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- Tasks: Lead IT strategy and operations to enhance member experiences at Virgin Active.
- Company: Join Virgin Active, a leader in wellness and leisure experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology that transforms lives through wellness.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in IT with strong leadership and transformation experience.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Virgin Active are committed to changing people's lives for the better through wellness. Our team are dedicated to delivering a unique leisure and relaxation experience throughout all our clubs. All our team members pride themselves on incorporating Virgin Active values and ensuring the highest Brand Standards into their work, so our members can experience the finest facilities and service. We take value in recruiting the very best team members who work behind the scenes to support our clubs in delivering a world class member experience.
As UK IT Director, you will be accountable for the reliability, security and performance of all core technology platforms supporting Virgin Active UK. Reporting to the Group CIO and working closely with the UK Country Director, you will lead local IT operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure, service delivery and vendor management, ensuring technology enables excellent member and employee experiences while aligning with global strategy.
Responsibilities- Define and deliver the UK IT strategy, ensuring alignment with Group technology principles, security standards and long-term business goals.
- Lead the end-to-end delivery of stable, secure and high-performing IT services across clubs, HQ and support offices.
- Own the reliability, performance and continuous improvement of core platforms including Membership, Finance, HR, CRM, POS and digital systems.
- Drive technology modernisation, cloud adoption and infrastructure optimisation to improve resilience, scalability and agility.
- Embed a proactive cybersecurity and risk management culture, ensuring compliance with GDPR, local regulations and Group security policies.
- Lead local incident response, disaster recovery, business continuity planning and security awareness programmes.
- Support digital and in-club transformation initiatives, partnering with global Digital, Data and AI teams to deliver seamless member and employee experiences.
- Oversee IT service management, ensuring high availability, strong SLAs, rapid issue resolution and excellent frontline support.
- Manage the UK IT budget, forecasting, cost optimisation, procurement and contract negotiations.
- Lead and develop strategic vendor and partner relationships to ensure value, performance and innovation.
- Act as a trusted technology advisor to the UK Executive team and Country Director, translating technical performance into business impact and risk.
- Represent the UK in global technology forums, contributing to enterprise-wide strategy, standards and roadmaps.
- Build, inspire and develop a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
10-15 years' experience in IT, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within complex, multi-site or international environments. Proven track record running secure, business-critical enterprise platforms and large-scale IT operations. Strong experience across infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, service management and digital transformation. Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on and delivery focused. Experience leading transformation within global frameworks while meeting local business needs. Strong financial and vendor management capability. Confident stakeholder manager, able to influence at Executive level and across global teams. A people-centric leader who builds inclusive, high-performing teams and a culture of accountability, learning and excellence.
25 days (excluding)
UK IT Director (BSO449) in City of Westminster employer: Virgin Active
Contact Detail:
Virgin Active Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK IT Director (BSO449) in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Virgin Active’s values and culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission of enhancing wellness. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills can directly benefit Virgin Active. Focus on your leadership experience in IT and how you can drive their technology strategy forward. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Virgin Active team.
We think you need these skills to ace UK IT Director (BSO449) in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the UK IT Director role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in IT operations and cybersecurity, to show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about wellness and how your tech expertise can enhance member experiences at Virgin Active. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead IT transformations and manage large-scale operations. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our team at Virgin Active!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Active
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a UK IT Director, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of core technology platforms. Brush up on your knowledge of Membership, Finance, HR, CRM, and POS systems. Be ready to discuss how you've improved performance and reliability in these areas in your previous roles.
✨Align with Virgin Active's Values
Familiarise yourself with Virgin Active's commitment to wellness and member experience. During the interview, share examples of how you've incorporated similar values in your past work. This shows that you not only understand the role but also resonate with the company's mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You'll be leading a high-performing IT team, so it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Prepare to discuss how you've built inclusive teams and fostered a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about aligning IT strategy with business goals. Think about how you've previously managed budgets, vendor relationships, and technology transformations. Be ready to translate technical jargon into business impact, showcasing your ability to influence at the executive level.
