Head of technical infrastructure - united kingdom, aberdeen

about the job

summary

we welcome applications from all communities and we don't discriminate against any identity. we're interested to hear from you, regardless of your background.

do you have an understanding of the ict systems used by hm coastguard or other emergency services?

would you love to play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology which assists with the safety and saving of lives at sea and on the coast?

are you a forward-thinking leader, able to inspire our hardworking team to be truly passionate about what we do?

if so, we'd love to hear from you!

the maritime and coastguard agency (mca) implements the government's maritime safety policy in the united kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.

safer lives, safer ships, cleaner seas.

our vision is to be the best maritime safety organisation in the world.

find out more about what it's like working at the department for transport .

job description

it's an exciting time to be part of the mca with this interesting opportunity for a motivated and technically minded individual to join us as the head of technical infrastructure within hm coastguard.

reporting to the assistant chief coastguard, the successful applicant will be responsible and accountable for hmcg (aviation, coastal and maritime) ict workstreams, ensuring operational effectiveness of the national network for the delivery of the coastguard functions.

leading a team of staff officers, you will oversee the delivery and quality of designated coastguard technical systems. you will be responsible for efficient engagement across hmcg, the wider mca and external stakeholders, providing direction and guidance to ensure products are fit for purpose and provide the best value for money.

the head of technical infrastructure will also be responsible for horizon scanning, analysing the future and representing the operational perspective with regards new technology and developments, considering how emerging trends may affect current technology and seeking innovative technology for the future improvement of hmcg ict.

technology is the key to success within hm coastguard, be that in control rooms or out at sea or on the coast. this is a fantastic opportunity to play a crucial role in a central position, supporting the direction and positive change for the future.

this role can be based at any of the mca locations listed. mca supports flexible working and operates a hybrid working model between home and office for this role, giving you greater flexibility over where and when you work. details of the arrangement will be discussed further with your line manager.

the role will require some occasional travel to coastguard sites across the uk and attendance at international meetings. a passport valid for international travel is required as well as a full driving licence valid for driving in the uk.

to maintain operator competence for all operational ict systems there will be a requirement to undertake operational duty within the national network.

there may also be a requirement to be available to respond out of hours in the event of any ict failures. this is covered by the on-call allowance.

responsibilities

responsibilities include but are not limited to:

managing stakeholders in the development and review of the 'statement of service requirements' that will enable the procurement and implementation of new and replacement operational ict systems within the national network. the role holder is the accountable officer and will manage others to conduct detailed analysis of functional and end user requirements for such systems taking the role of the senior user/business change manager during the implementation of hmcg operational ict projects pro-actively engaging with colleagues within ict and procurement to develop and agree service level agreements (sla) for operational ict systems. ensuring hmcg systems are available and appropriate to meet delivery of the mca business plan and the big picture, as well as providing value for money managing and monitoring the performance of operational systems against slas - leading on effective rectification measures if/when required. monitoring trends and issues and identifying with ict priorities to be reviewed management staff officers in pro-actively 'horizon scanning' the operational and technological fields to ensure hmcg operational ict functionality continually evolves, making recommendations to senior management on risks, opportunities and threats for an in-depth insight into the role, please refer to the role profile attached to this advert.

about you

we are looking to be joined by an enthusiastic leader who has excellent interpersonal skills and passion for supplier and stakeholder management.

you will have knowledge and experience of the ict systems used by hm coastguard or other emergency services as well as experience of command, control and management of operational teams in a response environment.

a natural communicator, you are confident in building strong working relationships and rapport quickly with key people both internally and externally. you are able to influence and remain robust during challenging conversations, confidently drawing boundaries where necessary. as the interface between technology providers and the business, you will comfortable in sharing complex information to others in simple terms, effectively tailoring your communication style and the way in which you engage with others, to ensure your message is understood by all.

you have good judgement skills and consider the bigger picture, critically thinking and tackling ambiguity and complex problems effectively and efficiently when making decisions.

you will thrive on the level of autonomy that this role provides and will be committed, innovative and driven, leading your team from the front.

about operational delivery profession (odp)

operational delivery profession (odp) is the largest and most diverse professional community across the civil service. many of us will have an association with several professional communities or specialisms, odp applies to all public facing roles/or a role that is primarily aligned to supporting the work of those with public facing roles. all critical to the delivery of uk public services.

licences

a passport valid for international travel is required as well as a full driving licence valid for driving in the uk.

behaviours

we'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

changing and improving making effective decisions leadership seeing the big picture communicating and influencing benefits

being part of our brilliant civil service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits. we offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.

More jobs