Head of IT
The Company Dale Farm is a leading dairy company, which manufactures an extensive range of consumer and food ingredient products.
With an annual turnover in excess of £500m the Group exports globally to over 40 countries, with a particularly strong presence in the UK retail market.
It is our mission to ensure that we exude the highest standards through our processes, products, and people.
As the Head of IT, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our technology strategy.
You will collaborate with senior management to identify technology needs and opportunities, oversee the IT infrastructure, and ensure the seamless operation of IT systems.
Your leadership will be crucial in driving IT projects, maintaining data integrity, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
About The Job
* Partnering with senior management to identify technology needs and opportunities.
* Playing a key role in the development and implementation of IT strategies.
* Overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems and infrastructure.
* Ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of IT systems.
* Preparing and managing the IT operating budget and capital expenditure requirements.
* Optimising IT investments to align with business goals.
* Collaborating with the Data & Analytics team to ensure system solutions support a high level of data quality as defined by the Data Strategy.
* Aligning data management practices with the Data Strategy.
* Scoping, planning, and delivering IT projects on time and within budget.
* Utilising project management best practices to achieve project goals.
* Supporting the implementation of the Operational Technology (OT) strategy by ensuring adherence to business IT processes.
* Integrating OT and IT systems to enhance operational efficiency.
* Developing and maintaining IT governance frameworks.
* Introducing new governance structures to monitor and manage IT investments.
* Promoting a collaborative and innovative work environment.
* Managing the IT Operations and IT Applications teams to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
* Coaching and mentoring team members to identify improvement opportunities and develop their skills.
* Applying LEAN principles to enhance existing IT systems or implement new solutions.
* Staying updated with best practices and latest technologies to drive continuous improvement.
About You
The successful candidate will have at least 5 years experience within a management role, hold a relevant 3rd-level qualification within a relevant field and have experience leading complex IT projects, including planning, execution, and delivery.
Key Skills
* Strong understanding of IT technology and hold a clear understanding of what excellence looks like.
* Strong technical skills, including excellent working knowledge of technology and automation opportunities.
* Excellent leadership skills to manage projects effectively and drive process efficiencies, and demonstratable experience in driving and managing strategic change.
* Strong business and data analysis skills to lead a data-driven approach.
* A problem-solving and analytical mindset.
* Good communicator - able to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences, and collaborate with key business units across the group.
* Ability to effectively plan and prioritise workloads, and exercise strong time management.
* Self-motivated and proactive.
* Closing attention to detail.
Why Dale Farm?
We have a lot to offer at Dale Farm, not only to our farmer members that we support but also to our employees, and we are committed to a learning and development journey for all.
In addition to a competitive salary commensurate with the role and our standard benefits such as 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and contributory company pension, we also offer benefits such as Life Assurance, full wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave.
We are proud to promote an open and supportive culture which is based on our core values: Teamwork | Positivity | Resolve | Ambition | Curiosity | Accountability
You can find out more about life at Dale Farm on our LinkedIn and pages, and on our company website.