Corporate Head of Resources

Your new company Winchester City Council has been described by the 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 roleYou 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 Head of Corporate Services, 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 will provide support for the Director of Finance on developing and executing financial, IT and strategies in preparation for Local Government Reorganisation.In this role, you'll lead the delivery of efficient and effective corporate services that make the best use of resources, ensure Revenues and Benefits are fully compliant, and provide an ICT service that enables the Council's smooth transition to a new Unitary Authority. 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 succeedWe 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 CPDPreferably a business or management qualificationSenior leadership track record in relevant servicesProven delivery of organisational change, transformation and continuous improvementStrong knowledge of legislation, regulations and industry standardsCustomer-focused and commercially aware with digital service experienceSkilled partnership builder with political acumen, ethical approach and commitment to equality, diversity and safeguardingResilient, results-driven and highly effective communicator.What you'll get in returnWinchester City Council offers an excellent package of benefits including:Hybrid Working 50% office-based, 50% remoteOutstanding Pension Scheme: Membership to the Local Government PensionEssential Car User Allowance, free parking close to Winchester City CouncilEmployer-Paid Health Cash PlanExcellent 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 daysDiscounts: Major high street brands and local leisure centresExcellent Working EnvironmentSeason Ticket LoansProfessional Development: Ongoing support for continuous learning and growthSalary Sacrifice Schemes: Available for cars and bikesWorking 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 in the strictest of confidence.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.Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk