At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology transformation and digital strategy for Welsh Rugby and the Principality Stadium.
- Company: Welsh Rugby Union, a prestigious organisation in the sports industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to shape technology in sports, and work with innovative teams.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team driving innovation and transformation in rugby.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on technology and fan engagement in an iconic sporting environment.
- Qualifications: Senior technology leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
The Welsh Rugby Union is seeking a Director of Technology & Digital to lead the next phase of technology, digital and data transformation across Welsh Rugby and the Principality Stadium. Reporting directly to the executive team, this role will shape and lead the technology agenda at the highest level, with clear ownership for strategy, innovation and delivery across the organisation.
The impact you’ll make:
- You will lead the strategic direction, operational delivery and future evolution of the WRU’s technology and digital ecosystem. This includes stadium technology, enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital transformation, automation and data enablement across both business and elite performance environments.
- You will bring together multiple technology capabilities into one aligned function, creating clear operating models, stronger governance and scalable technology platforms that support the long-term ambitions of the organisation.
- You will oversee the technology environment across the Principality Stadium, ensuring systems relating to connectivity, ticketing, access control, workplace technology and event operations deliver a world-class experience for fans, partners and stakeholders.
- You will play a key role in shaping digital fan engagement and data-driven decision making, while also supporting the evolving needs of elite rugby performance through modern, secure and accessible technology infrastructure.
- You will champion the adoption and practical use of AI across the organisation, helping business functions embrace emerging technologies that improve efficiency, decision-making, automation and fan experience.
- You will foster a culture that encourages safe, innovative and commercially valuable use of AI and digital tools across both operational and performance environments.
- You will lead transformation programmes across cloud services, automation, AI adoption and enterprise architecture, ensuring technology becomes a strategic enabler across the WRU.
- You will also build and lead a high-performing multi-disciplinary team across technology operations, infrastructure, digital and data capabilities, while managing key supplier and partner relationships.
Your skills and experience:
- Senior technology leadership experience within a complex organisation.
- Experience leading technology transformation, operating model change and digital strategy delivery.
- Strong understanding of enterprise technology architecture, infrastructure, cloud services and cybersecurity.
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary technology functions across operations, digital and data environments.
- A track record of delivering technology programmes aligned to business outcomes and organisational strategy.
- Experience working within sport, venues, entertainment, live events or similarly complex operational environments is advantageous.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Commercial awareness and experience managing technology budgets, suppliers and external partners.
- The ability to combine strategic thinking with operational execution.
- Strong leadership capability, with experience building high-performing teams and driving organisational change.
This role suits an ambitious technology leader who wants to shape the future of technology, digital and data within an iconic sporting environment undergoing significant transformation.
Director of Technology & Digital in Newport employer: WRU - Welsh Rugby Union
The Welsh Rugby Union is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead technology and digital transformation in a vibrant sporting environment. With a commitment to innovation, employee growth, and a collaborative work culture, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of technology in rugby while enjoying the benefits of working within the iconic Principality Stadium. Join us to make a meaningful impact and drive change in a role that champions creativity and strategic thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Technology & Digital in Newport
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your achievements and how they relate to the role. We want to see how your experience aligns with their needs, so come prepared with examples of your past successes in technology leadership and transformation.
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Do your homework on the Welsh Rugby Union and its tech landscape before the interview. We suggest preparing some thoughtful questions that show your interest in their digital transformation journey. This will not only impress them but also help you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the world of technology and sport.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Technology & Digital in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in technology leadership and digital transformation, as these are key for the Director of Technology & Digital role. We want to see how your skills align with the WRU's vision!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about technology in sports and how you can lead the digital transformation at WRU. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love that!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements in managing technology functions and leading teams. We’re looking for someone who can drive change, so share specific examples of how you've done this in complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised – win-win!
How to prepare for a job interview at WRU - Welsh Rugby Union
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest technology trends, especially those relevant to sports and digital transformation. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud services, cybersecurity, and AI applications in sports to show you’re not just a leader but a tech-savvy one.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve driven change and innovation within complex organisations, as this role demands strong leadership capabilities.
✨Understand the WRU's Vision
Research the Welsh Rugby Union’s current technology landscape and their strategic goals. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how your vision aligns with theirs, particularly in areas like fan engagement and operational efficiency.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios involving stakeholder management and be ready to discuss how you would influence executive leadership and cross-functional teams. Highlight your commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and suppliers to showcase your strategic mindset.
