Head of Information Systems - Kerry County Council

Head of Information Systems - Kerry County Council

The closing date for this vacancy is 20/08/2026, 15:00

The Head of Information Systems is a senior position within the Information Communications Technology (ICT) function of the Local Authority. The appointee will work closely with the Director of Corporate Services and People Development and other members of the Senior Management Team and lead a department which is responsible for the planning, development, control and maintenance of ICT for the Council.

As Head of Information Systems, the successful candidate will be expected to implement and develop the ICT strategy/vision to support the overall Corporate Plan of the Council and ensure best practice standards and codes of practice. The appointees will have an important role in the management and development of staff within the department and will be expected to advise the Senior Management Team on all ICT issues.

A full Job Summary/Description is available in the Information Booklet.

Main Duties of the Job

Supporting the Director of Service in the development and communication of the organisation's ICT and Information Systems (IS) strategies.

Defining a strategic framework for ICT within the local authority that will align with the goals and objectives of the wider Council business strategy.

Evaluating and developing the potential of modern ICT to enhance the business objectives of the Council and ensure maximum impact of emerging technologies.

Preparing operational and service plans for the ICT Unit to ensure that all necessary ICT tools, processes and systems are in place to meet the requirements of the business and contribute to the achievement of the organisation's short and long-term goals.

A full list of main duties is available in the Information Booklet.

Information about the organisation

County Kerry has a population of approximately 156,500 people in an area covering 4,700 square kilometres and 3 peninsulas. Kerry County Council is responsible for the delivery of the full range of local government services in the county. Kerry County Council seeks to enhance the county's attraction as a place in which to invest, work, and live, and takes the lead role in shaping the strategic vision of the county. It provides a diverse, multi-layered and evolving range of services across a large geographic area, which includes the provision of housing, climate action, planning, development, environmental, roads and traffic, leisure, culture, economic development, and community services. The Council works in partnership with communities, other state, public and private bodies in the delivery of infrastructure, regeneration and a broad range of services and shared services. It also operates the Local Government Operational Procurement Centre which is a national shared service with responsibility for managing, developing, and promoting procurement best practice for Plant Hire and Minor Building Works & Civils contracts for the entire public and civil service.

Its overall operations are supported by internal services which include ICT, Corporate, Finance, Legal and People Development.

Kerry boasts both vibrant urban centres and active rural communities, a highly skilled workforce and is home to global companies across the technology, pharmaceutical, food, financial services and other sectors. Its two largest urban centres of Tralee & Killarney are of significant importance to the county. County Kerry also retains its vital role as a premier international sustainable tourism destination.

An opportunity now exists in Kerry County Council for the position of Head of Information Systems.

Salary Scale effective from 1st June 2026:

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 35 hours gross per week.

The annual leave allowance for the position of Head of Information Systems is 30 days.

Selection Process Details

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Local authorities are committed equal opportunities employers.