Head of Technology
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
We are currently seeking an experienced Head of Technology to join Dean Group. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in leading technology operations across multi-property and multi-jurisdiction environments. If you have the skills and vision to manage complex technology ecosystems and drive innovation across a diverse resort portfolio, we would love to hear from you.
Working Arrangements:
Dublin-based preferred.
This role requires travelling to other cities in Ireland, Western / Central Europe and the U.S
Key areas:
IT Strategy & Leadership
Network Infrastructure Management
Data Security & Compliance
Systems Integration
IT Support & Maintenance
Vendor & Supplier Management
Pre-Opening Services
IT Costs & Budget
Role Purpose:
The Head of Technology for the group will be responsible for leading and managing the technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives across the group.
This senior leadership position will ensure that all IT systems, including network architecture, software applications, cybersecurity, and data management, support the group's operational needs and business objectives. Working closely with hotel management and other department heads to integrate innovative technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency, elevate guest experiences, and drive overall business growth.
The role involves overseeing the implementation of new systems, optimizing current IT functions, and managing a team of IT professionals & service providers across multiple hotel locations in Ireland, Germany, and the U.S., in addition to scaling operations as Dean Group's geographic footprint continues to expand., 1. IT Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute an IT strategy that aligns with the hotel group's overall business objectives, ensuring the adoption of innovative technologies and best practices.
- Work closely with the executive team to identify business challenges that can be addressed through IT solutions, proposing technology projects that drive revenue and enhance guest experience.
- Drive the digital transformation agenda, integrating IT into all areas of operations, including but not limited to operations and management.
- Ensure that all technology initiatives are scalable and support the long-term growth of the hotel group.
- Regularly assess emerging trends and innovations in the hospitality tech space, making recommendations for future investment.
- Network Infrastructure Management
- Oversee the design, implementation, and management of the group's IT network, ensuring seamless connectivity across all hotel locations.
- Primary contact for third party network support provider.
- Ensure the availability and performance of critical systems, including Wi-Fi networks, guest-facing technologies, and back-office operations.
- Manage installation and day to day functions of primary operational systems, including:
o PMS (Opera Cloud, Opera v5)
o Physical & Digital Key Systems (Flexipass & Salto)
o F&B & Ticketing POS (Micros Simphony, Admit One)
o F&B Reservations (Open Table, SevenRoom)
o Spa & Gym Reservations, Scheduling & POS (Premier Core/One Journey, bSport)
o Procurement (Procure Wizard)
o HACCP & Property Maintenance Software (Alkimii, KitchTech).
o Legal (Ironclad)
Implement and manage business continuity & disaster recovery plans to mitigate risks of IT system failures.
- Data Security & Compliance
- Lead the design and implementation of a robust cybersecurity strategy, ensuring all digital systems are protected against internal and external threats.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant data protection regulations, including GDPR, and implement best practices for data handling and privacy across the group.
- Monitor and respond to security incidents and breaches, ensuring that protocols are in place for rapid detection and resolution.
- Regularly conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments, addressing any potential risks or areas of non-compliance.
- Systems Integration
- Oversee the integration of different software systems across the hotel group, ensuring seamless communication and interoperability between the finance, reservations, front desk, F&B, legal and marketing department.
- Lead initiatives to upgrade or replace legacy systems with modern, cloud-based solutions that enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate on the adoption of data analytics tools with the executive team to drive business insights and improve decision-making across the hotel group.
- IT Support & Maintenance
- Review and evaluate current IT Support structure and propose a future way of working.
- Liaise with third party IT support company
- Implement robust IT support processes, including the creation of helpdesk protocols, troubleshooting guides, and service level agreements (SLAs)
- Ongoing software user/licence management & review
- Ongoing hardware inventory management & review
- Domain Names registration, management & reviews
- Work closely with third-party support vendors to ensure minimal downtime and swift issue resolution.
- Vendor & Supplier Management
- Review current vendors and suppliers, their scope of work and the fit into the Groups strategy, run RFPs to identify new suppliers and negotiate agreements.
- Develop and manage relationships with key IT vendors, suppliers, and technology partners to ensure the group receives high-quality products and services. E.g., Salto, 24/7 Security, Smart Hotspots, Oracle.
- Negotiate contracts with service providers, ensuring that the group achieves value for money while receiving premium support and technology solutions.
- Regularly assess vendor performance, reviewing SLAs and adjusting as necessary to ensure consistent service quality.
- Pre-Opening Services
- Support development and operations teams throughout the planning, development, and opening of new assets, ensuring all IT requirements are effectively addressed
- Provide strategic guidance on IT infrastructure design for hotels under renovation, including review of IT layouts, blueprints, data and Wi-Fi cabling, CCTV placement, and related systems
- Advise on and validate IT budgets for renovation and development projects to ensure alignment with hotel brand IT standards and cost efficiency
- Oversee the deployment and installation of IT hardware and systems for new hotel openings to ensure readiness and compliance with operational requirements
- Apply and adapt group IT standards for new and renovated hotels (including third-party managed hotels), ensuring consistency while accommodating local operational needs
- IT Costs & Budget
- Oversee and track all group-wide IT expenditures, including hardware, software, and IT services, ensuring cost efficiency and alignment with business priorities
- Develop and manage the annual IT operating and capital expenditure budgets, providing accurate forecasts and strategic input to support organizational planning
Requirements
Do you have experience in OpenTable?, Multi-property & multi-jurisdiction technology systems related experience
Oversight of network architecture, connectivity, server/cloud environments, and hardware
Skilled in vendor and service management - ensuring contracts, SLAs, and support are efficient, cost-effective, and expandable to different geographies
Understanding of cybersecurity best practices, compliance, and data privacy, especially in the context of guest data
Experience managing firewalls, antivirus, access control, and incident response protocols
Strong financial management skills, with experience in budgeting for IT operations and capital investments
Proficiency in English
Benefits & conditions
- Eligible for Bonus, Healthcare and Pension.
- Global discounted staff room rates across the group
- 50% off Food and 25% Beverage across the group
- Increased Annual Leave with Service
- Friends and Family discount
- Gym Membership Discounts*
- Continual training and development
- Career progression within the Group
- Meals on shift*
- Bike to work scheme *benefits may vary depending on country
- Taxsaver for travel *benefits may vary depending on country
- Refer a friend scheme
- Wellness at work events and access to wellness platform
- Employment Assistance Programme
- Group discounts for cinema tickets, shopping deals etc
- Team appreciation days
- Service recognition
- Regular fun-filled activities and gatherings for all teams across the group
- Applicable to certain positions
