Group Head of IT

Michael Page (UK); York; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Group Head of IT to spearhead a digital transformation initiative. This pivotal role involves leading a small IT team to modernize legacy systems and enhance operational efficiency while collaborating with senior leadership to craft a comprehensive IT strategy. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in IT leadership, particularly within multi-site environments such as manufacturing and logistics. This is an exciting opportunity to drive impactful change in a customer-focused business dedicated to serving the rural community. Flexibility for significant travel across Yorkshire is essential, making this role both challenging and rewarding.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head of IT in a small group of companies.
• Experience leading digital transformation in multi-site environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead IT team to modernize business through digital transformation.
• Align technology with the mission of providing superior service.

Skills

IT Leadership

Digital Transformation

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication Skills

Relationship Management

Organizational Skills

Tools

ERP Systems

Cloud Technologies

Legacy Systems Management

Data Strategy

Business Applications

Security Infrastructure

Job description

About Our Client

This group of companies is well established and steeped in heritage and history. They provide products and services to the agriculture industry through manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and logistics. Following the appointment of a new CEO in 2024, a new senior leadership team has been formed to modernise the business through digital transformation, growth, and streamlining operations for cost efficiencies.

Job Description

As the Group Head of IT, you will lead a small IT team and spearhead a digital transformation aimed at overhauling legacy systems, improving operational efficiency, and creating more streamlined ways of working.

You will work closely with the Group Senior Leadership Team to craft and implement an IT strategy that modernises the business while maintaining continuity for day-to-day operations. Your role will be instrumental in aligning technology with their mission of providing superior service to the rural community.

The Successful Applicant

To be considered for the Group Head of IT, you will need to demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience of Head of IT / IT Director within small group of companies (c.£100 - £200m turnover)
• Experience of working in an IT leadership role within a multi-site environment such as manufacturing, retail, wholesale, logistics
• Demonstrable experience of leading digital transformation and delivering business change
• Experience with defining the IT strategy, business case development, and project management
• Experience of working on a customer-focused business, with an emphasis on data strategy and insights
• High level understanding of all aspects of IT, covering infrastructure, security, business applications, ERP, data, digital, websites, and cloud-hosted solutions
• Experience with upgrading and managing legacy systems (e.g. IBM), and transitioning to modern solutions, including cloud-based technologies
• Experience of system integration and application management
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Ability to balance strategic planning with the operational needs of a rural-focused, customer-centric business

What's on Offer

A competitive package

Please note that this role will require significant travel to different sites across Yorkshire, therefore flexibility to work "on-site" 5 days a week is essential. We will consider individuals who are prepared to relocate for the role, but candidates must be resident in the UK and have current Right to Work (we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role).