Head of TechnologyResponsible to: Group Marketing, Technology and Innovation Director Department: IT Job Level: 3 Location: Skelmersdale & WilmslowPurpose of role: To lead and oversee the technical design, development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive IT infrastructure and integrationsolutions across the organisation. This role focuses on technical operations, execution and delivery, ensuring optimal performance, robust cybersecurity measures,and alignment with business objectives while working alongside the Head of Programs and Business Systems, who manages strategic project delivery and processimprovements.Key responsibilities: Ensure all IT systems and infrastructure operate efficiently, are secure, and meet the organisation's needs, resolving issues promptly to minimise downtime. Proactively identify and mitigate risks within IT systems and digital platforms, including cybersecurity current and emerging threats. Lead the technical execution of projects, focusing on development, devops, infrastructure and systems integration to enable strategic business objectives,ensuring these are completed on time, within budget, and meet specified technical standards. Oversee IT systems integration with new digital platforms, ensuring seamless data flow and functionality across systems to support a unified digital customerexperience. Proactively identify and implement operational improvements in IT infrastructure to support scalable, efficient, and flexible digital services. Drive continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to optimise systems, technical processes, and services to enhance business performance. Collaborate closely with the Head of Programs and Business Systems to align technical solutions with business strategy and project delivery schedules. Work closely with the Business Intelligence and Data Manager to develop a "single version of truth" for data, ensuring that all business functions have secure,reliable, easy-to-access, accurate and consistent data. Build and manage a team of technical professionals, including integration engineers, technical architects, IT operations engineers, and support engineers,ensuring efficient and effective delivery of work. Advocate for and implement best practices in software development, system architecture, and IT operations, upholding compliance with industry standards andorganisational goals. Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external IT suppliers to ensure high-quality IT services and solutions are delivered. Lead regular reviews of IT systems and processes, ensuring they remain aligned with business objectives, technology advancements, and industry bestpractices. Foster innovation within the IT department, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, adaptability, and technical excellence. Ensure all technical documentation and system diagrams are regularly updated, promoting transparency, knowledge sharing, and operational consistency.Company behaviours: Continuously develop professionally by engaging in external networking, conferences, associations, and groups to stay current and innovative within your role. Maintain a positive and solution-oriented approach while providing open and honest feedback. In all internal and external interactions, present a professional and positive image of the Group while fostering mutually constructive and beneficialrelationships. Take all reasonable steps to ensure appropriate confidentiality. Undertake other duties, training, and/or work hours as reasonably required and consistent with this role's general level of responsibility.Head of TechnologyRelationships & SpecialRequirementsMeasurements Person SpecificationKey relationships: Business Leaders External IT Suppliers and Third-PartySoftware Providers Head of Programs and BusinessSystems Business Intelligence and DataManager Product OwnersResponsible for (direct reports): Core IT Manager Integration Engineer(s)Responsible for (indirect reports): Digital Tech Lead Web Developers/SoftwareEnginnersSpecial requirements: Willingness to travel within the UK,Ireland & Benelux Availability for out-of-hours support(on a rotational basis) Flexible working arrangements withthe ability to work remotely andfrequent onsite visits as required.KPI themes System Uptime and Reliability - Percentage ofsystem uptime, with minimal unplanned downtime. Cybersecurity - Number of security incidents detectedand resolved and adherence to compliancestandards. Cost Efficiency - IT budget adherence and costsavings through optimised solutions. User Satisfaction - Feedback scores from internaland external users of IT systems and services. Project Delivery - Percentage of IT projects deliveredon time, within budget, and meeting qualitystandards. Technology Roadmap Execution - Progress againstthe planned technology roadmap and strategicinitiatives, aligned with digital transformation goals. Team Development - Number of training hourscompleted and team members achievingcertifications or promotions. Innovation Adoption - Implementing new technologiesor processes that enhance business operations. Collaboration Success - Successful completion ofcross-functional initiatives and projects. Process Improvement - Reduction in system orprocess inefficiencies and productivity improvements. Flexibility and Adaptability - Ability to pivot ITstrategies to align with changing business priorities.Competencies Drives Results Business Acumen Customer Focus Planning & Organising Collaboration Communicates Effectively Develops Talent Critical Thinking Tech Savvy Action Orientated AdaptabilityEssential Extensive leadership experience managing a largeorganisation's technical projects and IT operations. Strong technical expertise across IT disciplines,including cloud computing, network security, dataintegration, and software development lifecycle. Demonstrated proficiency in Agile, DevOps, andcontinuous integration/deployment methodologies. Proven ability to drive innovation and adapt toevolving technological landscapes. Experience working on open-source projects wherethe business owns code and intellectual propertyand working with large SAAS setups, i.e. SAP.Desirable Master’s degree in computer science, InformationTechnology, Engineering, or a related fieldpreferred. Industry-recognised certifications in projectmanagement, cybersecurity, and cloud services. Experience in leadership roles within industrial,retail, or engineering business environments. Experience in digital-first organisations. Strong communication skills, effectively leadingteams and collaborating with senior management. Experience integrating Internet of Things (IoT)solutions into IT infrastructure and leveraging IoT foroperational improvements. Practical experience implementing ArtificialIntelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)solutions to optimise business processes anddecision-making. Expertise in data management, analytics, andvisualisation tools to extract actionable insights anddrive data-driven decision-making. Proficiency in applying advanced data technologiesto enable predictive maintenance, optimisation, andinnovation within the organisation. Experienced in working agency-side developmentsoftware services.
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