Head of IT - UK Ports & Terminals

DP World; Stanford-le-Hope; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global logistics firm seeks a Head of IT for its terminals in the UK, focusing on IT strategy and digital transformation. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in IT leadership roles and strong expertise in infrastructure and cybersecurity. You will oversee IT operations, manage budgets, and lead a team dedicated to operational excellence. This role requires flexibility for travel and offers a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in senior IT leadership roles.
• Expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-site IT operations.
• Flexibility to travel between UK sites and occasionally internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an IT strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives including automation and IoT.
• Oversee IT operations ensuring high availability and security.
• Manage IT budget and vendor relationships.

Skills

IT infrastructure

Cybersecurity

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Project delivery

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science or Information Systems

Job description

Overview

DP World have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of IT to join our London Gateway and Southampton terminals. This pivotal leadership role will oversee the strategic direction, operational excellence, and digital transformation of IT across DP World UK’s terminal operations.

This is a high-impact role responsible for ensuring robust, secure, and scalable IT systems that support port operations, logistics, safety, and commercial activities. You will lead a team of IT professionals across infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems, software development, and project delivery, ensuring alignment with business goals and Group Technology strategy.

We are looking for a visionary leader with deep technical expertise, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and a passion for innovation and operational excellence.

NOTE: This is a UK role that will oversee both our Terminals at London Gateway in Essex & Southampton.

How you will contribute

• Develop and execute an IT strategy aligned with UK business goals and Group Technology direction.
• Act as the primary IT partner for UK leadership, supporting operational efficiency, growth, and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with executive and regional teams to deliver innovative, future-ready technology solutions.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives including automation, IoT, AI, and smart port technologies.
• Promote adoption of Group platforms and standardised solutions.
• Oversee IT operations across UK terminals, ensuring 24/7 support, high availability, resilience, and security of mission-critical systems.
• Manage IT budget (Opex/Capex), vendor relationships, and procurement.
• Enforce IT policies and ensure compliance with GDPR, ISO, maritime protocols, and cyber security standards.
• Represent IT in commercial discussions, tenders, and customer engagements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing IT team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide mentorship and succession planning for future IT leaders.

What you will bring

• Proven experience (10+ years) in senior IT leadership roles, ideally within logistics, transport, or industrial sectors.
• Expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and digital transformation.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-site IT operations and leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience managing IT budgets, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Flexibility to travel between UK sites and occasionally internationally.

Compensation

DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organisation. We strive to hire and develop the right people, locally and globally, stimulating personal growth and self-development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market competitive compensation package.

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 103,000 employees spanning 75 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses -- Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW
TO CHANGE WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE

DP World is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We strongly believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success and we make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We believe that employees are happiest when they’re empowered to be their true, authentic selves. So, please come as you are. We can’t wait to meet you.

By submitting your resume and application information, you authorize DP World to transmit and store your information in the world-wide recruitment database, and to circulate that information as necessary for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications for this or other job vacancies.