At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tech strategy to drive growth and efficiency in a major construction group.
- Company: A leading multi-site construction and infrastructure group in the North West UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, executive package, private healthcare, and pension.
- Other info: Opportunity to innovate and lead in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping technology for a rapidly growing organisation.
- Qualifications: Extensive CIO experience in large, complex organisations, preferably in construction.
The predicted salary is between 165000 - 165000 £ per year.
Location: North West UK (Hybrid)
Salary: Circa £165,000 per annum
Package: Comprehensive Executive Package including Bonus, LTIP, Car Allowance, Private Healthcare, and Pension
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Our client is a leading, multi-site construction and infrastructure group based in the North West of England. With a rich history and a strong pipeline of projects, they are a major player in the UK construction sector. They are currently in a phase of rapid, strategic growth, driven by a highly acquisitive model. To support this ambitious growth, we are seeking a visionary and commercially astute Chief Information Officer.
The Chief Information Officer will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for defining and executing the Group's technology strategy. The primary purpose of this role is to leverage technology as a strategic enabler to drive business growth, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage. The CIO will be a critical partner to the CEO and the board, translating complex business challenges, particularly those related to the integration of acquired businesses, into robust, scalable, and secure technology solutions. This leader will be responsible for building a cohesive, group-wide technology function from a diverse set of legacy systems and teams, ensuring that our technology infrastructure is a foundation for future success, not a barrier to it.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, articulate, and execute a forward-thinking, group-wide IT strategy that is fully aligned with the company's business objectives, growth trajectory, and M&A strategy.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and other senior executives on all technology-related matters, providing clear, non-technical guidance on opportunities and risks.
- Champion a culture of digital innovation and continuous improvement, identifying emerging technologies (e.g., AI, IoT, Data Analytics, BIM) that can enhance productivity, safety, and project delivery.
- Define and manage the technology budget for the entire group, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and a clear return on investment for all technology initiatives.
- Lead the technology due diligence process for all potential acquisitions, assessing the target company's systems, infrastructure, security posture, and IT team.
- Develop and execute comprehensive, repeatable post-merger integration (PMI) playbooks to rapidly and efficiently integrate acquired businesses into the group's technology ecosystem.
- Manage the consolidation of disparate ERP, project management, and finance systems into a single, unified platform to provide a 'single source of truth' for the entire business.
- Lead the harmonisation of IT policies, procedures, and security standards across all regions and geographies.
- Provide executive oversight for the day-to-day management of the group's IT infrastructure, ensuring high availability, performance, and resilience across all sites.
- Lead the selection, implementation, and management of core enterprise systems, with a focus on ERP, CRM, and construction-specific software (e.g., BIM, project management, asset management).
- Establish and maintain a group-wide cybersecurity framework to protect the organisation's data, systems, and intellectual property from evolving threats.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including GDPR and industry-specific standards.
Essential Experience
- Extensive CIO/IT Director experience at a senior executive level within a large, complex, multi-site organisation. Experience in the construction, engineering, infrastructure, or a related project-based industry is highly desirable.
- A proven track record of leading the technology integration of acquired businesses through a period of high M&A activity. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
- Demonstrable experience in designing and delivering a group-wide IT strategy that has directly supported business growth and operational transformation.
- Deep understanding of enterprise-level systems (e.g., ERP, CRM) and their role in a project-driven environment. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365, Oracle, or similar platforms is a plus.
- Strong knowledge of modern cloud architectures (Azure/AWS), data management, and cybersecurity best practices.
- Experience in consolidating and standardising IT infrastructure and systems across disparate regions or geographies.
Chief Information Officer in Manchester employer: Executive Recruit
As a leading player in the multi-site operations sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters strategic thinking and innovation. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement, alongside a collaborative culture that values each team member's contributions. Located across Scotland, Cumbria, and Yorkshire, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and resilience, making us an attractive employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Information Officer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Chief Information Officer at Executive Recruit!
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Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Executive Recruit or be willing to refer you for that Chief Information Officer position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Executive Recruit who’s on the lookout for their next Chief Information Officer star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Chief Information Officer role at Executive Recruit!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Information Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Executive Recruit. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Executive Recruit
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Executive Recruit. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
