Head of Technology in Wethersfield

Shape the technology strategy of a highly successful, established SME in Wethersfield (North of Braintree) with a hybrid working model. Driving is required due to location. Salary: £70,000 – £80,000 p.a.

This isn’t a traditional Head of IT role. We’re looking for a technology leader who can step into a successful, established business and answer one big question: What should technology look like for this business over the next 5/10/15 years?

You’ll join the Senior Leadership Team and take ownership of the technology strategy, from software, AI and data to systems, processes, customer insight and the development of the technology team. This is a role for someone who can see the big picture, challenge what’s gone before and then roll their sleeves up and make things happen.

What you’ll be doing:

• The technology landscape has evolved over 30 years and is a mix of in-house systems, legacy platforms and bought-in subscription-based software. Your job will be to understand it, challenge it and create the roadmap for what comes next.
• You’ll be asking:
• Build or buy?
• Keep, improve or retire?
• What should we outsource?
• Where can AI make a genuine difference?
• How can we use our data better?
• What do our customers need today and what will they need tomorrow?
• What technology will help us understand and serve them better?
• You’ll turn those questions into a clear technology strategy and, importantly, deliver it.
• You’ll lead a small team covering development, systems support, email and web, helping shape both their roles and the capabilities the business needs for the future.

We’re looking for someone who...

• Is an experienced technology leader, Technical Lead, Head of Technology, Head of IT, CTO or similar
• Thinks strategically but isn’t afraid to get into the detail
• Understands technology in a commercial and customer-focused context
• Can assess complex or legacy technology landscapes and create a clear direction
• Has a genuine interest in AI, data, software and emerging technology
• Knows the difference between technology that’s exciting and technology that’s genuinely useful
• Is comfortable challenging the status quo respectfully and constructively
• Can translate business problems into practical technology solutions
• Can create a roadmap and then actually deliver it
• Enjoys leading, developing and getting the best from a small team

This is not an infrastructure role. We need a technology strategist and leader who understands software, systems, data, AI and business processes and how they can work together to create competitive advantage.

Why join?

You’ll have something that is increasingly rare: Genuine ownership. You’ll be the technology voice within the SLT, with the opportunity to influence business strategy and make decisions that will shape the company’s future. The business has been at the top of its game for 30 years. With around 45 people, it’s small enough for you to have a huge impact, but established, profitable and respected enough to give you a fantastic platform to work from. They’re known for exceptional, highly personal customer service and do something that relatively few other businesses can do. The SLT are knowledgeable, thoughtful and kind. They embrace change, want the business to continue thriving for the next 30 years and are genuinely invested in making this role a success.

Your opportunity:

This is your chance to walk into a successful business and build its technology future. You’ll have the freedom to question what exists, decide what needs to change, introduce new thinking, develop the team and create a technology strategy that supports the business for years to come. If you’re a technology leader who loves understanding a business, spotting opportunities, challenging assumptions and turning technology into genuine business value, we’d love to hear from you.