Job details

Your new company:
Winchester City Council has been described by The Local Government Association (LGA) as “well-respected and high-performing”, praising its strong service delivery, prudent financial management, and commitment to engaging residents in decision-making. This means the council isn’t just doing the basics – it’s actively striving to improve and innovate for the benefit of its communities.

Your new role:
You will play a key part in supporting the Director of Finance as Winchester City Council prepare for Local Government Reorganisation. You will oversee the smooth transfer of their IT, Finance, Digital, Revenues and Benefits systems and services to the new Unitary Authority in April 2028.

As Corporate Head of Resources, you will lead a high-impact portfolio across IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits. You will shape the IT and digital strategy in a shared service, prepare the Council for Local Government Reorganisation and drive customer-centric, cost-effective services built on insight, innovation, inspiration, investment and improvement.

Collaboration will be central to your success, working positively with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions aligned with Winchester City Council priorities.

Specific Accountabilities:
• The Corporate Head of Resources will report to the Director of Finance. You will line manage Service Leads for IT, Digital, Finance, Revenues and Benefits.
• You will be responsible for the overall IT strategy (as part of the shared IT service with our partner council) and preparing the council for Local Government Reorganisation. This will include responsibility for IT governance, risk, and compliance, working closely with partners.
• You will be responsible for the delivery of the council’s digital strategy, championing and enabling the digitalisation of services in accordance with digital roadmaps.
• You will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Council’s Revenues and Benefits services, ensuring high performance, compliance, and customer-centric delivery.
• Act as the deputy s151 officer (subject to qualifications and experience)
• Act and provide strategic leadership to the finance, audit and insurance teams to ensure the effective delivery of these services and compliance with legislative requirements.
• You’ll champion strong partnerships to maximise resources and drive service excellence, while inspiring highly motivated teams who take pride in the way services operate.

What you'll need to succeed:
We are looking for someone with a proven track record of senior leadership in corporate services—someone who leads with vision, empowers others, and champions continuous improvement. You will bring experience in organisational change, service transformation, and partnership working, ensuring services are efficient, effective, and forward-thinking. Strong influencing and negotiation skills are essential, enabling you to shape decisions and drive progress.

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience (with evidence of CPD)
• A business or management qualification (preferable)
• Senior leadership track record in relevant services
• Expertise in change management, service transformation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of legislation, regulations and industry standards
• Digital service experience and a customer-focused, commercially aware approach.
• Political acumen, ethical approach and commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding
• Resilience and results-driven mindset
• Excellent influencing, negotiation and communication skills

What you'll get in return:
Winchester City Council offers an excellent package of benefits including:

• Hybrid Working 50% office-based, 50% remote
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: Membership to the Local Government Pension
• Essential Car User Allowance, free parking close to Winchester City Council
• Employer-Paid Health Cash Plan
• Excellent Annual Leave: 27 days per year, rising to 30 days after 2 years' continuous service, then 35 days after 5 years' continuous service (can be carried across from another local government organisation for continuous service) 13 additional flexi-leave days annually,
• Option to purchase up to 5 extra days
• Discounts: Major high street brands and local leisure centres
• Excellent Working Environment
• Season Ticket Loans
• Professional Development: Ongoing support for continuous learning and growth
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Available for cars and bikes
• Working in Winchester means being based in one of the UK’s most attractive small cities, surrounded by countryside and history but within an hour of London Waterloo by train.

What you need to do now:
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. To find out more, please contact our retained consultant, Caroline Whicher
Please note that this advert may close early once suitable applicants have been interviewed, so we encourage you to apply without delay for this unique opportunity. Regrettably, we are unable to respond to all applicants.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. - Caroline Whicher