IT Director in Leeds

This is a newly defined, pivotal leadership role created to drive the technological transformation. The core mandate is to architect and execute an IT strategy that becomes a fundamental source of competitive advantage, directly enabling business growth and operational excellence. The IT Director will translate business ambition into a robust, scalable, and innovative technology capability, securing Board-level sponsorship and ensuring seamless implementation across the organisation. The successful candidate will be the key authority on all technology matters, responsible for the entire technology ecosystem, from infrastructure and service delivery to security, data, and strategic innovation. This role is critical in empowering our teams with best-in-class tools, ensuring relentless operational reliability, and positioning the business as an innovator in our market.

Key Strategic Objectives

• Develop & Champion the IT Strategy: Create, gain Board approval for, and lead the implementation of a multi-year IT Strategy that accelerates growth, and enhances productivity.
• Drive Operational Excellence & Enablement: Ensure the provision of a comprehensive, reliable, and user-centric IT service that fully equips all colleagues to exceed customer expectations.
• Lead Technology Innovation & Investment: Anticipate future needs, develop a prioritised roadmap of change, and ensure all technology investments deliver a clear return on investment and strategic value.
• Ensure Governance & Security: Maintain absolute compliance with all legal, regulatory (including GDPR), policy, and cyber security requirements, safeguarding company and client data.

Principal Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Board Engagement: Develop, document, and present the IT Strategy for Board review and approval. Act as the primary technology advisor to the Board and Executive Leadership Team. Link strategic foresight to practical operational delivery, ensuring the strategy is actionable and results-driven. Represent the business as a technology-enabled innovator to support sales efforts and client retention.
• Technology Service Delivery & User Enablement: Hold ultimate accountability for the performance, reliability, and security of all technology infrastructure (hybrid cloud, on-premise, SaaS). Provide a comprehensive, effective, and responsive IT service to all colleagues, ensuring they are fully technology-enabled. Develop and maintain a clear, prioritised roadmap of technology change and improvement, managing requests and evolutions rigorously. Ensure management has the information and tools needed to monitor and improve team productivity and resource utilisation.
• Financial & Vendor Management: Create, gain approval for, and manage the annual IT budget, demonstrating improved ROI and cost-effectiveness. Ensure all expenditure provides targeted returns and all projects are delivered within agreed scope, budget, and timelines. Liaise with other Directors to advise on and assist with supplier negotiations and partnerships. Maintain accurate and effective IT asset control and lifecycle management.
• Innovation, Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving: Continuously identify and plan improvements that simplify working practices and enhance productivity. Apply an innovative and creative approach to problem-solving across hardware, software, and systems. Proactively anticipate future technology requirements and system investments to keep ahead of the curve. Foster a culture of best practice sharing and continuous improvement.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing IT team. Identify team members with potential for career progression and ensure the team is trained and equipped to meet evolving demands. Instil a service-oriented, business-partner mindset within the IT function.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance: Maintain and ensure effective implementation of all legal, policy, GDPR, Health & Safety, and cyber security requirements. Own the cyber security strategy and posture of the company. Provide necessary management information and reporting to demonstrate compliance and achievement of key objectives.

Qualifications & Experience (Essential)

• Educated to degree level or possessing a professional equivalent qualification.
• A proven IT leader with experience in operations management, strategic planning, and budget control.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and gaining approval for IT strategies that deliver business value.
• Broad generalist expertise across IT infrastructure, architecture, service delivery, network management, and data/information management.
• Hands-on experience administering a hybrid cloud / on-premise / SaaS environment and the M365 suite.
• Strong project and programme management track record, delivering robust solutions on time and within budget.
• In-depth knowledge of GDPR, cyber security principles, and IT governance.
• Experience of managing technology for a multi-site business.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels, including the Board.
• A track record of delivering high-quality outputs and leading successful teams.
• Strategic & Operational Linker: Ability to seamlessly connect long-term vision with day-to-day execution.
• Influential Leader: Strength of personality to influence operational leaders and ensure compliance, while building trust at all levels.
• Innovative Problem-Solver: Creativity in developing effective, productive solutions to complex, large-scale challenges.
• Proactive & Hands-On: Energetic, flexible, and willing to engage at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Exemplary Organiser: Excellent organisational, time management, and prioritisation skills, capable of balancing multiple projects and ad-hoc demands.
• Integrity & Discretion: A confident professional who handles sensitive information with utmost integrity.
• Collaborative Partner: A true team player who initiates action and fosters strong collaborative relationships across the business.