Company hunts for leader that can cultivate a shared sense of purpose among both law enforcement and the IT-supplier community

The Police ICT Company has begun the search for a new chief executive to replace previous head Martin Wyke.

The company said it was looking for a leader who could cultivate a cohesive strategy for the police’s investments in IT across England and Wales, as well as forge cooperative relationships with suppliers.

An advert for the London-based role offers a salary of between £160,000 and £180,000. 

According to a candidate information pack, the major responsibilities of the new CEO will include establishing “a clear vision and direction for the company” that will engender support and engagement both internally and among the police’s private sector IT suppliers.

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The new chief will also be expected to “identify and create new business opportunities that will support and ensure the long-term future of the business and continue its successful growth”. 

Encouraging collaboration and a unified sense of purpose across the law-enforcement community at a local, regional, and national level will be another key objective for the candidate, as will using “a highly commercial mind” to ensure that forces get the best value out of the IT marketplace.

Candidates will require “significant experience in a leadership role, preferably with responsibility for, and knowledge of, ICT”, the information pack said. They must also have a track record of leading a company or an operating division “through a period of substantial growth and development, ideally within an ICT/technology environment”.

Experience of “delivering tangible business developments” – such as reduced costs or improved performance – via the deployment of IT infrastructure is also needed. As is a “track record of success in delivering and leading transformational change, with the ability to take people with you”.

The new leader will replace Martin Wyke, who left the Police ICT Company in April. Since then, deputy chief executive Robert Leach has been the acting head.

The Police ICT Company was set up in 2015 with the aim of “introducing best practice and interoperability across systems, processes, and procurement” for the police across England and Wales, which includes 43 geographical forces and three special forces. The company employs 24 people and its annual operating budget is £3.6bn.

The hiring process for the new CEO is being conducted by public sector recruitment specialist GatenbySanderson, which will begin conducting preliminary interviews two weeks after the application closing date of Monday 7 August.

The firm will meet with the Police ICT Company to discuss the formulation of a shortlist during the week commencing 28 August. Interviews with the final selection panel will take place in the week beginning 18 September.