At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT cost optimisation programmes and drive savings across various technology platforms.
- Company: High-growth organisation focused on performance improvement in private equity-backed businesses.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, substantial bonus, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape cost optimisation strategy and make a significant impact on diverse organisations.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in IT transformation, with experience in private equity or top-tier consulting.
- Other info: Opportunity to coach teams and build scalable procurement capabilities.
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 knowledge of ERP systems and procurement strategies. We want you to be able to speak confidently about how you’ve driven cost savings in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve coached teams and built procurement capabilities. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and drive change.
✨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 help shape our cost optimisation strategy!
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 explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven cost savings and led IT transformations in the past. We love a good 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 about your technical chops right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 creation.
✨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 inspire others in a high-growth organisation.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
You'll be partnering with CIOs and CFOs, so practice discussing complex topics like IT procurement strategy and vendor management at a strategic level. Be prepared to engage in conversations about contract negotiations and supplier rationalisation, showcasing your commercial acumen and ability to influence at board level.