At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic IT initiatives and enhance digital services across our multi-site organisation.
- Company: Join Skillnet, a leading provider of automotive and engineering apprenticeships.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a competitive salary with car allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team committed to safeguarding and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in education and drive meaningful change for learners and staff.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and relevant IT certifications required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Watford, Hertfordshire
Department: IT
Hours: 9:00am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday
Reports to: Engineering Director
Salary: Up to £75,000 + Car Allowance
Benefits: Start with 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, Death in Service, Private Health Care, with a Length of Service Benefits Scheme.
Lead Our Digital Future
Skillnet is one of the UK’s largest Automotive and Engineering Apprenticeship training providers with an enviable portfolio of Global brands as customers. Being an Ofsted and DfE regulated organisation, technology, MI and Data management are core to our operational success.
Following a minor internal restructure, we are looking for an experienced and visionary Director of IT to lead the strategic direction, development and delivery of all technology, data and digital services across our multi-site organisation. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence, responsible for shaping our IT strategy, strengthening our cyber-security posture, enhancing operational performance and driving transformation across the business.
If you are a forward-thinking technology leader who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment we want to hear from you.
About The Role
As our Director of IT, you will provide strategic leadership across:
- IT Operations & Service Delivery
- Infrastructure & Cloud Technologies
- Cyber Security
- Data, Reporting & MIS
- Systems, Architecture & Digital Change
You will ensure our systems are secure, resilient and cost-effective, while enabling innovation and high-quality digital services for learners, customers and colleagues. This role is central to delivering high standards of performance, compliance and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Service Delivery & Operations
- Data, Reporting & Insights
- Security, Risk & Compliance
- Projects & Change Management
- Financial & Vendor Management
What You’ll Bring
Experience & Technical Expertise
- Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
- Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ITIL, CISSP/CC, CISM, Prince2/Agile, Microsoft/Azure).
Personal Qualities
- Strategic, pragmatic and delivery-focused.
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions-oriented.
- Strong communicator able to explain technical concepts clearly.
- Collaborative leader with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Passionate about safeguarding, equality and diversity.
Why Join Us?
- Play a central role in shaping our digital future.
- Lead a talented team across core operational and strategic technology areas.
- Work closely with senior leaders to influence organisation-wide decision-making.
- Drive meaningful change that improves the experience of learners, customers and staff.
Safeguarding Commitment
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. This role is classed as regulated activity and requires a full enhanced DBS check (including barred list). Ongoing responsibility to uphold safeguarding and Prevent standards.
How To Apply
If you’re a strategic technology leader ready to take ownership of organisation-wide digital transformation, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of our digital landscape.
Skillnet is an equal opportunities employer. This job description describes (but does not limit) the main duties and responsibilities of the job. These are subject to variation by Skillnet as is necessary to respond to changes to the business, both internal and external.
Our Safeguarding Commitment
Skillnet places the highest importance on Safeguarding and Prevent, and the safety and wellbeing of our learners is paramount. This policy sets out our commitment to safeguard and promote the wellbeing of our learners by listening, supporting and respecting learners, and prevent young people and vulnerable adults becoming the victims of abuse, neglect, or radicalisation.
It does this in several ways:
- Identify a director and a member of the Senior Management Team for the overall responsibility for Safeguarding our learners.
- To maintain a Safeguarding and Prevent Risk Assessment and Action Plan that identifies risks and highlights actions taken to protect learners.
- By education and training to develop all learners' resilience to abuse and radicalisation, to know how to stay safe on and offline and to develop the skills needed to keep themselves safe.
- By establishing an induction training programme that includes detailed Safeguarding and Prevent modules for both learners and staff.
- To adhere to IT security policies and practices and review regularly to encourage safe working practices for all.
- To keep colleagues well-informed with updates about Safeguarding and Prevent delivered through frequent 121s, team meetings and hot topics.
Confidentiality we will only share private and sensitive information about a learner when it is in the best interests to do so, e.g. if there is a Safeguarding concern.
Regulated Activity This role is subject to regulated activities as defined by our safeguarding policy.
Director of IT in Watford employer: FLEXATRANS
Skillnet is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Watford where innovation and technology drive our mission to deliver high-quality apprenticeship training. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including 25 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values safeguarding, equality, and diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of IT in Watford
✨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 FLEXATRANS 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 FLEXATRANS 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.
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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 FLEXATRANS!
✨Direct Apply to FLEXATRANS
Let's not forget to apply directly through the FLEXATRANS 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 Director of IT in Watford
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 FLEXATRANS.
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 FLEXATRANS. 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 FLEXATRANS
✨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.
