Head of Cyber Security and Technical Architecture

We are seeking a highly experienced and skilled professional to lead our security strategy and technical architecture operating model for the Council and Integrated Care Board (ICB). As our Head of Cyber Security and Technical Architecture, you will be responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of our systems and data, while also driving innovation and transformation in our technology landscape.

• Strategically lead and implement the service plan, driving continuous improvement initiatives through cross-Council projects and collaborative working with partners.
• Support the delivery of programmes of strategic significance, ensuring services are delivered in line with Council and Directorate priorities.
• Responsible for driving a programme that delivers the Council's ambitions, in terms of time, budget, quality, quantity, and that fits with the Council's wider strategic goals and values.
• Work as part of the senior leadership team, bringing together services from across the organisations to ensure consistently high levels of performance and service delivery within a number of service areas.
• Strategic management of cyber security services, supporting leadership of cross-cutting projects and priorities, while also working closely with the information governance function.
• Support service improvement, including effective and flexible deployment of staff to ensure improvement priorities are achieved.
• Provide specialist expertise and resources to facilitate and execute the technical planning, technical design, specification, development, and implementation across a range of technology platforms.
• Define, develop, and maintain a Council and ICB-aligned Cyber Security strategy and operating model.
• Work with the Information Governance team to define and embed an Information Security Policy Framework across the Council and ICB, addressing the needs of each organisation, including colleagues, citizens, and other external stakeholders, in line with relevant legislation and industry standards.
• Provide advice and direction to the IDS's senior leadership team, in the integration of security practices into the Council and ICB's strategic and operational processes.
• Drive and deliver change to the Council and ICB's Information and Cyber Security systems, processes, and procedures, continuously analysing and reviewing new security technologies and practices, as informed by industry best practice.
• Report to the CDIO on Information and Cyber Security matters.
• Represent the Council and ICB in relevant external networks, including the NCSC and WARP.
• Provide senior leadership and oversight of effective information and Cyber Security risk management, integrated with the Council and ICB's risk management framework.
• Ensure information and Cyber Security risks to the Council and ICB presented through suppliers and delivery partners are identified and managed appropriately.
• Develop and maintain an effective Information Security Management System and processes for continual improvement.
• Ensure Information Security and Governance are managed effectively throughout the IT service delivery lifecycle, including Security Operations, Security Architecture, and Security Assurance.
• Lead on development and delivery of measures and metrics to support the assessment, reporting, and ongoing improvement of the information security and governance posture.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders and business units to keep abreast of planned changes to technologies, working practices, and business activities that could have an impact on the Council and ICB's Information Security or risk profile.
• Define and implement an appropriate information assurance framework for the Council and ICB, enforcing compliance with policies in conjunction with internal audit.
• Ensure and promote an appropriate level of information security culture and awareness across the Council and ICB.
• Direct and assist as necessary, investigations into information security breaches and pursue associated disciplinary and legal matters, liaising with the relevant teams on data protection legislation, ensuring root-causes of such breaches are understood and addressed.
• Lead on defining the data recovery processes and assist with the implementation of backup and recovery technologies.
• Lead a team of technical experts accountable for specification and design of information systems and components, meeting defined business needs, ensuring lifecycle requirements are planned into the definition of services.
• Translate architecture and high-level design into deliverable components, developing the detailed design and implementation approach to solutions delivered by DIS.
• Work with the commissioning function, Solutions Architects, and other stakeholders to fully exploit existing solutions.
• Manage effective provision of third-line technical support, ensuring service and application availability.
• Develop and maintain technical frameworks, technical roadmaps, policies, and standards aligned to ICT Strategies and define and exploit new and existing technologies.
• Facilitate research, evaluation, and selection of hardware and software technology, advise business stakeholders on technology design options and choices, providing advice across a range of areas.
• Ensure Solution Architecture direction takes account of existing and planned environments and retains compatibility across system components.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external customers, other stakeholders, and partners to achieve excellent outcomes for the citizens of Leeds.
• Accountable for the safety of staff, service users, and contractors, in accordance with Legislation and the Council Health and Safety Policy.
• Manage, promote, and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery, focusing on equality of outcome.
• In line with the Budget Management Accountability Framework, be responsible and accountable for all financial resources within the service area, ensuring value for money, working within financial regulations.

• Able to demonstrate examples of managing services, implementing change, and achieving quality transformational outcomes.
• Able to provide effective leadership in the Directorate and implementation of innovative solutions to complex financial problems.
• Able to provide appropriate strategic advice relating to the work of the Directorate to Members and council officers, so as to manage risk and support them in their respective roles.
• Able to use strong people management skills to motivate, develop, and performance manage staff and drive service improvements.
• Knowledge, understanding of planning, delivery, and requirements for the group of services managed.
• Demonstrate knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, policies, inspections, and performance information and relevant strategic functions.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of economic strategy and policy, understanding of local government political systems, and experience of working on politically sensitive issues.
• Substantial senior leadership and management experience relevant to the area of service delivery.
• Experience of working with senior management to shape and influence the delivery of strategic priorities at a City, Directorate, and Service level, ensuring people issues are kept at the forefront.
• Substantial experience in building credible and effective collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Evidence of significant experience and commitment in relation to the engagement of relevant citizens, customers, and stakeholders in decision-making processes.
• Significant experience of developing productive working relationships with Council Members, trade unions, and Corporate Leadership Team, which commands respect, trust, and confidence.

• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth, and Zero Carbon.
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Be aware of, promote, and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures, e.g., health, safety, and security, confidentiality, and data protection.
• Be aware of and support difference, ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the behaviours, values, and standards of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee's responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.