At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK IT operations, ensuring technology excellence and seamless commerce experiences.
- Company: Join Fanatics, a global leader in digital sports platforms.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the sports industry while leading innovative tech initiatives.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in IT leadership with experience in complex organisations.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to enhancing fan experiences globally.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Role
To deliver technology excellence and operational resilience across UK operations, enabling scalable growth and seamless commerce experiences across retail, fulfillment, and digital channels. The IT Director provides strategic and operational leadership across all UK‑based technology domains and teams supporting resilient infrastructure, systems, and strong alignment between UK business needs and global technology strategy. Partnering closely with NA technology and internal functional owners, this role will define technical plans and local resources in line with business priorities, existing products, planned development and independent solutions.
Duties and Responsibilities
- People Leadership: Build and develop a high‑performing UK IT team with clear accountability and career pathways. Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Regional Technology Leadership: Lead all UK‑based IT functions – infrastructure, networking, workplace systems, and site technology. Ensure uptime, scalability, and security across fulfillment centres, retail sites, and offices. Oversee business continuity, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity in alignment with global policies.
- Strategic Delivery & Program Management: Deliver major UK initiatives spanning Supply Chain, Logistics, Buying, and Merchandising systems. Partner with North America Technology to ensure global alignment across front‑end, e‑commerce, and operations systems. Establish and manage delivery frameworks, KPIs, and governance processes.
- Vendor, Partner & Stakeholder Management: Manage vendor performance, contracts, and service delivery. Act as primary bridge between UK Operations, Commercial teams, and Global Technology leadership.
- Technology Strategy & Solution Selection: Guide technology and product decisions to balance UK ROI against initiatives. Where appropriate, evaluate and select regional applications and services that support efficiency and growth.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
10+ years in IT leadership within complex, multi‑site or omni‑channel organisations. Proven experience managing infrastructure, networks, and enterprise systems at scale. Strong understanding of Supply Chain, Logistics, Buying, and Merchandising processes. Demonstrated success leading technology delivery and transformation initiatives. Skilled in vendor and partner management, contract negotiation, and service governance. Effective communicator and influencer within global, matrixed environments.
Key Stakeholders
Global technical leadership including leaders for infrastructure, networks, workplace systems, and site technology. Internal UK‑based leaders for E‑commerce, buying & merchandising, Finance and Operations. Local technical teams and functional leaders. International Senior Leadership Team.
Head of Technical / Director, IT in Middleton employer: Fanatics Inc
Contact Detail:
Fanatics Inc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical / Director, IT in Middleton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their tech stack and recent projects. We want you to walk in confident, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like supply chain and logistics.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've built high-performing teams or led successful tech initiatives. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive change, so let that shine through in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We appreciate candidates who show genuine interest and professionalism, so make sure to express your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical / Director, IT in Middleton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your IT leadership experience and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to deliver technology excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Technical role. Share your vision for technology strategy and how you can lead our UK IT team to success while aligning with global objectives.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you build high-performing teams! In your application, give examples of how you've fostered collaboration and continuous improvement in previous roles. This will help us see your people leadership skills in action.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Fanatics.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fanatics Inc
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest technologies relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of infrastructure, networking, and enterprise systems, as well as any specific tools or platforms mentioned in the job description. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you can lead the UK IT team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss your approach to people leadership and how you’ve successfully managed diverse teams in complex environments. This is crucial for a role that requires strong people management skills.
✨Align with Business Needs
Understand the business priorities and how technology can support them. Be prepared to discuss how you would align local resources with global technology strategies. This shows that you can think strategically and understand the bigger picture, which is essential for this position.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management
Think about how you would manage relationships with various stakeholders, including vendors and internal teams. Have examples ready of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder environments in the past. This will highlight your ability to act as a bridge between different teams and ensure smooth operations.