At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology strategy for a fast-growing retail business and drive impactful projects.
- Company: Dynamic multi-site retail company based in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible 3-day work week, and genuine ownership of projects.
- Other info: Onsite role in Edinburgh with opportunities to work closely with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology decisions that drive business success.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in retail or ecommerce with a focus on commercial outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Looking for a Technical Director role for a fast-growing, multi-site retail business in Edinburgh. You’ll be the senior technology voice in the business, owning strategy across retail systems, ecommerce, data and infrastructure, and working closely with the leadership team to make sure technology actually moves the needle commercially.
It’s a great fit if you’ve been a Technical Director or similar before and now want the flexibility of a fractional role, three days a week, fully onsite in Edinburgh, with genuine ownership rather than a watching brief.
What you’ll be working on:
- Setting the technology roadmap and translating it into priorities the business can actually execute
- Retail systems, ecommerce platforms and the digital customer experience
- Data, reporting and analytics
- Infrastructure, security and governance
- Leading the internal IT/Data/Ecommerce teams and managing external suppliers and partners
What I’m looking for:
- Proven senior technology leadership in retail, ecommerce or multi-site businesses
- Someone who’s defined and delivered technology strategy at Director level before
- Commercially minded; you connect technology decisions to business outcomes, not the other way round
- Comfortable being hands-on and close to delivery, not just setting direction from a distance
- Confident working with fast-growing, entrepreneurial businesses and non-technical stakeholders
Excellent opportunity to own the Technical journey, 3 days a week, onsite in Edinburgh.
Rate- £750 per day Inside IR35
Technical Director employer: Bright Purple
Bright Purple is an exceptional employer that fosters a high-performing and collaborative work culture, where innovation thrives. With a focus on AI-assisted coding and cutting-edge technologies like C# and Azure, employees are empowered to take ownership of their projects while enjoying flexible hybrid work arrangements in vibrant cities like London or Edinburgh. The company prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and encourages a supportive environment that values best practices across the development lifecycle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Director
✨Explore Innovation Hubs
Diving into innovation hubs and tech incubators can be a game-changer for freelance gigs in technology transfer and commercialization. These places are often filled with start-ups and projects looking for freelance talent, so make sure you’re hanging out in those circles to land some exciting work.
✨Network with Industry Experts
Find out who the key players are in this field and get to know them! Attend industry conferences, workshops, or webinars focused on tech transfer and commercialization – it’s a great way to put yourself in front of potential clients or collaborators who might need your skills.
✨Build a Stellar Portfolio
Your portfolio is your calling card in the freelance world. Create case studies from any relevant projects you've worked on, even if they were for free or personal. Showcase how you’ve facilitated technology transfer or commercialisation successfully, and make it publicly accessible, whether on your own website or platforms like LinkedIn.
✨Pitch Directly to Start-ups
Don't wait for job listings to find work; be proactive! Research start-ups that are working on innovative tech and reach out with tailored pitches on how you can help them with their technology transfer needs. Show them you’re the problem-solver they didn’t know they needed!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience in Tech Transfer:When applying for a role in technology transfer commercialization, it's crucial to highlight your relevant experience. Include specific projects where you've successfully managed tech transfer initiatives, alongside any certifications you've acquired that demonstrate your expertise in this field. We're looking for evidence of your ability to close the gap between research and market applications!
Build an Impressive Portfolio:As a freelancer in tech transfer, your portfolio is your calling card. Make sure it showcases successful case studies, your approach to negotiations, and any inventive strategies you've employed to commercialise technology. This can really set you apart, so don't shy away from including visually engaging summaries of your work!
Highlight Your Networking Skills:In the world of technology transfer, networking is key. Make sure to emphasise your connections with research institutes, universities, and industry players in your application. This showcases not just your skills, but also your ability to leverage relationships to drive commercial opportunities.
Tailor Your Availability and Rates:When applying as a freelancer, be upfront about your availability and rates in your application. This helps set expectations right from the get-go. Providing a clear outline of your working hours and project rates can give potential clients confidence in working with you. And don’t forget to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bright Purple
✨Show Off Your Commercial Savvy
In tech transfer and commercialization, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of how to turn research into marketable products. Be ready to discuss any previous projects where you successfully navigated the complexities of patenting, licensing, or bringing innovations to market—this is what really sets us apart in freelance gigs like these.
✨Have Your Portfolio Ready
As a freelancer, your portfolio speaks volumes about your skills and experience. Create a solid portfolio that showcases your previous tech transfer projects, relevant market analysis, or successful collaborations. Don't just throw your work on a website; prepare a narrative around each piece to illustrate your critical role in those projects.
✨Expect Technical Questions and Scenario-Based Challenges
Interviewers might throw in some brain teasers or technical scenarios where you’ll need to think on your feet. Brush up on how to assess the viability of a technology and its commercial potential. Being able to think critically about these scenarios shows our analytical approach in the field.
✨Discuss Your Flexibility and Network
Freelance work in tech transfer can often require you to juggle multiple clients and projects. Make sure to discuss your ability to be flexible and adaptable. It’s also helpful to mention your professional network—you never know when connections can lead to new opportunities, so let’s share how we leverage those relationships!
