Assistant Director of Smart Cities and ICT
Job Description
Assistant Director of Smart Cities and ICT\nContract: Permanent\nWorking Pattern: Full time\nAdvert End Date: 07/04/2026 23:59\nSalary: £95,878 - £108,164 per annum\nHours per week: 37\nEmployment Location: City Hall\nAs a recognised leader in Smart City innovation, Sunderland City Council is at the forefront of using advanced technology to enrich the lives of , accelerate economic growth, and create a smarter, more connected future for all. Our award-winning smart city programme is driving bold transformation across digital infrastructure, data innovation, and technology-enabled public services, leaving no one and nowhere behind.\nAn exciting opportunity has now arisen to join our Smart City and ICT leadership team. We are seeking a forward-thinking, visionary leader to help continue Sunderland’s ambitions as one of the UK’s leading smart cities.
This is a pivotal senior role shaping the next phase of our digital transformation journey.\nRole Summary – Assistant Director of Smart Cities and ICT\nThe Assistant Director of Smart Cities and ICT will play a central role in driving the city's evolution into a digitally enabled, data-driven, and future-ready place. Reporting to the Director of Smart Cities & Enabling Services, the postholder will provide strategic leadership across major areas of digital transformation, smart city innovation, and ICT service delivery.\nYou will lead major programmes of citywide investment in next- digital infrastructure, smart technologies, and innovative data solutions that deliver tangible benefits for , businesses, and communities. This includes shaping and delivering the Smart City strategy, overseeing large-scale technology deployments, and managing strategic partnerships—including the Smart City Joint Venture—to maximise investment and impact.\nThe role also carries responsibility for the council’s ICT service, providing senior leadership and strategic direction to ensure our technology environment is modern, resilient, secure, and aligned with organisational priorities.
You will oversee ICT operations, cyber security, architecture, service delivery, business assurance, and City Alarm & Emergency Control, ensuring the council is equipped with robust, high-performing systems and services.\nAs a senior corporate leader, you will contribute proactively to the council’s strategic direction, inspire high-performing teams, drive innovation, and represent Sunderland at regional, , and international forums relating to digital transformation and smart cities.\nThis is a high-impact leadership role for an individual with strong strategic capability, deep digital and ICT expertise, and a passion for transforming places through technology. Candidates should bring extensive senior-level experience, a track record of delivering major ICT or smart city programmes, and the ability to build strong partnerships across sectors.\nClosing date: 7 April 2026.\nShortlisting will be concluded on Thursday 7th April, 2026 and the assessment centre will take place on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. Successful candidates following this stage will be invited to interview on Thursday 23rd April.\nPlease note that CVs are not accepted.\nPlease note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including your invitation to any online assessment you are required to undertake and your invite to interview if you are short-listed.
Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.\nTo Apply\nIf you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Sunderland City Council, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application