At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and define VPZ's technology strategy, driving innovation in retail and ecommerce.
- Company: Join the UK's leading vape retailer with a dynamic and growing team.
- Benefits: Competitive senior leadership package and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: 5 days on-site in Edinburgh, with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology direction and business success at a fast-growing company.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in technology leadership within retail or ecommerce environments.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
About us
VPZ is the UK’s leading vape retailer, operating 200 stores nationwide alongside a rapidly growing ecommerce platform. As the business continues to scale, we are seeking an experienced, hands on Technical Director who loves owning projects from conception to completion.
Leading from the front, you will define, lead, and embed a clear technology strategy that supports VPZ’s long term commercial and operational goals. This is a senior leadership role with board level influence, responsible for setting the overall technology direction of the business, rolling up your sleeves when needed, and ensuring technology is a key enabler of growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
The Role
As Technical Director, you will personally champion and own VPZ’s technology vision, strategy, and roadmap, working closely with the Executive Team, and Board to align technology investment with business priorities. You will provide strategic leadership and guidance across:
- Retail systems and in store technology
- Ecommerce platforms and digital customer experience
- Data, reporting, and analytics
- Infrastructure, security, and technology governance
Delivery will be achieved through strong leadership of internal teams within IT, Data and Ecommerce alongside effective management of external suppliers and technology partners, driving execution through active project ownership and visible leadership. Please note, this role requires 5 days on site at our Head Office in Newbridge, Edinburgh.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and actively own VPZ’s enterprise wide technology strategy, ensuring it supports current operations and future growth
- Translate business strategy into a clear, prioritised technology roadmap, taking personal accountability for driving key milestones
- Provide strategic oversight and tactical guidance across retail, ecommerce, data, and core systems
- Collaborate with fellow Directors to ensure technology underpins commercial, operational, and customer objectives
- Lead technology investment planning, vendor strategy, and major system decisions
- Establish appropriate governance, security, resilience, and scalability
- Ensure technology delivers measurable business value and competitive advantage
- Represent technology at Executive and Board level, clearly communicating risks, opportunities, and progress
What We’re Looking For
- Proven senior technology leadership experience within retail, ecommerce, or multi site environments
- Demonstrable experience defining and delivering technology strategy at Director or equivalent level
- Strong commercial mindset with the ability to align technology to business outcomes
- A balanced leader who combines high-level strategic vision with a willingness to get hands-on, take direct ownership of core projects, and lead brilliantly from the front
- Confidence operating in fast growth, entrepreneurial organisations
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including working with CEOs, Boards, and non technical leaders
Package
Competitive senior leadership package, dependent on experience and capability. Please ensure you apply with an up-to-date CV. Applicants must be 18 years old or above, any subsequent job offer is subject to pre-employment screening and right to work checks.
Technical Director in Newbridge employer: VPZ
VPZ is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can thrive as a Cluster Manager. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide comprehensive training and support to help you excel in your role while enjoying competitive benefits such as a quarterly bonus and generous staff discounts. Join us in shaping the future of the vape industry in a collaborative culture that values performance and customer satisfaction across our growing network of stores in Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Director in Newbridge
✨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 VPZ!
✨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 VPZ, 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 VPZ.
✨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 Technical Director in Newbridge
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 VPZ, 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 VPZ.
How to prepare for a job interview at VPZ
✨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.
