Chief Information Officer (CIO)

TN United Kingdom; York; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a Chief Information Officer to spearhead their modernization efforts. This pivotal role involves defining strategic direction and leading a talented team of over 50 technical professionals. With a focus on innovation, you will enhance productivity and drive significant technological advancements. The company values trust, autonomy, and a friendly work environment, making this an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader. If you are passionate about technology and leadership, this role offers a chance to make a substantial impact in a thriving retail business.

Benefits

Generous staff discount

Holiday entitlement increases with service

Company pension contributions

Wellbeing support via RetailTRUST

Financial support through RetailCURE

Employee-led charitable scheme

Qualifications

• Experience leading large IT functions within established businesses.
• Track record of delivering competitive advantage through technology.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead long-term technical strategy aligned with company goals.
• Provide leadership and guidance to motivate technical teams.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Agile Methodologies

Technical Innovation

Team Motivation

Budget Management

Communication

Continuous Learning

Education

Bachelor's Degree in IT or related field

C-Suite experience

Tools

Microsoft SQL

JavaScript

Windows Server

VMware

IP Networking

Shopify

Snowflake

Tableau

Job description

We are seeking a new Chief Information Officer for our family-owned retail business, Pavers. The role is based at our York head office, with options for remote work, flexible hours, and satellite office arrangements.

We welcome applications for both permanent and interim positions.

Our systems estate is aging, and we are embarking on a comprehensive modernization project to leverage automation and simplification opportunities. We need a strategic, people-focused leader experienced in high-growth environments to drive these technological advancements. The successful candidate will define strategy, articulate vision, and lead a team of over 50 technical professionals, including multiple development squads. We offer trust, autonomy, and investment to support your success. We value friendliness, hard work, and humility.

Although retail is our core business, our systems are a key competitive advantage, and we are investing heavily in them. This role is the most senior Information Officer position in the company, crucial to our future success. You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for developing and maintaining a systems estate aligned with organizational objectives and contributing to the broader business strategy. You will report directly to the Managing Director, a third-generation family member. Your responsibilities include overseeing IT Operations, Data, Software Development, and System Modernization teams.

Pavers has been operating for over 50 years, is highly profitable, and experiencing rapid growth. We have a strong financial position with a turnover exceeding £200m, and own brands like Jones Bootmaker, Herring Shoes, Padders, and Van Dal. We employ over 1850 people and have been recognized as one of the Top 5 Retail Employers, are Carbon Neutral, and have donated over £2m to charity in the past five years. We are planning significant expansion and modernization of our York head office.

Key responsibilities:

1. Develop and lead our long-term technical strategy to support company goals.
2. Provide inspiring leadership, support, and guidance to the team, motivating them to meet deadlines and communicating progress to senior forums.
3. Enhance departmental productivity through effective prioritization, automation, and use of Large Language Models (LLMs).
4. Lead Heads of Departments managing development, infrastructure, data management, and support teams.
5. Identify and define opportunities for business improvement, cost reduction, and growth through technical innovation.
6. Implement business-wide technical improvements.
7. Manage budgets, set objectives, monitor workflows, address resource gaps, and refine processes.
8. Establish and monitor key performance metrics.
9. Have experience as an IT Director or Head of IT at the C-Suite level, with a track record of delivering competitive advantage.
10. Lead large, multi-team IT functions within established businesses undergoing modernization.
11. Proven ability to motivate technical teams and deploy productivity tools and automation.
12. Demonstrated success in delivering business improvements through technical change and innovation.
13. Excellent leadership skills with familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
14. Maintain a positive, engaging, inclusive management style.
15. Experience working within retail or family businesses is preferred.
16. Ability to influence others and develop teams.
17. Resilient, honest, and committed to continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
18. Support personal and team development.
19. Adapt quickly to change and manage conflicting demands calmly under pressure.
20. Passionate about footwear, with a good sense of humor and a proactive attitude.

Technical awareness includes:

• Microsoft SQL
• JavaScript
• Windows Server
• VMware
• IP Networking
• Shopify / eCommerce platforms
• Snowflake / Data warehousing
• Tableau
• Telephony

Salary: Competitive plus LTIP, annual profit-related bonus, PMI, car allowance, death in service, and additional benefits:

• Generous staff discount
• Holiday entitlement (increases with service)
• Company pension contributions
• Wellbeing support via RetailTRUST
• Financial support through RetailCURE
• Pavers Foundation employee-led charitable scheme