Technology Strategy Manager

JD GROUP; Bury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global omnichannel retailer seeks a Technology Strategy Manager to develop and execute its tech strategy. This role involves collaborating with senior stakeholders, analyzing data, and ensuring alignment with business goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business strategy and technology, with proven experience in management consultancy or accountancy.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in management consultancy or accountancy, ideally in Technology.
• 1+ years of business experience in the Retail or Technology sectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate the tech strategy in collaboration with senior leaders.
• Lead workshops to gather input and ensure stakeholder buy-in.
• Support the management of the annual budget for the Technology function.

Skills

Strategy expertise

Strong financial and quantitative skills

Stakeholder management

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or management

Qualifications in legal and regulatory areas

Tools

Excel

Tableau

Job description

Title

Technology Strategy Manager

Working Hours:
40 Hours

Reporting to:
CTO

Location:
Bury

Department:
Group Technology

Role overview: Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading global omnichannel retailer of Sports Fashion and Outdoor brands. The Group now has over 3,000 stores across 38 territories with a strong presence in the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. We also operate over 200 JD Gyms nationwide. With a strong presence in multiple markets and channels, we are committed to providing exceptional customer experiences across all. The Technology Strategy Manager will play a critical role in executing the Group’s ambitious strategy.

Role objectives and KPIs: This role involves developing and executing the Group’s strategy alongside the rest of the Technology leadership team. Key responsibilities include collaborating with senior stakeholders to develop, refine, and track the tech strategy, ensuring alignment with JD Sports’ broader business goals. You will be a key member of the Group Technology Strategy team supporting the Group CTO and partnering with the business.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, refine, and communicate the tech strategy in collaboration with senior leaders, aligning with JD’s omnichannel objectives.
• Act as a liaison between technical teams and business units, ensuring alignment and clarity in objectives.
• Lead workshops to gather input, build consensus, and ensure stakeholder buy-in.
• Analyse financial and operational data to develop business cases and strategic materials.
• Support the development of KPIs and initiative-tracking frameworks to showcase progress.
• Convey complex technical concepts to business stakeholders through compelling messaging.
• Support the management of the annual budget for the Technology function.
• Assist in developing the Technology Roadmap to sequence and track transformative projects.

Competencies:

• Strategy expertise: Demonstrated acumen in strategic business and technology planning, including policy development.
• Strong financial and quantitative skills: Ability to interpret and communicate complex data.
• Familiarity with financial tools and concepts: Understanding of balance sheet analysis and budgeting.
• Tooling proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Excel, Tableau, or similar analytical tools.
• Knowledge of software, business, and IT principles: Understanding of software development methodologies, cloud platforms, web technologies, and the ability to translate between technical and business languages.
• Stakeholder management: Effective collaboration with senior leaders to define and execute tech strategy.
• Influence and emotional intelligence: Ability to persuade and explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Change management: Adaptability to organizational change and ambiguity, maintaining composure under opposition.

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, management, or a related field; or equivalent work experience. Qualifications in legal and regulatory areas are desirable.
• 3+ years in management consultancy or accountancy, ideally in Technology, Digital, or IT, at or near Senior Consultant level.
• 1+ years of business experience in the Retail or Technology sectors.