Head of IT

Crystal Palace Football Club is seeking a dynamic and passionate Head of IT to lead our IT department across Selhurst Park Stadium, our Academy, Training Ground, and Women’s Team. This is a varied and exciting role that spans from taking pride in cable organisation to taking the lead on IT systems and software on a match day. As the Head of IT, you will work closely with our Senior Leadership Team to set the strategic direction for the function and deliver technical solutions aligned with the club’s objectives.

The Head of IT will be required to work across all CPFC sites as part of this role and you will need to support us on match days.

Responsibilities:

• Provide expert knowledge and innovative approaches to support and develop the IT strategy for the club.

• Lead, train, and coach the IT team, including outsourced consultants, fostering a strong team culture.

• Offer proactive support and solutions to the Senior Leadership Team, managers, and employees on all IT matters.

• Continuously review technical developments to maximize efficiency and ensure compliance with Premier League IT requirements.

• Oversee operational planning, resource allocation, and project delivery, ensuring timely and budget-aligned execution.

• Manage IT-related purchasing, budget preparation, and monitoring in collaboration with Finance.

• Maintain compliance with legislation, including data protection, and act as a single point of contact for all cyber security incidents.

• Present IT department status and project progress in management meetings.

• Run tenders for IT and procurement projects, ensuring adherence to contract management practices.

• Understand the club’s infrastructure, network environment, and service providers, and maintain relevant documentation.

• Implement processes and procedures to ensure consistent and reliable service delivery.

• Actively participate in the management team and communicate project status to staff and managers.

• Manage the IT team and liaise with outsourced providers, fostering effective collaboration.

• Provide remote support to directors and Chairman 24/7.

• Demonstrate leadership by actively contributing to the EDI Strategy and Delivery Plan, guiding, and motivating the team to take actionable steps towards achieving EDI objectives.

• Establish and drive EDI targets for your department, ensuring measurable progress and accountability.

• Conduct regular EDI reviews to ensure new projects procedures and strategies are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with CPFC’s values.

• Other duties and responsibilities as required by line manager.

• Upholding and promoting the Club’s policies and procedures, including Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

• Proven track record in IT management with a graduate degree and relevant professional qualification.

• Experience in a fast-paced environment, with an analytical mindset and data analytics skills.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with non-IT staff.

• Strong team player with experience in managing 3rd party supplier relationships.

• Working knowledge of Prince2 or project management and familiarity with ITIL v3 is desirable.

• Complimentary match day ticket

• Reward and Discount Scheme through our Tech Scheme and Simple Health app

• Health and Wellbeing benefit scheme

• 20% Discount in our Retail Stores

• Discounts in various gyms through GymFlex

• Volunteering Day – 1 Workday off to support a charity of your choice.

• Travel Season Ticket loan

• Holiday allowance that increases every year of service

Our commitment to Equality

At Crystal Palace Football Club, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is spirited and continues to grow due to the working environment, which makes all staff feel appreciated and welcomed. Crystal Palace Football Club do this by encouraging good relations and practices towards different groups and are committed to promoting employment opportunities that celebrate diversity.

We are committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining the most talented candidates and the club intends to ensure that everyone who wishes to engage with the club, whether as matchday fans, staff, players, board members, participants in Foundation programmes and any other person engaged with the club’s activities, has a real and equal opportunity to do so.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role, ensuring equitable opportunities for everyone. If you require disability-related adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact DLO@cpfc.co.uk (DLO inbox is for disability-related queries only, if you wish to gain further information regarding this vacancy, please contact cpfc.recruitment@cpfc.co.uk). We are here to help you through the whole recruitment process including trying to apply for a vacancy, getting in touch with us through the process, and/or helping with access in case you are required to come in for an interview.