Housing Technology Manager WCC617158

The Housing Technology Manager oversees the effective and efficient operation of the applications that support the housing services of Westminster City Council. These applications include systems for managing tenancies, rents, repairs, allocations, homelessness, housing benefits, and customer contact. The role is responsible for ensuring that these systems meet the needs and expectations of the housing staff, tenants, and other stakeholders, and that they comply with the relevant policies, standards, and regulations.

This role is key to planning, designing, and delivering improvements and enhancements to the housing applications portfolio, in line with the strategic objectives and priorities of the council. They work closely with the business users, senior managers, and external partners to identify, analyse, and implement solutions that improve service delivery, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. They also manage the budget, resources, and risks associated with the housing applications projects and services.

The Housing Technology Manager leads and develops a team of application support analysts and developers, who provide first, second and third line support for the housing applications. The role ensures that the team has the appropriate skills, knowledge, and tools to perform their duties effectively and professionally. You will also foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team and across the Technology Team.

We are looking for an IT professional who can manage, support, and develop housing applications for local authorities. You will have a strong background in business analysis, project management, and system design, and you will be passionate about delivering solutions that meet the needs of the housing sector and its customers.

You will have successfully managed and delivered several complex and high-profile projects involving the implementation, integration, and upgrade of various housing applications, such as Orchard MRI Housing. You will also have experience in leading the development and support of in-house applications.

This role requires excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills, and you will enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and suppliers to achieve the best outcomes.

THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF 809 CONNECTED BUSINESSES

Digital and Innovation in Westminster City Council is a world of extraordinary stories, where creative and enterprising people put local residents and businesses first.

Today, Westminster is the most connected borough in London. But, when David joined us in the mid-2010s, small businesses were still struggling to get connected to fibre. Without gigabit-capable broadband, some companies even resorted to biking memory sticks around the city, simply to share files with clients.

Although still in a junior role, David took the initiative and successfully made the business case for £2.8 million of European funding to support connectivity for small businesses across Westminster. Feedback from businesses has been overwhelmingly positive as the project has enhanced their communications with clients. The new connectivity allows them to make video calls and work remotely. As the pandemic hit and many more people needed to work from home, it became clear just how vital this investment had been.

Fast-forward a few years. Westminster is leading the way for connectivity, as a result of the project businesses are thriving, and David is heading up a service of his own responsible for delivery of the Smart City strategy., Westminster is an amazing place. We are home to more than 200,000 residents from all backgrounds, over 50,000 vibrant and vital businesses and three-quarters-of-a-million people work in Westminster.

Westminster City Council's strategy is to work towards a Fairer Westminster. A Fairer Westminster is one in which our communities are at the heart of our decision-making and help to determine the city's future. By working directly with our communities and other partners, we can build a more inclusive city that celebrates our diverse communities, and where residents, workers and visitors from all backgrounds will feel welcome and safe.

At Westminster City Council, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive workplace and employer of choice. We encourage and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that, at all levels, represents the communities we serve. We champion equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, has a sense of belonging and is empowered to be their best, that is the Westminster Way. To find out more about how we do this visit https://www.westminster.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health-strategy-policies-and-reports/equality-duties

As a forward thinking Council we appreciate that people work in different ways, therefore our staff benefit from working a range of flexible working patterns as well as Agile working.