Head of IT

IT Budget: ~£1m internal Infrastructure: Predominantly cloud Core Platform: SAP + bespoke portals A market-leading, business - part of a well-established European group - is seeking a credible, commercially-minded Head of IT to lead its UK technology function and shape the path forward on automation, SAP optimisation, and group-level engagement. The Opportunity This is a newly elevated role, created as the business recognises the need for a technology leader with genuine gravitas - someone who can set strategy, challenge suppliers with confidence, and represent the UK IT function credibly within a wider European governance structure. You will inherit a capable team and an established cloud-based infrastructure, and take ownership of an IT function that interacts closely with Group IT in Germany. The business pays for Group IT services and needs a leader who can maximise what it gets in return - influencing global initiatives, navigating governance effectively, and securing a stronger seat at the table. There is no formal technology roadmap yet. You will be expected to build one - rooted in practical guidance from Group, but shaped by your own expertise in systems alignment, productivity, and intelligent automation., * Lead the UK IT function, managing a small team and an internal budget of approximately £1m

• Build and own the technology roadmap, with a clear focus on automation, SAP optimisation, and cost reduction through systems alignment
• Identify and deliver SAP improvements - challenging what the business does today, where costs are incurred, and where productivity gains are possible
• Engage confidently with third-party software developers, portal and API suppliers, and automation vendors - pushing back where needed
• Manage the relationship with Group IT in europe - navigating governance, securing approval for UK initiatives, and maximising the value of central services
• Drive a shift toward leveraging Group IT more fully, reducing duplicated internal effort and realigning headcount accordingly
• Oversee bespoke development work across portals, APIs, and workflow automations
• Be visible across multiple UK sites, with regular travel as the role requires

• Proven experience leading an IT function at Head of IT, IT Director, or equivalent level
• Technically credible - able to hold your own in conversations with developers, architects, and Group-level IT leadership
• Strong SAP knowledge with experience identifying process improvements and driving system efficiencies
• Commercially minded - you understand the cost base, challenge suppliers effectively, and can build a business case
• Experience working within a group or subsidiary structure, ideally with European or international governance
• Comfortable operating in an environment without a fully-formed roadmap - you can create structure where there is ambiguity
• A confident communicator who can represent the IT function professionally at all levels, internally and externally
• Experience with automation programmes and an appetite to push the business forward in this area