Job Description
Job Title: Head of IT & Data Management (Ref: 194700)
Contact: callum.bell@forsythbarnes.com
Location: Watford or Birmingham - 4 Days per week in office
Salary: £100,000 – £120,000
Bonus: 20% on target
Holidays: 28 days
Benefits: Private healthcare (family cover), pension (5% employer contribution), life assurance (3× salary), income protection, employee assistance programme, and staff discount.
About the role
The Head of IT & Data Management will lead IT operations, ERP delivery, data strategy, automation, and cybersecurity across a multi-site UK FMCG operation.
This role requires someone equally comfortable in C-suite discussions and hands-on execution. You will define the technology roadmap, lead delivery, and embed digital, AI, and automation capability across the business.
A core responsibility is the delivery, adoption, and optimisation of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, alongside driving enterprise-wide automation and data-driven decision-making.
The environment is dynamic and change-heavy; this role suits someone who thrives in lean teams and fast-moving, scale-up-style organisations rather than large, heavily layered corporates.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
* Define and deliver the IT, Data, Automation, and AI strategy aligned to FMCG business priorities.
* Act as a trusted advisor to the CFO and Executive Team, ensuring technology investments deliver commercial value.
* Build and maintain a multi-year technology roadmap balancing innovation, resilience, and cost control.
SAP, Digital & Automation
* Lead the delivery and ongoing optimisation of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud.
* Drive end-to-end digital process integration across Finance, Supply Chain, Commercial, and HR.
* Champion AI, RPA, workflow automation, and low-code solutions to improve productivity and reduce manual effort.
IT Operations & Security
* Own IT operations across multiple manufacturing and distribution sites.
* Lead cybersecurity, data protection, and business continuity frameworks.
* Manage internal teams and third-party partners to deliver secure, reliable, and cost-effective services.
Data, Analytics & Performance
* Define and deliver a pragmatic data and AI strategy focused on insight and value creation.
* Embed analytics, dashboards, and performance reporting into daily decision-making.
* Drive continuous improvement, cost reduction, and financial performance through technology decisions.
Team & Change Management
* Lead a small, high-performing IT & Data team, supported by external partners.
* Drive change and transformation adoption across the business.
* Embed an automation-first and agile mindset across IT and the wider organisation.
About You
Essential Experience
* FMCG experience is mandatory.
* Proven delivery experience with SAP S/4HANA is essential (Public Cloud strongly preferred).
* Senior IT leadership experience in multi-site environments.
* Demonstrated success delivering digital transformation, automation, and data-led initiatives.
Skills & Capability
* Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels.
* Strong understanding of AI, automation, analytics, and modern IT platforms.
* Experience owning a broad remit including ERP, cybersecurity, IT operations, and data strategy.
* Commercially minded, with a track record of cost savings and performance improvement.
Personal Attributes
* Confident, credible, and pragmatic (not overly corporate).
* Flexible and resilient, able to adapt to changing priorities.
* Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, sometimes chaotic environment.
* Able to build trust quickly with senior stakeholders.