Job Description
Digital Transformation Manager - Minimum 60% of time spent in the office, Civic Centre, Gateshead.
Drive Change. Deliver Innovation. Transform the Future of Gateshead Council.
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Put People First - Design Solutions That Make Work Better.
We’re part of IT Services within the Resources and Digital Directorate, and our Digital Transformation team is at the heart of driving innovation across the Council. Our mission? To empower colleagues, deliver on key priorities, and shape the future of services through smart, digital solutions.
We work closely with service areas to tackle challenges head-on, champion technology as a force for positive change, and make sure every employee has the modern tools they need to succeed. From streamlining processes to introducing cutting-edge solutions, we’re here to create a workplace that’s efficient, connected, and ready for tomorrow.
Shape Strategy. Deliver Change. Make a Difference.
As our new Digital Transformation Manager, you’ll lead the Transformation team to be the driving force behind shaping the Council’s digital future. You’ll play an active part in the IT management team, providing leadership and direction by building strong partnerships across services, uncovering opportunities to harness technology, designing innovative solutions, and leading major transformation projects to truly make an impact.
What you'll get to do:
- Lead a high-performing team to deliver innovative Digital transformation that shape Gateshead Council’s digital future.
- Lead the team to build, strengthen and maintain strong relationships with service teams across the council.
- Inspire and develop your team, managing people effectively while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Spot opportunities for change by identifying where new or existing technology can revolutionise ways of working and improve efficiency.
- Design and deliver smart solutions that tackle business challenges and create streamlined, modern processes for employees and customers.
- Drive major Digital and IT transformation projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and make a real impact across the organisation.
- Champion Digital and IT communication and engagement, leading strategies that keep stakeholders informed, involved, and excited about change.
- Oversee critical operational processes, including Digital and IT change management, procurement, project management and service redesign, ensuring compliance and best practice.
What you'll bring:
- Project Leadership - Proven ability to lead and deliver large-scale transformation projects using recognised methodologies with a recognised qualification in project management (e.g. PRINCE2).
- Strategic Thinking - Skilled at analysing complex business challenges and designing technology-driven solutions that improve efficiency and customer experience.
- Relationship Building - Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective partnerships across all levels of the organisation.
- Team & Operational Management - Proven experience in managing teams, overseeing procurement and risk processes, and delivering operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication and Influence - Excellent communication and negotiation skills to engage stakeholders, drive change and deliver the Digital and IT Communication Framework.
- Change and Transformation Expertise - Deep understanding of business transformation processes, change management, and service redesign.
- Technical Awareness - Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and awareness of IT trends, digital strategies, and service management frameworks (e.g. ITIL).
If successful you will have to apply for a standard Disclosure
Please be advised, this is a rerun of a recent campaign so previous applicant need not re-apply
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.