Assistant Director – Digital, Technology and Change (East Sussex Fire and R at East Sussex County Council

Lewes, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Jun, 26

Salary

73821.0

Posted On

20 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Digital Transformation, Organisational Improvement, Change Programmes, Strategic Leadership, Innovation, Collaboration, Corporate Management, Financial Management, Budgetary Control, Performance Management, Audit, Governance, Programme Management, Project Management, Data Capability, Stakeholder Management

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Salary: £65,826 to £73,821 per annum. Contract type: Permanent Working pattern: Full-time. Closing date: Wednesday 15 April, 2026. How to apply: For further information about the role and application process, please visit our recruitment pages Careers | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service [https://www.esfrs.org/careers] . Who to contact if you have a query: For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Deputy Chief Fire Officer David Norris or contact us on: Contact Us | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service [https://www.esfrs.org/contact-us] East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an outstanding and forward-thinking leader to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Director – Digital, Technology and Change. We are seeking a strategic, innovative and collaborative leader who can operate confidently at senior leadership level within a complex public service organisation. You will have a proven ability to lead digital transformation, organisational improvement or major change programmes, with the credibility and influence to work effectively with senior leaders, elected members and external partners. Experience within local government, emergency services or the wider public sector would be advantageous. This is a pivotal strategic role responsible for driving digital innovation, organisational improvement and transformation across the Service. You will lead the development and delivery of our digital and technology strategy, ensuring our systems, data and infrastructure enable our firefighters, staff and partners to deliver safe, effective and efficient services to the communities of East Sussex. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, the Assistant Director will provide strategic leadership for the Service’s Digital, Technology and Change function. Key responsibilities include: * Leading the development and delivery of the Service’s digital and technology strategy. * Driving organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement programmes. * Leading corporate planning, performance management and service improvement frameworks. * Ensuring robust governance, audit and assurance arrangements across the directorate. * Overseeing technology investment, digital infrastructure and data capability to support operational effectiveness. * Leading cross-organisational programmes that deliver improved productivity, innovation and value for money. * Supporting the Fire Authority and democratic governance processes through high-quality reports and strategic advice. * Building strong partnerships with central government, HMICFRS, local authorities, emergency services and regional partners across Sussex. * You will lead a team of specialists across digital, ICT, performance and planning, and programme delivery, ensuring that technology and transformation initiatives directly support frontline service delivery. You will demonstrate: * A degree in business studies, management or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience. * Extensive knowledge and experience of corporate management and organisational leadership at a senior level. * Experience of financial management and budgetary control within a large organisation. * Understanding of national policy and strategic issues affecting public services, particularly emergency services or local government. * Knowledge of business planning, performance management and organisational audit processes. * Strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles. * Awareness of the governance, political and partnership landscape within which fire and rescue services operate. * Working knowledge of health and safety responsibilities within an organisational leadership role. Desirable: * Professional qualification or experience in audit or assurance. * Knowledge of local government management frameworks, including Best Value and performance improvement. * Strategic and Analytical Capability You will bring: * The ability to think strategically and act corporately, balancing competing priorities in a complex environment. * Strong analytical capability and the ability to develop creative and practical solutions to organisational challenges. * Experience commissioning and managing programmes, projects and cross-organisational initiatives. * Understanding of value for money and efficiency within public services. * The ability to produce high-quality reports, policies and governance papers. * Strong knowledge of programme and project management frameworks. Why Join East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service? * East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has a vital role in protecting communities, supporting local resilience and responding to emergencies across the county. This role offers the opportunity to: * Lead digital and organisational transformation in a modern emergency service. * Shape how technology and innovation support frontline firefighters and staff. * Work at senior leadership level within a highly respected public service organisation. * Influence collaboration and improvement across the wider Sussex fire and rescue landscape. We offer a competitive salary, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working and strong professional development opportunities. Additional Information Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

Responsibilities

This pivotal strategic role is responsible for driving digital innovation, organisational improvement, and transformation across the Service by leading the development and delivery of the digital and technology strategy. The Assistant Director will provide strategic leadership for the Digital, Technology and Change function, overseeing technology investment and leading teams across digital, ICT, performance, and programme delivery.