Assistant Director – Digital, Technology and Change – East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Joint Headquarters

Job Family 8 | Senior Leadership Role

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an outstanding and forward-thinking leader to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Director – Digital, Technology and Change.

We are seeking a strategic, innovative and collaborative leader who can operate confidently at senior leadership level within a complex public service organisation.

You will have a proven ability to lead digital transformation, organisational improvement or major change programmes, with the credibility and influence to work effectively with senior leaders, elected members and external partners.

Experience within local government, emergency services or the wider public sector would be advantageous.

This is a pivotal strategic role responsible for driving digital innovation, organisational improvement and transformation across the Service. You will lead the development and delivery of our digital and technology strategy, ensuring our systems, data and infrastructure enable our firefighters, staff and partners to deliver safe, effective and efficient services to the communities of East Sussex.

This is an exciting time to join East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. We are strengthening collaboration and developing shared approaches to transformation, digital capability and service improvement. This role will help ensure East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is well positioned to contribute to and benefit from these developments while continuing to deliver outstanding services locally.

About the Role
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, the Assistant Director will provide strategic leadership for the Service’s Digital, Technology and Change function.

Key responsibilities include:
• Leading the development and delivery of the Service’s digital and technology strategy.
• Driving organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement programmes.
• Leading corporate planning, performance management and service improvement frameworks.
• Ensuring robust governance, audit and assurance arrangements across the directorate.
• Overseeing technology investment, digital infrastructure and data capability to support operational effectiveness.
• Leading cross-organisational programmes that deliver improved productivity, innovation and value for money.
• Supporting the Fire Authority and democratic governance processes through high-quality reports and strategic advice.
• Building strong partnerships with central government, HMICFRS, local authorities, emergency services and regional partners across Sussex.

You will lead a team of specialists across digital, ICT, performance and planning, and programme delivery, ensuring that technology and transformation initiatives directly support frontline service delivery.