IT Director

Inspired Pet Nutrition; Thirsk; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet food manufacturer in Thirsk is seeking an IT Director to set and deliver the technology strategy. You will ensure stable IT operations while leading significant change initiatives, such as ERP and cloud integrations. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in IT management across diverse environments, excelling in cybersecurity and vendor management. Competitive salary and benefits package offered.

Benefits

20% annual company bonus

Pension with employer contribution

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Life Assurance

Free parking and electric charging

Discounts on products

Qualifications

• Develop and execute the IT strategy across the Group.
• Lead operational management of IT services and infrastructure.
• Manage cybersecurity policies and incident response.

Responsibilities

• Deliver major transformation programmes on schedule.
• Build a high-performing IT team with clear objectives.
• Ensure compliance with IT policies and standards.

Skills

Cybersecurity strategy

IT operations management

Stakeholder management

ITIL knowledge

Agile methodology

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Certifications (e.g., ITIL, CISSP, TOGAF)

Job description

Overview

The IT Director will set and deliver IPN's technology strategy and operating model, ensuring stable, secure day-to-day services while leading major change (ERP, integrations, cloud). Partnering closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance and Commercial, the role drives value, improves user experience, and enables data-driven decision making across the Group.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Group IT strategy and roadmap with clear priorities and measurable outcomes
• Lead IT operations across infrastructure, networks, cloud and core applications; ensure service resilience and great user experience
• Own cybersecurity strategy, policies and controls; oversee monitoring, training and incident response
• Deliver transformation programmes (e.g., ERP, integrations, cloud migrations) on time and in budget
• Build and develop a high-performing IT team; set objectives and drive continuous improvement
• Govern vendors and contracts; manage budgets, licensing and service performance (SLAs)
• Establish and maintain IT policies, standards and internal controls; ensure audit readiness and compliance
• Enable data, BI and analytics capabilities to support performance and decision making
• Communicate progress, risks and benefits clearly to senior leadership and the Board
• Senior IT leadership in a fast-paced, multi-site environment (FMCG/manufacturing desirable)
• Strong track record across infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity and service delivery
• Proven delivery of large programmes and change (ERP/cloud/integrations) with benefits realised
• Exceptional stakeholder management; able to simplify complexity for non-technical audiences
• Vendor, contract and budget ownership; outcome and value focused
• Working knowledge of ITIL/Agile; robust approach to risk, controls and compliance
• Degree or equivalent experience; relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, CISSP, TOGAF) are a plus

Company and Benefits

IPN is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer, employing over 850 people across our 4 UK manufacturing sites. Our family of brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butchers, Classic Cat and a selection of partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel and Crick produce dry, wet, and baked foods which are enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world.

• Salary: Competitive
• 20% annual company bonus scheme
• Pension: Employee contributions 3% / Employer contribution 8% (salary sacrifice company pension scheme)
• Holidays: 25 days + Bank Holidays
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/pawternity/pawreavement
• Free parking, electric charging, bring your dog to work
• Discounted products & free hot drinks