At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global technology strategy and connect business goals with tech delivery.
- Company: Specsavers, dedicated to changing lives through better sight and hearing.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture focused on high performance and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global operations and shape technology's role in our mission.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex technology portfolios in a global environment.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
At Specsavers, our purpose is clear – to change lives through better sight and hearing. Behind that is a global technology function playing a critical role in how we operate, scale and deliver better outcomes for our colleagues, customers and partners. We’re looking for a Global Technology Portfolio Director to join us in a role that sits at the centre of our global transformation agenda; connecting business strategy, technology delivery, and people leadership across multiple domains that underpin our global operations.
This is a broad, high-impact leadership position, responsible for leading a group of Value Stream Directors who have responsibility for a portfolio of business-critical technology areas, spanning functions such as Supply Chain, Finance, People, Clinical and Audiology platforms. You’ll bring these areas together; aligning priorities, simplifying complexity and ensuring we’re delivering joined-up, high-quality outcomes across a global, matrixed organisation.
What you’ll be doing:
- Coaching and shaping the development of our end-to-end technology strategy through close collaboration with the Value Stream Directors.
- Working across the technology teams to support cross-functional delivery, setting direction, sequencing activity and ensuring initiatives deliver measurable value and outcomes.
- Bringing alignment across teams, regions and value streams, connecting dependencies, identifying risks and ensuring a more integrated approach to delivery.
- Acting as a bridge between business strategy and technology execution, ensuring priorities are translated into clear, actionable plans.
- Building strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing decisions and shaping direction at an enterprise level.
- Leading and developing senior leaders across multiple teams; creating clarity, accountability and a culture of high performance and collaboration.
- Maintaining oversight of portfolio performance, including governance, budget alignment, delivery standards and risk management.
- Working with external partners and suppliers to ensure we’re getting the right capability, value and long-term outcomes from our technology investments.
- Driving consistent ways of working across teams, contributing to strong standards in delivery, architecture, engineering and data.
What we’re looking for:
- You’ll bring experience operating at scale, with a track record of leading complex technology or transformation portfolios, ideally in a global, matrixed environment.
- Leading a group of experienced directors with credibility and in line with our values.
- Being able to pull together the complex and create simplicity through having sight of the whole and taking an enterprise view.
- Making difficult decisions that may impact individual portfolios but benefit the whole.
- Understands and has experience in navigating and maximising governance processes to drive efficiency and delivery.
- Commercially aware, with strong judgement and a focus on value and outcomes.
- Able to balance pace, quality and long-term impact in a complex environment.
- Collaborative, pragmatic and focused on making things happen.
Why this role:
This is an opportunity to step into a role with genuine impact across our global business. You’ll help shape how technology supports our global organisation, working on large-scale, high-profile programmes and influencing direction at senior leadership level. It’s a role designed for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complexity, connecting moving parts, and enabling others to succeed.
Location: Whiteley (Hybrid - 3 days per week in the office) with UK and International travel when required.
Global Technology Portfolio Director in Winchester employer: Specsavers
At Specsavers, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Global Technology Portfolio Director, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that directly impact our global operations while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a hybrid working model based in Whiteley, you can balance your professional and personal life while contributing to our mission of changing lives through better sight and hearing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Technology Portfolio Director in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Specsavers. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Show how your experience aligns with their mission to change lives through better sight and hearing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered results in complex environments – it’s all about making an impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the Specsavers team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Technology Portfolio Director in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global Technology Portfolio Director role. Highlight your experience in leading complex technology portfolios and how you've simplified complexity in previous roles. We want to see how you connect business strategy with technology delivery!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and influencing decisions at a senior level. Share examples of how you've developed leaders and built strong relationships in your past positions. We love seeing candidates who can create a culture of high performance and collaboration!
Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking:We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between business strategy and technology execution. In your application, explain how you've aligned priorities across different teams and managed risks effectively. Show us your ability to think big while keeping an eye on the details!
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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Specsavers' mission and values. Understand how their technology function supports their goal of changing lives through better sight and hearing. This knowledge will help you connect your experience with their objectives during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Global Technology Portfolio Director, you'll be leading experienced directors. Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, particularly how you foster collaboration and accountability. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments to achieve high-quality outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to simplify complexity and make tough decisions. Think of scenarios where you've aligned priorities across multiple domains or navigated governance processes effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Since this role involves influencing senior stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've built trust and strong relationships in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and provide examples of how you've shaped direction at an enterprise level, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
