Head of Technology - Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom - Affinity Water

Description

As the Head of Technology at Affinity Water, you'll embark on a pivotal journey within our Technology and Transformation Directorate . Youwill lead a dynamic and diverse technology team in crafting and executing a forward-thinking technology strategy, intricately woven to align seamlessly with our overarching business objectives. Here, you'll wield your expertise to shape the technological landscape within our industry, leveraging collaborative partnerships with tech giants like AWS, Oracle, and Microsoft.

Together, we'll drive the charge in transformation and innovation, setting the pace for the industry as the first water company to fully embrace the cloud. We areat the forefront of technological evolution, where your leadership will not only shape our future but redefine industry standards.

The Role:

The Head of Technology will be accountable for all the company's Information Technology, IT Service Delivery, Applications, Infrastructure, Systems Architecture and Operational Technology. They will recommend technology improvements and advise the Director of Transformation & Technology on all Technology related decisions.

We are looking for a detail-oriented, strategic technology leader, who also has experience of leading technology strategies to enable business transformation.

The role holder will lead out technology function and help shape the industry

Strategy

• Develop and execute the company's IT and OT strategy in alignment with overall business objectives
• C ollaborate with other departments and colleagues to understand their challenge, problems, needs and priorities. Develop solutions that meet their requirements. Set objectives and strategies for the Technology department
• Drive technology Innovation
• Manage the technology of the company, to ensure a fit-for-purpose service across all areas of the business.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, developments, and emerging technologies, and assess their potential impact on the company's IT strategy
• Collaborate with other departments to understand their IT needs and priorities, and develop solutions that meet their requirements. Set objectives and strategies for the Technology department.
• Develop partnerships and manage strategic suppliers and vendors.
• Sponsor the use of technology to streamline business processes.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

Service Delivery & Transformation

• Be accountable for the delivery availability and support of our Technology estate.
• Key escalation point for Technology.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company's IT infrastructure, including networks, systems, and applications
• Ensure the security of the company's IT systems and data, implementing best practices and protocols to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities.
• Maintain compliance with relevant regulations and standards, ensuring that the company's IT systems and practices adhere to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the development of appropriate governance frameworks, metrics and reporting mechanisms for IT systems to create value and manage risk.
• Directs and oversees the management of the IT budget process, costs, and resources for the IT organisation.
• Select and implementing suitable technology to streamline business operations and help optimise their strategic benefits.
• Suggesting and implementing improvements as appropriate to improve business operations consistency, resilience and budgetary success.
• Sharing technological visions, opportunities, and risks throughout the organisation.
• Work with the procurement and commercial team to negotiate contracts with vendors and service providers for implementing new technology and ensuring training for employees on its use.
• Manage and collaborate with the suppliers of IT solutions for the organisation.
• Building processes for data protection and quality assurance.
• Ensuring the company's technological processes and service comply with all requirements, laws, and regulations

Leadership and Development

• Lead and manage a team of IT professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure high performance and professional development.
• Oversees a strategic workforce plan's development and implementation to maximise the current and future workforce's effectiveness in light of strategic business priorities.
• Oversees the creation of a compelling employment value proposition to attract and retain critical talent.
• Builds the next generation of leaders and contributes to company-level goals for talent development, diversity, and inclusion.
• Coaching members of the IT teams, particularly IT leaders, so everyone stays on the same page across the company.
• Representing the company at conferences and networking events.

Experience required

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within an IT department, managing a team of 30+ with a track record of successful IT strategy development and implementation.
  
  
• 5 years' experience working with executive and board-level personnel.
• Strong technical background with expertise in IT infrastructure, systems architecture, network security, and cloud technologies
• Ability to challenge, convince and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively drive business, culture, and technology change in a dynamic and complex operating environment.
• Strong business acumen: understands the key financial drivers and dynamics related the regulatory business model.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on driving innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and vendor relationships to achieve desired outcomes
• Full knowledge of project, risk and operations management.
• Working knowledge of business intelligence and analytics, Agile and DevOps methodologies
• Relevant knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements, with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and data protection.
• Degree in Computer Science and Technology or other relevant qualifications.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary reflective upon experience
• Hybrid Flexible working - Office based 2 days per week is expected
• Holiday entitlement 26 days plus a celebration day
• Car allowance £5535 per annum
• A generous pension scheme that doubles the contributions you make, up to a maximum of 12%
• Senior Management bonus
• Private Medical Insurance
• We offer enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Benefits
• Volunteering Days
• Life Assurance
• Further training costs covered

Closing date for applications 7th May 2024

You can find out what it's like to work at Affinity Water through our career site where our colleagues share their career development stories and you can get a feel for our company culture.

Affinity Water recognises the benefits of greater diversity in our workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We are committed to building a more inclusive culture where every member of our workforce can thrive.

PR1