Head of IT

Debenhams Group is looking for an experienced and commercially focused Head of IT to lead the day-to-day delivery of our Group IT function and ensure we have the secure, resilient and scalable technology environment needed to support a fast-moving, multichannel retail business.

Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, this is a broad leadership role spanning IT infrastructure, networks, hardware, connectivity, information security, service delivery, governance and audit. You’ll be responsible for translating the Group’s technology strategy into effective IT delivery, taking ownership of IT operations, performance and service across the business.

We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with commercial thinking and a bias for action. You’ll be comfortable operating with senior stakeholders while remaining close enough to the detail to solve problems and drive delivery.

This role is based in Manchester 5 days per week.

IT Leadership & Delivery

• →Deliver the Group IT strategy and technology roadmap, working closely with the CTO.
• →Lead the day-to-day IT function, setting clear priorities, standards and service expectations.
• →Manage and prioritise IT demand across multiple brands, functions and locations.
• →Partner with business leaders to understand requirements and translate them into practical technology solutions.
• →Manage IT budgets within the wider technology plan, balancing capability, business need, risk and cost.
• →Identify opportunities to simplify and improve our technology environment.
• →Provide the CTO with clear visibility of IT performance, priorities, risks and investment requirements.
• →Information & Cyber Security
• →Lead the operational delivery of information and cyber security across the Group.
• →Maintain appropriate security policies, controls and governance aligned to the Group’s technology and risk framework.
• →Proactively manage vulnerabilities, threats and technology incidents, escalating material risks to the CTO.
• →Work with internal teams and external partners to continually strengthen the Group’s security posture.
• →Ensure appropriate security awareness and training is embedded across the business.

Team Leadership

• →Lead, coach and develop the IT team, creating a high-performing and responsive function.
• →Set clear objectives, priorities and accountability across the team.
• →Build a culture of ownership, pace and continuous improvement.
• →Work collaboratively with the CTO and wider Technology function to deliver Group priorities.

We’re building a faster, leaner and more technology-led retail group, with digital and data at the heart of how we operate.

This role offers the opportunity to take genuine ownership of IT delivery across the Group, reporting directly to the CTO and leading the technology operations and services that keep our business secure, connected and moving at pace.

If you’re an IT leader who combines technical credibility, commercial thinking and a bias for action, we’d love to hear from you.

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