The Opportunity
We are excited to be recruiting for an IT Director. This is a permanent position and can be based in any of our offices in Thirsk, North Yorkshire or Crick, Northamptonshire or Kinmel, Wales, with regular cross-site collaboration.
The Company
IPN is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer, employing over 850 people across our 4 UK manufacturing sites. Our family of brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butchers, Classic Cat and a selection of partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel and Crick produce dry, wet, and baked foods which are enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world.
Role Purpose
The IT Director will set and deliver IPN's technology strategy and operating model, ensuring stable, secure day-to-day services while leading major change (ERP, integrations, cloud). Partnering closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance and Commercial, the role drives value, improves user experience, and enables data-driven decision making across the Group.
Key Accountabilities
* Develop and execute the Group IT strategy and roadmap with clear priorities and measurable outcomes
* Lead IT operations across infrastructure, networks, cloud and core applications; ensure service resilience and great user experience
* Own cybersecurity strategy, policies and controls; oversee monitoring, training and incident response
* Deliver transformation programmes (e.g., ERP, integrations, cloud migrations) on time and in budget
* Build and develop a high-performing IT team; set objectives and drive continuous improvement
* Govern vendors and contracts; manage budgets, licensing and service performance (SLAs)
* Establish and maintain IT policies, standards and internal controls; ensure audit readiness and compliance
* Enable data, BI and analytics capabilities to support performance and decision making
* Communicate progress, risks and benefits clearly to senior leadership and the Board
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
* Senior IT leadership in a fast-paced, multi-site environment (FMCG/manufacturing desirable)
* Strong track record across infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity and service delivery
* Proven delivery of large programmes and change (ERP/cloud/integrations) with benefits realised
* Exceptional stakeholder management; able to simplify complexity for non-technical audiences
* Vendor, contract and budget ownership; outcome and value focused
* Working knowledge of ITIL/Agile; robust approach to risk, controls and compliance
* Degree or equivalent experience; relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, CISSP, TOGAF) are a plus
The Offer:
Location: Thirsk, North Yorkshire or Crick, Northamptonshire or Kinmel, Wales
Salary: Competitive
20% annual company bonus scheme
Pension: Employee contributions 3% / Employer contribution 8% (salary sacrifice company pension scheme)
Holidays: 25 days + Bank Holidays
Life Assurance
Enhanced maternity/paternity/pawternity/pawreavement
Free parking, electric charging, bring your dog to work, discounted products & free hot drinks
Ability to purchase heavily discounted pet food.
Ref: #INDHP