Paul Smith is one of Britain’s leading independent design companies. We champion positivity, curiosity and creativity. These qualities underpin every Paul Smith design, whether it’s a shirt, a shop or a special collaboration. Reaffirming the values that Paul set down in 1970, ‘classic with a twist’ remains the guiding principle of the company. Happily positioned between high fashion and formalwear, while taking reference from both, Paul Smith has always been proud to stand apart.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of IT to lead and evolve our information technology function. This is a senior leadership role with accountability for the vision, governance, security and operational performance of IT across the organisation.
You will ensure that technology investments are aligned with business strategy, risks are effectively managed, and IT services are delivered reliably, securely, and with a strong customer focus. The role is based from our Nottingham office.
The Role
Provide overall accountability for IT service performance, delivery outcomes, and risk management.
Develop and lead the long-term IT strategy, ensuring alignment with current and future business objectives.
Provide leadership and subject-matter expertise to team members, internal stakeholders, and technology partners, encompassing the vision, planning, implementation, and support of enterprise technologies aligned to business needs.
Oversee the successful deployment and operational support of solution designs across the organisation.
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of IT infrastructure architecture trends as well as a high level of expertise around IT networking, infrastructure, security, application, data, and complementary technologies.
Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations, including PCI, GDPR, and AEO. Own IT risk management, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.
Forecast and manage departmental budgets, including staffing, operational costs, and performance metrics.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing, customer-focused IT team. Act as a role model, demonstrating a strong commitment to customer service, problem solving, and quality delivery.
Member of the senior leadership team, advising the Board and contributing to broader business strategy and decision making.
Champion continuous improvement and innovation across IT services and platforms. Develop business cases and cost/benefit analyses for IT investments.
Your Skills and Experience
Proven senior leadership experience in an IT leadership role.
Demonstrated ability to define and deliver IT strategy aligned to business objectives.
Strong technical background across IT infrastructure, networking, security, applications, data, and enterprise platforms.
Proven experience translating business requirements into robust, scalable solution designs and overseeing their successful delivery.
Extensive experience in IT service management, including establishing and managing KPIs, SLAs, and performance reporting.
Strong understanding of IT security, risk management, and regulatory compliance, including PCI, GDPR, and related standards.
Experience leading business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
Commercially astute, with experience developing business cases, cost/benefit analyses, and managing IT budgets.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior leadership and Board level.
Proven experience leading enterprise IT functions and complex technology environments.
Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, networking, security, applications, and data.
Demonstrated experience in IT risk management, compliance, and security governance.
Who you are
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts in clear, business-focused terms.
A continuous improvement mindset, with a track record of driving innovation and service excellence.
Drives high standards for service reliability, security, and performance.
Naturally risk-aware, with a strong focus on security, resilience, and compliance.
Sets clear expectations, gives constructive feedback, and creates accountability.
Navigates competing priorities calmly and diplomatically.
Comfortable leading change and bringing others on the journey.
Resilient and adaptable in complex or evolving environments.
What’s in it for you
A generous Clothing Allowance.
Discretionary discount on PSL goods.
Private healthcare with Vitality.
Income protection insurance with Unum.
Flexi-time and hybrid working.
An annual leave entitlement of 25 days, plus Bank Holidays.
Holiday trading.
Cycle to work and travel loan schemes.
If you like the sound of what you’ve read so far, find out more about our company culture and the full list of benefits we can offer you.
At Paul Smith, we celebrate and encourage applications from all walks of life into our growing workforce. We are committed to empowering people from any background, belief system, or ethnicity, offering an inclusive environment where talent is recognised and valued.