Head of IT & Data
3 days ago
Watford
Job Title: Head of IT & Data Management (Ref 194700) Contact: Location: Watford or Birmingham - 4 Days per week in office Salary: £100,000 – £120,000 Bonus: 20% on target Holidays: 28 days Benefits: Private healthcare (family cover), pension (5% employer contribution), life assurance (3× salary), income protection, employee assistance programme, and staff discount. About the role The Head of IT & Data Management will lead IT operations, ERP delivery, data strategy, automation, and cybersecurity across a multi-site UK FMCG operation. This role requires someone equally comfortable in C-suite discussions and hands-on execution. You will define the technology roadmap, lead delivery, and embed digital, AI, and automation capability across the business. A core responsibility is the delivery, adoption, and optimisation of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, alongside driving enterprise-wide automation and data-driven decision-making. The environment is dynamic and change-heavy; this role suits someone who thrives in lean teams and fast-moving, scale-up-style organisations rather than large, heavily layered corporates. Key Responsibilities Strategy & Leadership • Define and deliver the IT, Data, Automation, and AI strategy aligned to FMCG business priorities., • Act as a trusted advisor to the CFO and Executive Team, ensuring technology investments deliver commercial value., • Build and maintain a multi-year technology roadmap balancing innovation, resilience, and cost control. SAP, Digital & Automation • Lead the delivery and ongoing optimisation of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud., • Drive end-to-end digital process integration across Finance, Supply Chain, Commercial, and HR., • Champion AI, RPA, workflow automation, and low-code solutions to improve productivity and reduce manual effort. IT Operations & Security • Own IT operations across multiple manufacturing and distribution sites., • Lead cybersecurity, data protection, and business continuity frameworks., • Manage internal teams and third-party partners to deliver secure, reliable, and cost-effective services. Data, Analytics & Performance • Define and deliver a pragmatic data and AI strategy focused on insight and value creation., • Embed analytics, dashboards, and performance reporting into daily decision-making., • Drive continuous improvement, cost reduction, and financial performance through technology decisions. Team & Change Management • Lead a small, high-performing IT & Data team, supported by external partners., • Drive change and transformation adoption across the business., • Embed an automation-first and agile mindset across IT and the wider organisation. About You Essential Experience • FMCG experience is mandatory., • Proven delivery experience with SAP S/4HANA is essential (Public Cloud strongly preferred)., • Senior IT leadership experience in multi-site environments., • Demonstrated success delivering digital transformation, automation, and data-led initiatives. Skills & Capability • Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels., • Strong understanding of AI, automation, analytics, and modern IT platforms., • Experience owning a broad remit including ERP, cybersecurity, IT operations, and data strategy., • Commercially minded, with a track record of cost savings and performance improvement. Personal Attributes • Confident, credible, and pragmatic (not overly corporate)., • Flexible and resilient, able to adapt to changing priorities., • Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, sometimes chaotic environment., • Able to build trust quickly with senior stakeholders.