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.