Director of Technology & Digital in Cardiff

A new role to the WRU, the Director of Technology & Digital will lead the strategic vision, architecture, delivery and operational management of the technology estate. This role will bring together all technology capabilities into a single horizontal function for the business, with the aim of driving common efficiencies, clearly defined tool sets and centralised budget management of technology spend. This role is accountable for technology infrastructure (Microsoft, Apple, Google platforms), stadium technology, workplace technologies, automation, cybersecurity that enable data and insight capabilities. This role is both strategic (setting direction, innovation, alignment) and operational (ensuring reliable, secure, scalable technology operations), leading a significant transition in technology operational model.

The Person

• Strong experience in a technology leadership role: experience in a complex organisation; ideally with experience in sports, events, or large‑scale operations.
• A track record of delivering technology strategy and transformation: aligned with organisational goals, within budget, risk and timescales.
• Experience of managing multi‑discipline teams: IT operations, infrastructure, digital, data, cybersecurity.
• Experience of digital transformation, automation, data & analytics, cloud migration.
• Proven experience with mixed‑vendor estates.
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic execution mindset: able to translate big vision into operational plans and lead rollout.
• High accountability and results‑orientation: delivers on commitments, disciplined follow‑through, high‑standards.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader: builds strong teams, fosters digital skills, encourages innovation.
• Resilient and agile: thrives in transformational and fast‑moving environments, responds effectively to change and event‑driven demands.
• Integrity and security mindset: fosters a culture of trust, protects digital/domain integrity of the organisation.
• Customer, sponsor and fan‑centric: technology solutions designed to enable better athlete, fan, sponsor and club experiences.
• Strong financial acumen: managing technology budgets, making business cases for technology investments, vendor contracting.
• Excellent communication skills: able to bridge technical and business audiences including present to executive leadership.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills: ability to influence and collaborate with senior leadership, business functions, and external partners.
• Broad understanding of enterprise technology architecture (infrastructure, applications, data, cloud/hybrid, security).
• Strong ability to manage and develop the ecosystem of cybersecurity, risk management, data governance and regulatory compliance.
• Deep understanding of current and evolving technology stacks, IT Operating Models and Technology Service Delivery.

The Role

• Technology Strategy & Architecture: Define and own the 3‑5 year Technology & Digital Strategy aligned with the overall strategy and transformation agenda of the WRU. Develop and maintain enterprise architecture covering business services and aligned infrastructure (on‑premise/cloud/hybrid), applications, data, security and integration across Microsoft, Apple and Google ecosystems. Define the manage the appropriate architectures, and their integrations between the Microsoft, Apple and Google technology stacks. Leverage AI/GenAI/Machine Learning for the purpose of giving the WRU a competitive advantage. Foster safe AI use which enables the ability to move quickly for the needs and wants of the business. Horizon‑scan emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, edge, AI/ML, immersive fan technologies) and lead innovation initiatives for the benefit of maximising the value of implemented technologies.
• Technology Operations & Infrastructure: Implement a new technology operating model within the business, driving change, stakeholder engagement and standards that reflect a positive view of technology across WRU. Oversee all technology operations: including stadium IT infrastructure, remote access/workforce devices, network services, collaboration platforms, service desk, remote‑based operations. Lead the deployment of new technology, and support existing technology, through continuous improvements to ensure high availability, performance, scalability and security. Ensure the national stadium’s technology systems (ticketing, access control, connectivity, event technology) meet world‑class standards. Provide critical technology interlock with primary stadium third‑party suppliers (e.g. F&B) to ensure seamless, digital and automated operations as far as is relevant and desirable. Lead on the technology strategy components that define the digital fan engagement and experience.
• Security & Compliance: Own the cybersecurity strategy, cyber-risk management and compliance. Ensure robust frameworks, incident response, business continuity/disaster recovery across the organisation and stadium operations and provide key insights into Cyber Insurance discussions.
• Digital & Data Transformation: Lead the digital transformation agenda: automation of business processes, adoption of cloud services, mobile workforce enablement, data‑driven decision‑making and digital fan engagement. Establish enterprise data governance standards and technology that support analytics and insight functions across the organisation. Design an optimal technology infrastructure that seamlessly meets the needs of Elite Rugby and corporate users, always ensuring full and secure access to relevant data and insights. Champion a data‑driven culture across the organisation by ensuring reliable, secure, accessible technology and data platforms. Manage vendor and digital suppliers and partners, ensuring maximum ROI and upholding appropriate SLAs.
• Leadership, Team & Capability Building: Build, lead and inspire a high‑performing technology organisation (digital, IT operations, data & insights) with effective talent strategies (attracting, retaining, developing). Collaborate with the People Team for technology capability development, digital skills, organisational readiness and technology adoption.
• Governance & Programme Delivery: Ensure technology change programmes are delivered on time, to budget, and aligned with business outcomes and benefits realisation. Provide regular executive reporting including RAG status, dashboards and escalation of critical issues.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Executive Leadership team, Performance Rugby Leadership, Operations & Stadium Team, Commercial Team, Finance & People Team.
• External: Sponsors and Commercial Partners, Professional Rugby Teams & Community Clubs, Broadcasters & Media Agencies, Licensing & Merchandising Partners, Hospitality & Event Vendors.

WRU Requirements

• The WRU require that individuals are proficient in IT skills, specifically Microsoft packages. Excellent written and verbal communications are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and a Valid UK Driver’s License is desirable. This role is subject to a basic DBS check.

The Perks

• As a permanent member of the WRU Group, you will have access to our full range of employee benefits, including: Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU), Life assurance scheme, WRU Group Ticket Allocation (in line with ticketing policy), One additional paid day off (birthday leave), Employee assistance programme, Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements, Free stadium parking and gym, WRU Group store and tour discounts, WRU Group partnership offers, Eye Care Voucher Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme.

Our Values

The WRU Group are committed to developing a culture whereby all employees are equally valued and respected. Our aims, together with our vision and mission, are underpinned by our core values and beliefs which embrace: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour.

Inclusion At The WRU

The WRU Group are committed to building diverse, high-performing and engaged teams across Welsh Rugby. We are ambitious about providing a people first culture where everyone can belong, be heard and respected. We are happy to talk to you about our Crys I Bawb EDI Strategy (2024-2029) and you can also read more about our commitment in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

Diversity Monitoring

We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. To continue to do this we need your help in filling out a short monitoring form. None of the information you provide will be visible as part of your application. It will only be used anonymously to monitor the inclusivity of our selection processes. You can select ‘prefer not to say’ if you would rather not answer any question.