At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT strategy and operations for a global pharmaceutical software company.
- Company: Join Cencora, a forward-thinking company dedicated to healthier futures.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health tech while leading a dynamic IT team.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in IT leadership, with strong skills in cloud infrastructure and vendor management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Our team members are at the heart of everything we do. At Cencora, we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures, and every person here is essential to us being able to deliver on that purpose. If you want to make a difference at the center of health, come join our innovative company and help us improve the lives of people and animals everywhere. Apply today!
Position Overview
The Head of IT will lead the technology strategy and operations for a growing organization (based in the UK, US and Poland) specializing in software and services for pharmaceutical companies globally. This role (based in Poland or the UK), involves managing a small internal IT team responsible for M365, core infrastructure, cloud platforms, and user access, while overseeing external vendors supporting critical business applications such as NetSuite, Mavenlink, ZenQMS, and ZenDesk. The Head of IT will ensure that technology aligns with business objectives, supports operational efficiency, and complies with relevant industry and regional regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute the organization’s IT strategy to align with business goals and growth objectives.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to identify technology opportunities that drive innovation and operational efficiency.
- Act as a strategic advisor for technology adoption, ensuring scalability and long-term planning.
- Infrastructure and Operations Management
- Oversee the management of Microsoft 365 (M365), including user access, email, collaboration tools, and security.
- Ensure proper management of domains, cloud infrastructure, and data integrity across platforms.
- Maintain IT infrastructure uptime, performance, and reliability, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
- Vendor and Application Management
- Partner with external vendors to manage and optimize business-critical applications including but not limited to:
- NetSuite: ERP for financial and operational management.
- Mavenlink: Project and resource management.
- ZenQMS: Quality management system for compliance.
- ZenDesk: Customer support platform.
- Monitor vendor performance, negotiate contracts, and ensure SLAs are met.
- Manage integrations between internal systems and external applications.
- Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor a small internal IT team, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
- Delegate operational tasks while ensuring the team delivers high-quality support and service.
- Define and track team KPIs related to system uptime, incident resolution, and user satisfaction.
- Compliance and Security
- Implement and maintain cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive company and client data.
- Ensure compliance with regional and industry standards, including GDPR, UK Data Protection Act, and other pharma-specific requirements.
- Conduct regular audits of IT systems and processes to identify vulnerabilities and ensure data integrity.
- User Support and Training
- Ensure timely resolution of IT issues and provide guidance for employees using internal systems and applications.
- Develop and deliver training programs to enhance employee proficiency with M365 and other tools.
- Maintain an IT help desk function to support day-to-day operations.
- Budget and Resource Management
- Manage the IT budget, including forecasting, cost control, and vendor expenditure.
- Optimize IT resources to balance cost-effectiveness and performance.
- Evaluate and recommend new technologies to improve operational efficiency.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 8+ years of experience in IT leadership roles, preferably in a mid-sized company or within the pharmaceutical or software industries.
- Experience managing cloud infrastructure and SaaS platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS).
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in managing Microsoft 365 (M365), including security and collaboration tools.
- Familiarity with ERP systems like NetSuite, project management tools like Mavenlink, quality management systems like ZenQMS, and customer service platforms like ZenDesk.
- Knowledge of cloud infrastructure management and domain administration.
- Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, UK Data Protection Act).
Leadership and Communication
- Proven ability to lead and develop IT teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong vendor management skills, including contract negotiation and performance monitoring.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Problem-Solving and Innovation
- Demonstrated ability to solve complex IT challenges and implement innovative solutions.
- Strategic thinker with a focus on scalability and efficiency.
Compensation and Benefits
Will allow for HR to interject more here on salary and benefits for this JD.
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Direct Reports: Internal IT team (e.g., 3 team members).
Additional Notes
This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic planning with operational execution. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a global or regional capacity and a passion for leveraging technology to drive business success.
Regional Compliance Considerations
- GDPR and UK Data Protection Act: Ensure all IT practices comply with data privacy regulations in the EU and UK.
- Pharma-Specific Regulations: Familiarity with GxP (Good Practices) and other quality standards commonly required in the pharmaceutical industry.
What Cencora offers
Benefit offerings outside the US may vary by country and will be aligned to local market practice. The eligibility and effective date may differ for some benefits and for team members covered under collective bargaining agreements.
Full time
Affiliated Companies
Affiliated Companies: Phlexglobal, Inc.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Cencora is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or membership in any other class protected by federal, state or local law. The company’s continued success depends on the full and effective utilization of qualified individuals. Therefore, harassment is prohibited and all matters related to recruiting, training, compensation, benefits, promotions and transfers comply with equal opportunity principles and are non-discriminatory.
Cencora is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the employment process which are consistent with legal requirements. If you wish to request an accommodation while seeking employment, please call 888.692.2272 or email hrsc@cencora.com. We will make accommodation determinations on a request-by-request basis. Messages and emails regarding anything other than accommodations requests will not be returned.
Head of IT employer: Cencora
Cencora is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the veterinary sector. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, employees enjoy a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. The company offers competitive benefits tailored to local practices, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to the health and well-being of animals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Cencora values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Cencora might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Cencora!
✨Direct Apply to Cencora
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Cencora website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Cencora.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Cencora. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cencora
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.