Head of Technology & Digital Transformation

MCS Executive is proud to be partnering with Simon Community in the appointment of a Head of Technology & Digital Transformation.

Simon Community is committed to ending homelessness and supporting people to rebuild their lives. This newly shaped leadership opportunity will play a central role in helping the organisation use technology, systems and data more effectively which will strengthen how its people work, improving decision-making and maximising the support provided to people experiencing homelessness.

The opportunity

As Head of Technology & Digital Transformation, you will set the strategic direction for technology across Simon Community and translate that vision into a practical, achievable roadmap.

Working closely with the Board, Senior Management Team and colleagues across the organisation, you will assess Simon Community’s current digital capability, identify priorities and lead meaningful organisation-wide improvement.

Your remit will include:

• Developing and delivering a clear technology and digital transformation strategy.
• Advising senior leaders and the Board on technology investment, risk and opportunity.
• Simplifying processes and removing barriers that prevent colleagues from working effectively.
• Leading the continued development of the organisation’s digital workplace, including Microsoft 365 and collaboration tools.
• Improving the reliability, security and integration of core systems.
• Strengthening data governance, reporting and organisational insight.
• Setting the direction for IT service delivery and holding external suppliers accountable for quality, performance and value.
• Building digital confidence and supporting colleagues through change.
• Identifying responsible opportunities to use automation, AI and other emerging technologies.

Success will mean trusted data, better-connected systems, stronger cyber resilience and simpler ways of working. Most importantly, it will enable frontline teams to spend more time supporting people experiencing homelessness.

The person

We are seeking an experienced and values-led technology professional who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery.

You will understand that successful digital transformation is not simply about introducing new systems. It requires strong relationships, effective communication and the ability to bring people with you through change.

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior IT or digital management role, including responsibility for leading and developing teams.
• A strong track record of leading organisation-wide digital change, simplifying processes and demonstrating measurable improvements in efficiency, staff experience and service delivery.
• Experience of managing external technology providers, contracts, budgets and service performance, with the ability to secure value for money and hold suppliers accountable.
• Experience of managing technology risk, information governance, cybersecurity compliance and business continuity arrangements.
• A minimum of 5 years demonstrable technical experience in at least 3 of the following areas:
• Microsoft 365 administration and governance (including SharePoint)
• Cybersecurity
• Device management
• Administration of cloud-based business applications
• Data governance and information management
• IT service management
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and change leadership skills, including the ability to advise senior leaders and boards, engage non-technical colleagues and build digital confidence across an organisation.
• Experience of leading data protection compliance and information governance practices, including policy development, staff awareness and management of organisational risk.
• A relevant degree, postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience in technology, digital transformation, information systems or a related discipline would be advantageous. A recognised professional qualification in IT service management, project or programme management, cybersecurity, data governance, enterprise architecture or change management would also be welcomed.
• Experience leading technology or digital transformation within a charity, public-service, housing, health, social-care or other mission-led organisation would be particularly valuable, as would experience supporting multi-site, geographically dispersed or frontline service-delivery teams.

A values-led organisation

The successful candidate will share and actively promote Simon Community’s values:

Trustworthy: acting with honesty, reliability and integrity.

Non-judgmental: treating people with respect, listening to their experiences and recognising that everyone’s circumstances are different.

Determined: remaining committed to ending homelessness and continually seeking better ways to support people.

These values will shape how you lead, make decisions and build relationships throughout the organisation.

MCS Group is a leading professional recruitment services company resourcing for the specialist IT & Digital, Technical & Engineering and Professional Services recruitment markets in Northern Ireland. MCS Group is widely recognised as a genuine market leader in IT & Digital recruitment in Northern Ireland, with an increasing profile in the Technical & Engineering and Professional Services markets.

At MCS we connect people!! We work with the majority of NI’ leadings employers in the sector, from large foreign direct investment (FDI) organisations to successful, locally owned technology firms, connecting talented professional with the best career opportunities.

Our Team

At MCS Group our track record is impressive and through our highly experienced team we offer employers almost 100 years successful delivery experience in specialist disciplines.

Our consultants know the market and speak your language. They will help you cut through the flannel and will work hard to help you achieve your goals, either as candidate seeking a career improvement or an employer seeking talented people.

Ethics & Values

Honesty, trust and confidentiality are the pillars which underpin everything we do. We are known for treating people with respect and will deal with you in a straightforward manner. We are focused on long term wins for our candidates and clients.