Head of Technology

Responsible to: Group Marketing, Technology and Innovation Director Department: IT Job Level: 3 Location: Skelmersdale & Wilmslow
Purpose of role: To lead and oversee the technical design, development, implementation, and maintenance of comprehensive IT infrastructure and integration
solutions 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 process
improvements.
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 customer
experience.
 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 and
organisational 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 best
practices.
 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 beneficial
relationships.
 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 Technology

Relationships & Special
Requirements

Measurements Person Specification

Key relationships:
 Business Leaders
 External IT Suppliers and Third-
Party
Software Providers
 Head of Programs and Business
Systems
 Business Intelligence and Data
Manager
 Product Owners
Responsible for (direct reports):
 Core IT Manager
 Integration Engineer(s)
Responsible for (indirect reports):
 Digital Tech Lead
 Web Developers/Software
Enginners
Special requirements:
 Willingness to travel within the UK,
Ireland & Benelux
 Availability for out-of-hours support
(on a rotational basis)
 Flexible working arrangements with
the ability to work remotely and
frequent onsite visits as required.

KPI themes
 System Uptime and Reliability - Percentage of
system uptime, with minimal unplanned downtime.
 Cybersecurity - Number of security incidents detected
and resolved and adherence to compliance
standards.
 Cost Efficiency - IT budget adherence and cost
savings through optimised solutions.
 User Satisfaction - Feedback scores from internal
and external users of IT systems and services.
 Project Delivery - Percentage of IT projects delivered
on time, within budget, and meeting quality
standards.
 Technology Roadmap Execution - Progress against
the planned technology roadmap and strategic
initiatives, aligned with digital transformation goals.
 Team Development - Number of training hours
completed and team members achieving
certifications or promotions.
 Innovation Adoption - Implementing new technologies
or processes that enhance business operations.
 Collaboration Success - Successful completion of
cross-functional initiatives and projects.
 Process Improvement - Reduction in system or
process inefficiencies and productivity improvements.
 Flexibility and Adaptability - Ability to pivot IT
strategies 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
 Adaptability

Essential
 Extensive leadership experience managing a large
organisation's technical projects and IT operations.
 Strong technical expertise across IT disciplines,
including cloud computing, network security, data
integration, and software development lifecycle.
 Demonstrated proficiency in Agile, DevOps, and
continuous integration/deployment methodologies.
 Proven ability to drive innovation and adapt to
evolving technological landscapes.
 Experience working on open-source projects where
the business owns code and intellectual property
and working with large SAAS setups, i.e. SAP.
Desirable
 Master’s degree in computer science, Information
Technology, Engineering, or a related field
preferred.
 Industry-recognised certifications in project
management, cybersecurity, and cloud services.
 Experience in leadership roles within industrial,
retail, or engineering business environments.
 Experience in digital-first organisations.
 Strong communication skills, effectively leading
teams and collaborating with senior management.
 Experience integrating Internet of Things (IoT)
solutions into IT infrastructure and leveraging IoT for
operational improvements.
 Practical experience implementing Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
solutions to optimise business processes and
decision-making.
 Expertise in data management, analytics, and
visualisation tools to extract actionable insights and
drive data-driven decision-making.
 Proficiency in applying advanced data technologies
to enable predictive maintenance, optimisation, and
innovation within the organisation.
 Experienced in working agency-side development
software services.