Cluster IT Manager UK & Ireland

The exponential growth of technology has made IT one of the critical success factors for every business function within JDE. To enable IT as a competitive advantage, we are transforming our IT department towards a true technology business partner. The department of Global Information Services (GIS), administers this in three expertise area’s: Infrastructure and Shared Platforms, Strategy and Planning and Business Solutions.
The Cluster IT Manager UK & Ireland is a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) representing Global Information Services towards clusters business leadership and local stakeholders.
The role owns the IT demand in the clusters and is accountable for end-to-end IT engagement towards business solution delivery, technology strategy development based on business objectives, services management, risk management and relationship management within the functions in the clusters

The Cluster IT Manager UK & Ireland acts as business partner with markets leadership teams and local stakeholders to identify, define and prioritize the enablement of solutions that will create value for the markets we operate. Together with the Global IT CoE (Center of Expertise) and Regional IT Director Europe, provides advice and guidance to deliver business solutions that will improve our company’s performance and efficiency.
This position is part of the extended leadership team in global IT and has a dotted line to the Finance Director of UK and Ireland, playing a pivotal role in leading and executing IT strategies to enhance operational efficiency, drive business growth, and ensure seamless technology integration.
Is expected a closely and actively collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to identify opportunities, implement the best solutions and optimize our technology stack to meet the evolving needs of our diverse markets.

The CITM is accountable for ensuring that the solutions delivered are fit for purpose and in line with JDE business goals, global IT roadmap and architecture framework, understanding potential synergies across the two clusters in scope. Fully accountable for building, managing and reporting the annual budget for both clusters, also responsible for driving continuous improvement, cost optimization, standardization (application landscape) and harmonization of the GIS services.

Business Solutions:

• Acts as the key liaison across UK & Ireland and its business units, information technology teams and external IT partners (peer industry, etc.).
• Is expected to embody the values of the company and ensures compliance with international & local IT corporate policies & procedures (including deep understanding and strict adherence to guidelines on ‘Combined Business Model’).
• Drive digital transformation initiatives, leveraging emerging technologies to enhance productivity, customer experience, and competitive advantage.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to assess technology needs, prioritize projects, and allocate resources effectively.
• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to senior management on IT investments, trends, and opportunities for innovation.

Strategy and Planning:

• Engages with Global CoEs, DevOps, CPG Sales, Strategy and Planning, Infrastructure and Shared Platforms to assess the technology options and capabilities and develop business cases.
• Gathers key IT information data (I2P template) for the Value Creation Planning or cluster Business project, defines a strong business case in co-ordination with BPOs, Region and Global CoEs and cross IT functions either cluster or Global.
• Develop and implement comprehensive IT strategies aligned with business objectives for the UK, Ireland cluster.
• Represents and drives the IT vision, strategy & initiatives to the business leadership team and ensures that the business stakeholders are aware of the IT vision, strategic planning and priorities.
• Ensures that the IT cost model for the cluster is accurate and transparent.
• Collaborates with Business, BPOs and the Regional IT Director to develop and deliver the annual GIS budget plan (AOP) for the cluster business. Provides period end closing reporting and insights.
• Assists the business in forecasting, documenting and planning for future IT needs, as well as manage IT prioritization activities within and across the clusters
• Oversees the planning, deployment, and maintenance of IT systems, networks, and applications to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Services Management:

• Ensures that SLA performance are aligned and communicated to the business leadership team. Liaises for that purpose with cluster IT team, Service Integration Manager and vendor Service Manager.
• Manages stakeholder expectations and alignment with business goals. In alignment with Global teams, drives within the cluster Continuous Improvement, Cost Reduction, Standardization and Harmonization of the GIS services.
• Accountable for local Vendor and contract management.
• Owns the pipeline of cluster IT projects and ensures their successful implementation. Participates in local Steerco’s where appropriate
• Lead and mentor a team of IT professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate vendor solutions, negotiate contracts, and manage relationships to ensure cost-effective procurement and service delivery.
• Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, and security protocols to safeguard data, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Required experiences and values: Experience & Education: Values