Head of Tech

A technology expert who is responsible, trusted and analytical with a keen eye for detail and can deliver day-to-day technology, set the roadmap for future developments and manage the Plane Saver Credit Union (PSCU) technology estate. PSCU has three primary software providers and uses an outsourced service provider for hardware and desktop support. You will manage these relationships, and the associated budget. You will establish and maintain a technology roadmap designed to deliver the strategy and work with our software providers to deliver this within budget. PSCU is increasing the use of large language AI models (LLMs) to support the business. You will manage the rollout, integration and training associated with this program. You will work with other departments to ensure that technology is helping deliver the business’s needs and to modify performance accordingly. Your approach is supportive, collaborative and helpful with a focus on managing both internal and external relationships. You will pro-actively develop relationships with people and suppliers across the enterprise.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum four years’ experience working in tech roles, ideally within financial services
• Background in agile or other software development methodologies
• Working knowledge of hardware and software in service industry
• Attention to detail, clear communication, team player

Desirable:

• Track record of launching tech products or functionality
• Track record of digital transformation
• Work in UK regulated financial services environment
• Previous ownership and delivery of a technology budget

KNOWLEDGE:

• A software development methodology, ideally agile
• Core hardware and cybersecurity knowledge
• Experience managing DR/BCP planning and testing cycles
• Strong track record of delivering technical projects and managing cross-functional teams

Desirable:

• Use of LLMs in a work context
• Knowledge of project management software like Jira (our providers use bespoke software, but knowledge of how to use the genre is useful)
• Experience in cybersecurity best practices, frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST), and incident response

CONDUCT RULES (essential):

• You must act with integrity
• You must act with due skill, care and diligence
• You must be open and cooperative with senior management, the FCA, PRA and other regulators

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Ensure delivery of required hardware and software to the business in a way that supports the business and is safe and secure;
2. Manage the technology budget, ensuring that we deliver our required outcomes for the best return and within spending limits;
3. Establish short- and long-term technology roadmaps, setting out the delivery schedule for automation and functionality release;
4. Own and manage the delivery of technology projects from concept to launch, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met;
5. Be primary contact for third party relationships with software, hardware, data, and white label product partners;
6. Manage Disaster Recovery (DR), Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and cybersecurity initiatives;
7. Manage the in-house technology team, initially one analyst;
8. Maintain and develop skills; stay abreast of relevant developments, including with agile development, cybersecurity, AI and LLMs;
9. Work with other departments, management and board to create an industry-leading estate and delivering the Planesaver strategy;
10. Demonstrate PSCU values; assist with and provide support to other projects and activities when required.