At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tech solutions to enhance services for people with sight loss.
- Company: Guide Dogs, a charity dedicated to supporting those with sight loss.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a community that values collaboration, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by connecting technology to meaningful needs.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in tech strategy and team management.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid / 2 days a week in Reading/London/Leamington Spa (or other Guide Office by negotiation)
About Guide Dogs
At Guide Dogs, we help people with sight loss live the life they choose. Our work covers everything from breeding and training guide dogs to providing essential support for people who are blind or partially sighted. Every staff member and volunteer plays a role in creating a world where sight loss is no barrier to independence.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Head of Business Technology to lead the development and implementation of our technology solutions. You’ll help shape how we use technology to deliver efficient, accessible, and meaningful services across the charity.
Key Responsibilities
- Connect technology to real needs: Make sure our technology choices support our goals, deliver value, and prepare us for the future.
- Lead and support a multi‑skilled team: Inspiring specialists to create great solutions, collaborate, and encourage innovation within a supportive culture.
- Deliver accessible and reliable systems: Oversee tools and systems that are user‑focused, accessible, and aligned with our values. Ensure projects meet deadlines, budgets, and high standards of quality.
- Improve how we work: Use technology to make everyday tasks more efficient and enhance our service for customers, volunteers, and colleagues.
- Oversee CRM and business systems: Take ownership of our Salesforce and Care NG platforms to ensure they remain secure, effective, and fully in line with the organisational needs.
- Manage suppliers and budgets: Build strong supplier partnerships and manage a technology budget of around £5 million to deliver long‑term value.
About You
- Experienced leader with a track record linking business strategy and technology in complex organisations.
- Skilled in managing diverse teams and major technology programmes.
- Strong understanding of CRM, ERP, and cloud platforms (ideally Salesforce).
- Confident communicator who can connect technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Committed to accessibility, continuous improvement, and achieving clear outcomes.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Experience within a large charity or not‑for‑profit environment.
- Salesforce and/or Agile certifications.
Our Culture
We’re person‑centred, expert, and optimistic. We partner, lead by example, and engage fully in our mission. Every colleague is part of a community that celebrates collaboration, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
We’re committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will need to provide proof of identity and the right to work in the UK and may be asked to complete relevant safeguarding checks.
Head of Business Technology in Reading employer: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
At Guide Dogs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those with sight loss. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages innovation and personal growth. With a strong commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, we empower our team to connect technology with real needs, ensuring that every contribution is valued in our mission to enhance independence for all.
Contact Details:
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Technology in Reading
✨Get Involved in Tech Transfer Events
Tech transfer is all about networking, so make sure you're attending industry conferences and seminars related to technology commercialization. Events like the AUTM Annual Meeting or local innovation workshops are clutch for meeting key players and learning what's trending—plus, you might just bump into someone from The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Having a solid portfolio can really make you stand out. Highlight any projects where you successfully brought a technology to market or improved a process. Sharing case studies or insights on platforms like LinkedIn can catch the eye of recruiters at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, showing them you’ve got the chops for the job.
✨Leverage University Connections
Many universities have strong tech transfer offices—connect with them! They often have ties to industry and can help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you might find openings or internship opportunities that lead to this full-time role at places like The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
✨Engage with Online Communities
Join forums or online communities focused on tech transfer and commercialization. Platforms like ResearchGate or industry-specific Slack channels are great for connecting with professionals, discussing trends, and possibly learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Remember, your next opportunity could be just a message away!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Technology in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Transfer Know-How:In the tech transfer and commercialization world, it's crucial to highlight your understanding of intellectual property, patents, and market analysis. Make sure your CV includes relevant projects or experiences where you successfully navigated these areas. Any certifications in commercialisation would also give you a serious edge!
Tailor Your Documents for the Role:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the position at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, but also your knowledge of current trends in technology-transfer. Discuss specific cases where you've contributed to commercialising innovations or enhancing research outcomes—this will show you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on!
Quantify Your Achievements:In this field, numbers count! Whether it's successful licensing deals, funding acquired for projects, or percentage increases in collaboration outcomes, include these metrics in your CV. They not only make your accomplishments more tangible but also demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Demonstrate Your Business Acumen:Understanding the business side is just as crucial as the tech side! When writing your application, weave in examples that illustrate your strategic thinking and your role in negotiations or partnerships. This balance of skills is what will set you apart for a full-time role at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Knowledge
Brush up on key technologies and trends in technology transfer and commercialization. Be ready to showcase your understanding of licensing agreements and the innovation lifecycle, as well as any specific tools or software used in the field.
✨Show Your Business Acumen
This role isn't just about tech; it's also about understanding the market. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach bringing a technology to market, including strategies for assessing commercial viability and potential partnerships.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Think about how you'd approach real-world challenges in technology transfer, like negotiating a deal or handling stakeholder concerns—this can help us get a sense of your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past, particularly in scenarios that involved tech developers and business strategists coming together.
