Director of IT Business Partnering in Portsmouth

Director of IT Business Partnering

Portsmouth/London | Competitive Salary

Full-Time | Hybrid

Joint-contribution pension from 6% (12% total) – Enhanced maternity & family leave – Life assurance – HolidayPlus – Virtual GP & Employee Assistance Programme plus retail and leisure discounts & many more.

REQ5934

Role Purpose

Reporting to the CIO, the Director of IT Business Partnering is responsible for aligning technology strategy, investment, and delivery with SGN's operational, regulatory, and commercial goals. Acting as the primary link between IT and business leadership, you will ensure technology supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations while driving digital transformation, innovation, AI, and automation across the organisation.

Leading the IT Business Partnering function, you will work closely with senior stakeholders, the CTO, Transformation teams, and wider IT leadership to shape technology roadmaps, prioritise investment, and maximise value from technology across a complex Critical National Infrastructure environment.

We deliver safety, warmth, and comfort to homes and businesses. Every role, whether in the office or on the front line, plays a key part in this mission. Here’s how you will contribute…

Strategic Business Partnering

• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders across operational, engineering, customer, commercial, and corporate functions.

• Act as a strategic advisor, translating business priorities into technology-enabled outcomes and investment plans.

• Ensure technology initiatives support business strategy, operational performance, and regulatory commitments.

• Communicate technology roadmaps, risks, opportunities, and priorities clearly across the organisation.

Technology Portfolio & Demand Management

• Lead the technology demand management process across the organisation.

• Prioritise investment opportunities based on business value, operational benefit, risk reduction, and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee governance and portfolio management to ensure technology investments are aligned to strategic objectives.

• Drive efficient ways of working and the reuse of technology capabilities across the business.

Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to modernise business processes through digital technologies.

• Drive adoption of data, analytics, cloud, automation, AI, and mobility solutions.

• Champion innovation and support the successful delivery of transformation programmes.

• Promote continuous improvement through technology-enabled change.

Operational & Regulatory Alignment

• Partner with operational, engineering, and asset management teams to support network resilience, safety, and compliance.

• Foster strong collaboration between IT and Operational Technology (OT) functions.

• Support initiatives including asset digitisation, field mobility, telemetry, and predictive maintenance.

• Ensure technology decisions consider cyber security, regulatory obligations, and Critical National Infrastructure requirements.

Financial & Value Management

• Develop technology investment business cases with business sponsors.

• Support budget planning, investment prioritisation, and benefits realisation activities.

• Ensure technology investments deliver measurable business outcomes and return on investment.

• Establish and monitor outcome-based measures to demonstrate value.

Leadership

• Lead, develop, and motivate a high-performing IT Business Partnering team.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and customer focus.

• Coach and influence senior stakeholders on technology opportunities and digital capabilities.

• Support talent development and succession planning within the function.

What you will need

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within IT Business Partnering, Business Relationship Management, Technology Strategy, or a similar role.

• Experience working within utilities, energy, critical national infrastructure, or other highly regulated sectors.

• Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and shape strategic decisions.

• Experience managing large-scale technology portfolios, investment programmes, and business cases.

• Strong track record of delivering digital transformation and organisational change.

• Degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.

• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Desirable

• Experience within gas, electricity, water, or related utility sectors.

• Knowledge of Operational Technology (OT) environments.

• Experience working with Ofgem or other regulated organisations.

• Understanding of cyber security requirements within Critical National Infrastructure environments.

• Experience of value stream mapping and process optimisation

• MBA and/or relevant professional certifications, such as ITIL, TOGAF, MSP, PRINCE2, Prosci Change Management, or BRM Certification.

Not sure you meet every requirement?

Research shows some people – particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds – may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for – now or in the future.

Why SGN?

SGN leads pioneering research and development for a net-zero energy system. Our innovative technologies are transforming the gas industry while keeping people safe and warm. We are an award-winning employer, including CCA Gold Awards for Great Places to Work and Inclusivity and Accessibility, and a proud Gold member of the Armed Forces Covenant.

About us | Benefits | Diversity and inclusion

If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We're here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone.

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