At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT cost optimisation programmes and drive savings across diverse organisations.
- Company: High-growth, private equity-backed organisation focused on technology optimisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, substantial bonus, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape cost strategies and make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in IT transformation with expertise in procurement and cost management.
- Other info: Opportunity to coach teams and influence at board level.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 175000 £ per year.
Director of IT Cost Optimisation
We are seeking a Director of IT Cost Optimisation to lead high-impact technology optimisation programmes across global, private equity-backed businesses. This senior role combines deep technical and commercial expertise with the ability to design and deliver measurable EBITDA improvements at pace.
Working for a high-growth organisation, it is imperative that you have recent and in-depth prior experience of working in a private equity-backed environment, or with top-tier consulting firms known for performance improvement.
This is a high-visibility opportunity for an experienced IT transformation and Procurement/Cost Optimisation leader to shape cost optimisation strategy, deliver material value, and build scalable procurement capability across diverse organisations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end IT cost-out programmes, driving savings across infrastructure, ERP platforms, software licensing, managed services, and telecom.
- Oversee IT procurement strategy and vendor selection, including contract audits, negotiations, and supplier rationalisation.
- Design and implement repeatable procurement playbooks, frameworks, and value tracking models to standardise best practice across multiple organisations.
- Support large-scale ERP and enterprise IT transformation programmes, ensuring commercial discipline and cost optimisation throughout.
- Partner with CIOs, CFOs, and private equity operating teams to embed cost management into transformation roadmaps and value creation plans.
- Coach and mentor teams to uplift procurement and cost management capability across portfolio companies.
Candidate Profile:
- Pre-requisite: prior experience in a private equity-backed environment, or with top-tier consulting firms known for performance improvement.
- 15+ years’ experience in IT transformation and procurement, with a strong track record of delivering quantifiable cost savings.
- Expertise in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent) and large-scale IT programme delivery.
- Deep knowledge of IT sourcing, vendor management, and contract negotiation across infrastructure, SaaS, services, and telecoms.
- Proven experience building procurement playbooks, frameworks, and governance models for repeatable use.
- Commercially astute, able to influence at board level, and thrive in high-velocity, results-driven settings.
What is on offer:
- £150,000-£175,000 per annum, + 40-50% bonus
- Flexible working – 1 day per month onsite
IT Cost Optimisation Director employer: Stanton House
Contact Detail:
Stanton House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Cost Optimisation Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the private equity and consulting space. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical and commercial knowledge. We want you to be able to discuss cost optimisation strategies confidently and show how you can deliver measurable EBITDA improvements.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your past successes! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific examples of how you've led IT transformation projects and delivered quantifiable cost savings. We love a good success story!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to see how you can shape cost optimisation strategies with us!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Cost Optimisation Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of IT Cost Optimisation Director. Highlight your experience in private equity-backed environments and any relevant consulting work. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your passion for IT transformation and cost optimisation. Share specific examples of how you've delivered measurable savings in previous roles – we love a good success story!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t forget to mention your knowledge of ERP systems and procurement strategies. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know you’ve got the chops to lead our cost optimisation efforts.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stanton House
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Director of IT Cost Optimisation, you need to come prepared with specific examples of how you've delivered quantifiable cost savings in previous roles. Brush up on your metrics and be ready to discuss the impact of your initiatives on EBITDA improvements.
✨Understand the Private Equity Landscape
Since this role requires experience in a private equity-backed environment, make sure you understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with it. Familiarise yourself with recent trends in private equity and be prepared to discuss how you can leverage your expertise to drive value.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position involves coaching and mentoring teams, so be ready to share your leadership philosophy. Think of examples where you've uplifted procurement capabilities or led successful IT transformation programmes, and articulate how you can bring that experience to the table.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
You’ll be partnering with CIOs and CFOs, so expect strategic questions during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you would embed cost management into transformation roadmaps and value creation plans, showcasing your ability to influence at the board level.