Group Head of IT

Windrose Landscape Architecture; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Bristol is looking for a Group Head of IT. In this hybrid role, you will lead the IT strategy, oversee operations, and ensure compliance with governance. We seek an expert with proven leadership in FMCG distribution and a background in IT systems like ERP and WMS. Strong strategic thinking and communication skills are essential, as you will drive technology initiatives to enhance business performance and lead teams to success.

Qualifications

• Proven senior IT leadership experience within complex, multi-site organisations.
• Significant experience managing budgets and driving cost optimisation.
• Ability to lead geographically dispersed teams and foster collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the divisional IT strategy.
• Oversee IT operations including ERP systems and applications.
• Ensure adherence to Group IT Security and Governance standards.
• Lead and develop IT teams, fostering a high-performance culture.

Skills

FMCG Distribution Expertise

Hands-on experience with WMS and ERP

Leadership & Change Management

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication skills

Education

Masters degree in IT or Computer Science

Project Management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMI)

Job description

Location: Bristol (Hybrid working available)

If you have in-depth experience in FMCG distribution, hands‑on knowledge of IT systems such as WMS and ERP, and a proven track record in leadership and change management this role is for you. Read on!

Nisbets Limited are recruiting for a Group Head of IT to join our Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our IT strategy across the business. This is a hybrid role based at our Bristol office, offering flexibility to work from home.

You will drive technology initiatives that support business growth, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain robust IT security across all sites and platforms. This is a highly strategic and collaborative position, working closely with regional IT teams, Bunzl UK & Ireland (BUKI) IT leadership, and external partners to deliver innovative, practical solutions aligned with Group standards.

You will lead the development and implementation of the divisional IT strategy, oversee infrastructure and ERP systems, and ensure compliance with governance and security standards. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary IT leader with a proven track record of elevating IT operations and inspiring cross‑functional teams.

Key Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the divisional IT strategy aligned with Nisbets and BUKI objectives. Act as the primary liaison between Nisbets and BUKI IT leadership.
• Technology & Infrastructure Management: Oversee IT operations including ERP systems, WMS, applications, security, and support. Ensure systems are reliable, secure, and compliant with governance standards. Deliver IT projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Governance & Security: Ensure adherence to Group IT Security and Governance standards, including disaster recovery and business continuity planning.
• Supplier Management: Own IT budgets and manage contracts with hardware, software, and service providers.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop IT teams, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement emerging solutions to enhance business performance.

Capabilities, Skills and Experience Required

• FMCG Distribution Expertise: In‑depth experience within a fast‑moving consumer goods distribution business.
• Systems Knowledge: Hands‑on experience with IT systems that run FMCG distribution, such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP platforms.
• Leadership & Change Management: Clear experience in leading teams and delivering organisational change.
• Proven senior IT leadership experience within complex, multi‑site organisations.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to align technology initiatives with business objectives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of ITIL Service Management framework.
• Masters degree in IT, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• Project Management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMI) desirable.
• Significant experience managing budgets and driving cost optimisation.
• Ability to lead geographically dispersed teams and foster collaboration.

About Us

Nisbets is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all colleagues. We aim to ensure our workplaces are free from discrimination and that not only colleagues but also our potential future colleagues are treated fairly and with dignity and respect.

Therefore, please inform us of any reasonable adjustments that we may need to make to the application or interview process.

Here at Nisbets, we aim high and we dream big. From a one‑man operation in 1983, to the UKs market leader today its always been our determination to hit whatever goal we set ourselves, no matter how big. And weve done it time and time again.

Were looking for experts. Passionate, forward thinkers who obsess about our customers as much as we do. We need strivers, trailblazers and problem solvers who are as determined to grow, develop and succeed as we are.

Were determined to take the next step. But we need your help to do it. Its all about you.

If youre looking for a forward‑thinking business on which to leave your mark; where your work is valued; Wherell test your skills and then develop them further than you thought you could - Nisbets is for you.

Youll be pushing the boundaries with us, day in day out. Youll work in a fast‑paced, ever changing environment. Youll collaborate with a wide range of other experts around the business, bringing big ideas to life, and play a leading role in taking our journey to the next level.

We are a business with heart. From the small indie diner to the Michelin‑star restaurant, Nisbets deliver the equipment they need to excel. If you join our team youll be working in a family‑owned business that isnt afraid to let you grow. That understands the value of innovation. And that puts our impact on the environment, our commitment to ethical trading and our determination to being a fully transparent business at the forefront of all we do.

Ready to take the next step with us? Apply today.