Head of IT Architecture & Security
Job Description
Discover your next opportunity at Lewisham – where what you do continues to make a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!
We’re proud of our rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and of being recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary for championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
Looking to shape the future of IT architecture and cyber security in Lewisham?
Are you passionate about leading strategic IT transformation and safeguarding digital services for a diverse community? The IT & Digital Services team at the London Borough of Lewisham is seeking a visionary Head of IT Architecture & Security to drive our enterprise architecture, IT Transformation and cyber security. You’ll work at the heart of a collaborative, forward-thinking team, delivering robust, innovative solutions for residents, staff, and businesses.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Strategic Leadership: You’ll provide direction for the council’s approach to enterprise architecture and cyber security, leading and working closely with senior leaders and our Shared Technology Service (STS) partner.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: We break down silos, fostering communication and innovation across council departments and external partners.
- Agile Transformation: We continuously improve our services, adopting new technologies and supporting organisational change.
- User-Focused Outlook: Our work supports critical council applications and infrastructure, always prioritising the needs of our diverse users.
- Business Continuity: You’ll ensure robust plans are in place to keep services running securely and efficiently, even in emergencies.
What’s 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 be responsible for delivering impactful IT services, maximising value from our technology partnerships, and ensuring 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 CV’s.
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.
Closing Date:
25th 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)
N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.
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 make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@ewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
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