Head, Information Technology

We are seeking an experienced Head of IT to lead the next phase of the Group's technology and business transformation. The successful candidate must also be comfortable operating hands-on during the initial stages, building the necessary foundations and teams from the ground up, before progressively moving towards a broader strategic leadership role as the organisation develops.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technology Strategy & Leadership

• Develop the Group's medium- and long-term technology strategy in alignment with business objectives and growth plans.
• Translate business objectives into technology priorities, investments and practical multi-year transformation roadmap.
• Work directly with business leaders to identify inefficient, manual or outdated processes and redesign them through technology, data and AI-enabled transformation.
• Advise senior management on technology, data, AI and emerging capabilities.
• Establish appropriate enterprise technology architecture, governance,  standards and technology risk frameworks.
• Oversee major technology investments, budgets, strategic vendors and build-versus-buy decisions.

Systems Transformation

• Lead and transform the existing systems function, comprising Business Analysts and software development resources.
• Assess the application landscape and drive modernisation, integration, rationalisation and simplification of systems.
• Improve the speed, quality and effectiveness of technology delivery through scalable software development and project management practices.
• Ensure systems and applications are scalable, integrated and designed to support future data, analytics and AI capabilities.

IT, Infrastructure & Cybersecurity

• Oversee the Group's IT function and technology infrastructure and technology operations.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity, technology resilience and business continuity arrangements are in place.
• Establish appropriate technology policies, controls and infrastructure to support the Group’s continued geographic and operational expansion.

Data, Analytics & AI

Establish and lead the Group's Data, Analytics & AI capabilities, including:

• Develop and execute the Group’s enterprise data and AI strategy, architecture and infrastructure in alignment with business objectives.
• Establish robust data ownership, governance, quality, security and standardisation frameworks.
• Strengthen management information, reporting, business intelligence and advanced analytics to support data-driven decision-making.
• Identify and prioritise high-value AI opportunities across business functions.
• Deploy AI tools, automation and analytics solutions to improve productivity, efficiency and decision-making.
• Evaluate external data, analytics and AI platforms, technologies and vendors and build internal capabilities where commercially and strategically appropriate.
• Drive organisation-wide adoption of data-driven practices, AI and automation, through capability building and change management.

People & Organisation

• Lead, develop and mentor the team.
• Assess current capabilities, identify critical talent and skills gaps, and build the capabilities required to support the organisation’s strategic objectives.

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in IT with at least 10 years of relevant experience and 5 years in managing a team
• Certifications such as CCNA, Network+, Security+, or equivalent
• Hands-on experience in enterprise technology & digital transformation, data architecture, analytics, AI and automation
• Experience within financial services, retail or other operationally complex businesses would be advantageous

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Strong technical breadth and hands-on experience across key technology domains to provide technical direction:

• Strong experience in Microsoft Azure administration including virtual machines and cloud infrastructure and identity integration
• Strong knowledge of domain and web administration including DNS management and website hosting environment
• Experience in Linux server administration and network technologies, including Fortinet FortiGate and SD-WAN
• Strong knowledge of ZTNA/ SASE concepts, Microsoft 365 security features, conditional access, and security policies
• Proven knowledge of SDLC and Agile/ Waterfall methodologies
• Experienced with project management and development tools such as MS Project, Jira, Teams Planner & Azure Boards
• Experience in SQL, Python, cloud platforms (e.g. AWS/Azure/GCP), modern data platforms, BI tools, AI/ML frameworks and GenAI technologies