days a week.

Job description

This role leads a complex technology estate that has significant technical debt and legacy that needs to be transformed and made ready for significant cloud implementation (in line with wider MOD policy).

• Assessing emerging technologies and their relevance to the UKHO’s strategic direction; evaluating legacy systems for replacement or integration.
• Designing a future-proof technology architecture; introducing innovative digital solutions to meet hydrographic and geospatial challenges.
• Assessing and understand complex technical and integration challenges across a legacy estate.
• Ensuring solutions remain fit for purpose and are continuously meeting the needs of the business and customer.
• Working with cyber colleagues to ensure systems remain up to date, free of known vulnerabilities and are compliant with relevant standards and legislation.
• Ensuring robust procedures are in place to effectively manage demand and where needed work with partners to scale out capacity.
• Providing leadership and guidance to teams, especially at times of complex change and service impacting incidents. The teams require a leader that is accessible and visible to them providing the guidance they require whilst role modelling the desired behaviours and values of the organisation.
• This role needs to set the bar for a high performing technology teams, and provide support and direction to the team managers and specialists to drive the desired behaviours and values in achieving a high-performing, customer-centric, high-value culture.

This role requires DV clearance and SC clearance at the start.

Person specification

• Proven experience in successfully leading enterprise wide technology strategy and delivering value and transformation.
• Deep understanding of technology architecture, cyber security and digital delivery.
• Experience in building high-performing digital and data teams.