Head of IT

At James Fisher, we recognise IT as a critical enabler of the performance, efficiency and differentiation essential to our success in core markets. This is a brand‑new role that positions you as a key member of the Energy Division’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), playing an integral role in shaping and enabling the divisional strategy during an exciting period of growth and transformation.

As the senior technology leader for the Division, you will ensure IT services and solutions are tightly aligned with business needs and delivered within agreed scope, service levels and cost. You will oversee the integration of division‑specific systems with Group IT shared services, operating within a collaborative model and ensuring full compliance with Group strategy, architecture and governance. Acting as a trusted partner to the business, you will lead divisional applications, software development and major IT projects, translating priorities into practical, technology‑enabled outcomes that enhance performance, reduce risk and drive growth.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape a divisional IT function from the ground up. To succeed, you’ll need a proven track record of bringing structure to ambiguity, rapidly assessing the current landscape, identifying opportunities and priorities, and securing alignment on a clear way forward. As this is a new role with no established team, you should be comfortable rolling up your sleeves and taking a hands‑on approach when needed.

What you’ll be doing:

• Ensure Divisional IT services meet agreed scope, service levels and cost, integrating effectively with Group IT.
• Oversee joined‑up service delivery across Product Lines, including Divisional IT leads, suppliers and performance management.
• Manage the lifecycle of Divisional applications and oversee IT projects to ensure secure, reliable and standards‑aligned delivery.
• Work with Group Architecture, Platforms and Cyber to align solutions and reduce duplication and technical risk.
• Act as the Division’s senior technology partner, shaping priorities and roadmaps that support growth, resilience and operational needs.
• Identify and champion opportunities where digital, data and technology improve efficiency, agility and risk management.
• Lead the secure integration of IoT/OT with enterprise IT, managing digital risk and aligning with Group standards while supporting business‑led innovation.
• Operate within a shared IT model, ensuring compliance with Group strategy and standards while representing Divisional needs.
• Support a collaborative “One IT” culture across the wider Group, contributing to alignment, talent development and best‑practice sharing.

What we’re looking for:

• Senior IT leadership experience in business‑facing roles, with broad exposure across applications, infrastructure, cyber, architecture and service management.
• Strong track record delivering Divisional/BU technology change, managing application lifecycles and working end‑to‑end across the SDLC using Group toolchains.
• Proven ability to integrate Group shared services with local needs and govern IT projects using waterfall, agile and hybrid methods.
• Confident stakeholder engager, able to translate business priorities into technology outcomes and influence at senior levels.
• Strong commercial and operational understanding, linking technology decisions to business value.
• Degree‑level education (or equivalent), ideally with ITIL certification.
• Collaborative, relationship‑focused and able to balance Divisional agility with Group standards.
• Pragmatic, outcomes‑driven and commercially aware, with a focus on value for money.
• Calm, credible and resilient when navigating complexity and competing demands.
• Passionate about using technology to support performance, improvement and growth.

Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.). Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility. Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions. Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.

About Us: James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting‑edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

In the Energy Division, we provide safe, efficient solutions across oil & gas and renewables - from well support and full-field decommissioning to integrated services for offshore wind and expert subsea inspection, repair, and maintenance. Our work helps operators extend asset life, reduce downtime, and respond rapidly to operational challenges, driving the global shift toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now! James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.