IT Director/Director of IT Services

Are you a visionary IT Director looking for a new opportunity to lead the development and implementation of wide-reaching IT strategy? Do you have significant experience of product/digital, budget planning and management, and key relationship management with internal and external suppliers? If so, apply now for this incredibly exciting new opportunity based in Sunderland.

We are seeking an IT Director/Director of IT Services to join our client at a very exciting period of change and modernisation. This is a pivotal executive role, reporting directly to the CIO, with strategic oversight of Service Management, Infrastructure, Operations, Architecture and a newly established Product capability.

The new IT Director will lead a large geographically dispersed team and manage a £multi-million IT budget. Your leadership will ensure the delivery of innovative, secure, and efficient IT services that align with business goals and drive measurable value.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and execute group-wide IT strategy in collaboration with the CIO and senior stakeholders. Leadership of a large team across Product Development, Infrastructure & Platform Operations and Service Management
• Product Management: Build and lead a high-performing product team, overseeing the full product life cycle across multiple digital products
• Service Excellence: Drive continuous improvement in service delivery, ensuring alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Financial Oversight: Manage IT spend and resources with a focus on cost optimisation and performance.
• Commercial Performance: Enhance value through strategic partnerships and supplier management.
• Executive Collaboration: Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and ownership across the IT organisation.

The successful IT Director will have the following experience:

• Proven experience in a senior IT leadership role
• Expertise in IT infrastructure, service management, and product life cycle management
• Track record of establishing and leading high performing teams
• Strong commercial acumen and experience managing supplier ecosystems
• Exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of AI and data literacy
• Ability to work at pace in a changing landscape - you will be establishing the processes and strategy, so it will suit someone who thrives in a greenfield environment

Why apply?

• Be part of a transformative journey in a new leadership team
• Influence strategic decisions at the highest level
• Lead innovation in IT services and product development
• Work in a culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement

The salary and package on offer is generous and comprehensive. I would be happy to discuss this in more detail with you directly.