Overview

Join to apply for the Head of IT Architecture & Security role at Lewisham Council.

Job Description: Discover your next opportunity at Lewisham – where what you do continues to make a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities. Lewisham is recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary for championing the rights of refugees and migrants. We are looking to shape the future of IT architecture and cyber security in Lewisham.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of IT Architecture & Security to lead the council’s enterprise architecture, IT services and cyber security strategy. You’ll manage a team of IT professionals, oversee strategic partnerships, and advise senior stakeholders—including the Mayor and Chief Executive—on all aspects of IT and cyber security. You’ll deliver impactful IT services, maximise value from technology partnerships, and ensure the council’s digital infrastructure is secure, resilient, and fit for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for cyber security, enterprise architecture, and IT services.
• Develop and deliver the council’s cyber security strategies and IT use policies.
• Lead and manage the IT Architecture & Security team, motivating staff and driving performance.
• Oversee the governance and performance of the Shared Technology Service partnership.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, software copyright laws, and best practice.
• Manage business continuity planning and disaster recovery processes.
• Negotiate, manage, and monitor service level agreements and contracts for ICT.
• Advise senior leaders and elected members on IT strategy and innovation.
• Support organisational transformation and deliver value for money.
• Represent the service at board-level meetings and manage relationships with internal and external partners.

What’s in it for you?

• Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including generous holiday allowance.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies.
• Season ticket and bicycle loans.
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships.
• Supportive staff networks.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, manage performance, and deliver strategic outcomes.
• Experience of managing complex IT services & change, partnerships, and budgets.
• Strong project management and financial management skills.
• Ability to advise senior stakeholders and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Up-to-date knowledge of IT and cyber security, with substantial experience in a senior IT leadership role within a local authority or public sector environment.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and resident-focused service delivery.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and outside normal office hours.

Location

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. Applicant handbook – please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

Timeline & How to Apply

Closing Date: 25 January 2026

Interviews: 3rd, 4th and 12th February 2026

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact: Wendy Carr, Director of IT and Digital Services: Wendy.Carr@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary
£79,629 - £86,121 per annum (SMG3)

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants and those with health conditions throughout the recruitment process. We support the Access to Work scheme.

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