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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive IT strategy and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Specsavers, a leader in transforming lives through better sight and hearing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in a collaborative environment focused on innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in IT with a strong focus on collaboration and strategic direction.
- Other info: Be part of a growing organisation that values customer experience and employee inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Director of Infrastructure & Operations role at Specsavers
Role: Director of Infrastructure & Operations
Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing by delivering outstanding value, being loved by every customer, and creating the place where all colleagues are proud to belong as we grow our business.
The Director of Infrastructure & Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of core technology platforms and IT services across a complex, global environment. They will lead a multidisciplinary team of approximately 130 professionals, overseeing a wide portfolio that spans infrastructure platforms, service management, and operational governance.
In addition, they will drive transformation initiatives, strengthen service reliability, improve operational efficiency, and ensure technology capabilities align with the needs of business both now and in the future.
This role is critical in shaping and executing the technology strategy that supports Specsavers ambitions in continuously delivering growth and create the best possible customer experience.
What you will be doing
- Work collaboratively: As part of the Senior Leadership Team within Technology to own the standards for everything Technology does. While you will have direct accountability for a number of capabilities, you have a critical role in ensuring the success of the function as a whole, through engaging with, supporting and driving adherence to the standards set across the function.
- Visionary leadership: Provide guidance to the Infrastructure & Operations function, aligning services and platforms with broader organisational goals, ensuring your teams are engaged with our Long Term Framework and strategic direction.
- People Development: Create a culture where you and your leadership team actively focus on talent development, role-model a focus on learning and create an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel included, heard and valued.
- Networking: As part of the Technology Operating Board, you will be a strong collaborator, both supporting and challenging and actively seeking the same from your peers and Directors across the organisation.
- Strategic Thinking: Contribute to and execute the IT strategy, ensuring Infrastructure and IT services enable business growth, innovation, and resilience.
- Transformation: Champion transformational change across IT, driving automation, standardisation, and adoption of cloud and modern service models.
- Operations: Ensure high availability, performance, and reliability of IT services across all locations.
- Infrastructure management: Drive architectural consistency, modernisation, and cost-efficiency across the technology platforms, including Servers, Networks, Telephony, Cloud, Observability, M365, IAM, End User Services
- Continuous Improvement: Enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the function, consistently promoting innovation and automation. Identify future global service management requirements and priorities, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation.
- 3rd Party Advisors: Partner with strategic vendors as BT, Accenture, and other global technology suppliers to enhance service provision and deliver best possible value from services.
- Risk Management: Assess and mitigate operational risks, including cybersecurity threats, compliance issues, and resource constraints, to safeguard the organisation\’s technology assets, services, and data.
What you will bring
- Proven track record of developing and leading senior leadership teams, setting strategic direction, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and lead high-performing teams and lead through organisational change.
- Previous experience of operating effectively in a highly collaborative and matrix environment.
- Extensive experience of designing, implementing and optimising Infrastructure & Operations functions in a complex global organisation.
- Track record of delivering large-scale operational and transformation initiatives.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and strategic influencing skills.
- Deep understanding of service management principles, frameworks, and best practices, particularly ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library).
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing significant operational budgets and vendor contracts.
- Proven experience in developing and executing strategic plans for Technology aligned with organisational goals and objectives.
- Experience in driving continuous improvement initiatives to optimise service provision and operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Strong skills in managing relationships with external service providers and vendors, ensuring compliance with service agreements and driving value for the organisation.
- Experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with Technology service delivery, including security, compliance, and operational risks.
- Experienced with project management principles and practices to oversee Technology service-related projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and achievement of objectives.
- Solid understanding of systems, infrastructure, and technologies to facilitate informed decision-making and support strategic I&O initiatives.
Desirable skills
- Certifications such as ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), Lean Six Sigma, or other relevant certifications.
- Familiarity with modern enterprise tools and platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365, ServiceNow, Azure, Cisco, etc.).
- Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in the Technology industry, as well as experience driving innovation initiatives, can help in identifying opportunities to leverage technology for improving service delivery and driving business value.
- Experience working in the retail industry can provide valuable context and insights into industry-specific requirements and challenges related to I&O service provision.
- Experience working on global projects or with teams in diverse cultural settings.
Location: Hybrid with 2/3 days a week at our office based just outside of Southampton
If you are looking to join an organisation in growth mode that places customers at the heart of decision making, please apply today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Seniority level
- Director
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Information Technology
- Industries
- Retail
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Director of Infrastructure & Operations employer: Specsavers
Contact Detail:
Specsavers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Infrastructure & Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Specsavers on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Director of Infrastructure & Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Specsavers' recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their mission of changing lives through better sight and hearing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and driven transformation initiatives. We want to hear about your visionary leadership style!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Specsavers team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Infrastructure & Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Infrastructure & Operations role. Highlight your experience in leading teams and driving transformation initiatives, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've developed high-performing teams and fostered collaboration. Share specific examples that demonstrate your visionary leadership and ability to align technology with business goals.
Emphasise Continuous Improvement: Talk about your experience with continuous improvement initiatives. We’re looking for someone who can enhance service provision and operational efficiency, so share any relevant projects or strategies you've implemented.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the core technology platforms and IT services relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of ITIL principles, cloud services, and operational governance. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your experience in developing and leading high-performing teams. Think of specific examples where you've fostered collaboration and driven transformation initiatives. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can create an inclusive environment and engage your team.
✨Align with Specsavers' Vision
Understand Specsavers' mission to change lives through better sight and hearing. Be ready to discuss how your strategic thinking and vision for Infrastructure & Operations can align with their goals. Show them that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to their success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and risk management abilities. Think about past challenges you've faced in a complex global environment and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.