Chief Information Technology Officer in Stevenage

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary professional engineering organisation. Reporting into Ed Almond, CEO, the IET is seeking to appoint its next CTIO who will join at a pivotal time for the IET as it works to transform into a more joined-up, member and customer-centric organisation across its various activities. Good progress has been made, with the new CTIO continuing to drive forward technology solutions that enable the IET to become a truly data-driven and member/customer-focused organisation; making pragmatic use of emerging tech and leveraging digital platforms for speed, efficiency and performance.

You will expedite a programme of work designed to reduce and simplify the existing technology stack alongside implementing technology and automation solutions designed to significantly improve the experience of all its users. As a senior leader within the IET, you will perform an ambassadorial role for the organisation, promoting the IET’s thought leadership to the public and acting as an external voice for improved STEM education, research, digital skills and technology governance.

The CTIO will inherit a team which consists of 51 internal colleagues and a sizeable, outsourced team based in India. The current team is managed via 5 direct reports, responsible for IT Services, Enterprise Architecture, Automation, Transformation Office, Data Technology & CRM respectively.

As a key member of the IET’s Executive Team:

• Provides strategic input across all areas of the IET where Technology & Digital can help improve business performance.
• Responsible for the delivery of the Technology & Digital element that supports the IET’s overall vision and strategy.
• Provides inspirational leadership to their team and the organisation as a whole.
• Advises the Executive Team on emerging technologies such as AI and Quantum Computing, their implications and possible applications within the organisation.
• Attends all Board of Trustees meetings (c8 times per year).
• Attends all Audit & Risk Process Committee meetings.
• Demonstrates a collaborative approach to decision making and problem solving, challenging and supporting colleagues in order to get the best outcome for the IET.

As leader of our Technology Team and Transformation Office:

• Sets strategy, policy and standards for all IT and Digital Services across the IET along three core themes of developing business solutions; customer/member experience; simplification and rationalisation programs, also taking accountability for the Technology / Transformation budget.
• Leads the IT Service Team; Automation Team, Enterprise Architecture Team and Transformation Office, ensuring the operating model is fit for purpose and the right people are in the right roles.
• Provides inspirational and inclusive leadership and vision to motivate, inspire and develop a professional and diverse team to achieve high performance. Nurtures an inclusive, supportive and enjoyable working environment.
• Acts as relationship manager and point of escalation for key existing IT suppliers. Works to manage and rationalise IT vendor base, leveraging efficiencies where appropriate.
• Works cross-functionally to ensure successful delivery of IT projects, leading the Transformation Office and business units to ensure successful business change and adoption of new technologies, products and projects.
• Identifies new opportunities for the team and the broader IET and can translate these into effective plans to deliver sustainable change across the function and beyond.
• Responsible for data integrity, integration, quality and governance, enabling data-driven decision making for the entire organisation.

As an external ambassador for the IET: (Desirable)

• Whilst not an essential component of the role, there is an opportunity to play an ambassadorial role for the IET, promoting the Institution’s thought leadership to the public and acting as an external voice for improved STEM education, research, digital skills and technology governance.

A highly collaborative, inspiring and inclusive leader, able to deliver transformative change. Demonstrable and proven subject matter expertise in technology leadership roles of comparable scale and complexity. An experienced IT leader with demonstrable hands-on experience of driving change for an organisation with a diverse portfolio, including extensive use of digital technologies. Experience working with IT vendors and selecting appropriate technologies, reducing duplication and driving efficiency. Experience of leading a Transformation Office preferred. Experience from a membership organisation is not required, but a background in organisations with a strong purpose, member and customer focus, a data-centric approach and a diverse business portfolio is highly desirable. Experience in managing a nuanced and diverse stakeholder base is required, able to demonstrate having managed and maintained relationships in order to secure successful operations and project delivery. Evidence of horizon-scanning and staying abreast of the latest trends in technology. Able to apply these in a pragmatic and commercial manner that emphasises business outcomes. Impeccable leadership and communication skills with a deep commercial mindset. Inspirational leadership, an innovative mind and keen to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

To apply please email a CV and covering note to Peter Birch, Director, Harvey Nash Digital & Technology Search. Email: peter.birch@harveynash.com