At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our tech strategy and drive innovation across ports and customer services.
- Company: Join Red Funnel, a vital connector for communities across the Solent.
- Benefits: Shape technology direction, collaborate with leaders, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Supportive culture where your ideas truly matter and career growth is encouraged.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of tech transformation and enhance customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven IT leadership experience and a passion for developing high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
At Red Funnel, we’re proud of the role we play in keeping people and communities connected. Behind every journey is a network of systems, data and technology that keeps everything running safely, smoothly and reliably — and that’s where you come in. We’re looking for an inspiring and forward-thinking Head of IT to lead our technology function and help shape the next phase of our digital journey.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of our technology and data strategy, driving innovation and transformation across a unique, operational environment that spans ports, vessels, and customer-facing services. As our Head of IT, you’ll sit at the heart of the organisation — leading the way in how technology supports both our people and our customers.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the delivery of our technology and data strategy, ensuring it supports operational excellence and long-term business performance.
- Shape and evolve our IT operating model, helping us move towards a modern, service-led and digitally enabled organisation.
- Create a high-performing, collaborative IT team culture — coaching, mentoring and developing talent across the function.
- Partner with teams across the business to identify smart, practical technology solutions that improve efficiency and customer experience.
- Lead on enterprise architecture and systems design, ensuring our technology landscape is scalable, secure and future-ready.
- Oversee major technology programmes and transformation initiatives, ensuring delivery is well-governed, value-driven and aligned to business priorities.
- Take ownership of cyber security, data integrity and system resilience, protecting our customers and operations.
- Drive innovation — including the use of automation and AI — to enhance performance and reliability.
- Manage supplier relationships and budgets to ensure investment delivers real value and impact.
We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with a practical, delivery-focused mindset.
Experience / Skills:- Proven experience in a senior IT leadership role (Head of IT, IT Director or similar).
- A strong track record of leading technology transformation and modernisation.
- Broad expertise across IT, including infrastructure, systems, data, cyber security and digital platforms.
- Experience working in a service-focused or operational environment.
- A passion for developing people and building high-performing, engaged teams.
- Strong stakeholder skills, with the ability to influence and partner at senior level.
- A genuine enthusiasm for using technology to improve customer experience and operational performance.
Why join us? At Red Funnel, you’ll be part of something meaningful — keeping people, businesses and communities connected across the Solent. In this role, you’ll have:
- The opportunity to shape the organisation’s technology direction and influence real change.
- A visible leadership role working closely with senior stakeholders.
- The chance to make a tangible impact on customer experience and operational excellence.
- A supportive, collaborative culture where your ideas and expertise truly matter.
Ready to make an impact? If you’re a passionate IT leader who thrives on driving change, developing people, and delivering real business value through technology — we’d love to hear from you.
Head of IT in Southampton employer: Red Funnel
At Red Funnel, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact in keeping communities connected across the Solent. As the Head of IT, you will have the unique opportunity to shape our technology strategy, lead a high-performing team, and drive transformation initiatives that enhance customer experience and operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive environment, Red Funnel is an excellent employer for those looking to grow their careers while contributing to a vital service.
