IT Governance & Improvement Manager

Job description

You will assist the Head of IT Operations in ensuring effective governance of our Digital and IT and wider DDaT services.

The role is a strategic leadership one responsible for establishing and overseeing the policies, processes, and frameworks that ensure the effective and efficient management of the Digital and IT and DDaT services and resources. 

This pivotal role bridges the gap between business operations and governance. 

Possessing a passion to continually improve and deliver amazing service, you will need a strong customer-focus and be adept at transforming and assuring IT services at pace

Key responsibilities:

• Developing and maintaining an IT governance framework that aligns with the organisation's strategic goals and industry best practices
• Establishing and enforcing IT policies, standards, and procedures to ensure consistency, security, and compliance across the organization
• Collaborating with business leaders, IT teams, and other stakeholders to identify and prioritise IT initiatives and investments
• Conducting risk assessments and implementing risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats and vulnerabilities
• Monitoring and reporting on IT governance metrics, performance indicators, and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Facilitating effective communication and decision-making processes related to IT governance across various levels of the organization
• Overseeing the implementation and continuous improvement of IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL)
• Be accountable for documentation relating to the delivery of our services, e.g. Service Definition Documents (SDDs) Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Evaluating and recommending IT governance tools, methodologies, and best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Providing guidance and training to stakeholders on IT governance principles, policies, and processes
• Staying up-to-date with emerging trends, technologies, and industry standards related to IT governance and compliance
• Representing the organisation in external forums, committees, or industry groups related to IT governance
• Collaborating with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards

 Person specification 

Essential criteria assessed at application stage:

• Substantial experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
• ITIL Foundation or higher Certified (or equivalent) are essential
• Relevant professional experience within an IT environment
• Excellent working knowledge of Service Management processes (Incident, Problem Management)
• Experience with managing continuous improvement programmes and applying appropriate governance frameworks
• Experience with liaising with external third-party support partners
• Ability to create analytical reports encompassing incidents, problems, trends and analysis and proactively develop documentation and other media to embed into our ITSM knowledgebase.
• To work closely with third party suppliers ensuring SLAs are maintained
• Knowledge of the ITIL Services Management Framework; ability to demonstrate its principles and processes is essential
• Excellent standard of literacy and effective written communication skills for writing reports and meeting notes.

Essential criteria assessed during interview:

• Relevant professional experience within an IT environment
• Excellent working knowledge of Service Management processes (Incident, Problem Management)
• Experience with managing continuous improvement programmes and applying appropriate governance frameworks
• Experience with liaising with external third-party support partners
• Ability to create analytical reports encompassing incidents, problems, trends and analysis and proactively develop documentation and other media to embed into our ITSM knowledgebase.
• To work closely with third party suppliers ensuring SLAs are maintained 
• A confident people manager / leader 
• Have experience in managing requests for change, the process involved in seeking relevant outcomes and be a confident chair to the change advisory board.
• Knowledge of the ITIL Services Management Framework; ability to demonstrate its principles and processes is essential
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to form effective working relationships at all levels 
• A demonstrable systematic, disciplined and analytical approach to work
• Excellent standard of literacy and effective written communication skills for writing reports and meeting notes.
• Personally effective and well organised with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Good intellectual and analytical ability in order to assimilate often complex data or technical information and apply it to the operational activities of the ICO.
• Strong time management, organised and delivery focused, good planning skills, and process driven
• Knowledge of Halo or similar Service Management toolsets
• Ability to step up when needed and offer support even when outside normal hours if required
• Strong communicator both verbally and written with the ability to Chair and conduct meetings

Equality, diversity, and inclusion 

The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.  

Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO’s commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. 

If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method, please email the HR team at recruitment@ico.org.uk 

Closing Date 

Please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability to the role by 23:59, Sunday 20^th July  

We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.