Head of IT

Birmingham City Football Club is seeking an experienced and proactive Head of IT to oversee and manage all IT systems across the club's operations. You will provide strategic leadership for the Technology function across the Club, aligning technology with the club's needs and growth. You will possess strong technical expertise, as well as the ability to manage relationships with external IT partners. You will play a key role in the planning and implementation of new IT systems across multiple sites to ensure smooth and efficient operations for both the football and business sides of the club . Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Create the strategic plan for technology and digital across the Club. Ensure buy-in from the leadership team and key stakeholders, ensuring their needs are mapped into the strategy. Turn vision into reality through clear implementation roadmaps. IT Systems Management Oversee the management, maintenance, and support of all IT systems within the club, ensuring they are aligned with the organization's needs and business goals. Monitor system performance, perform regular audits, and resolve any issues to ensure optimal system functionality. Develop and implement IT policies and procedures to safeguard the security, availability, and integrity of systems and data. Implementation of New Systems Lead the planning, testing, and roll-out of new IT systems and technologies across multiple sites, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure. Collaborate with various departments to identify their technological needs and implement systems that enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Work closely with external vendors and IT partners to coordinate the implementation of software, hardware, and network solutions. Manage relationships with external IT partners and service providers, ensuring that contracts are fulfilled and that services meet performance and service-level agreements (SLAs). Regularly evaluate external partnerships and identify opportunities to improve services or reduce costs. Manage external licencing costs to optimise value with Microsoft licenced products. Security & Compliance Oversee the IT security framework for the club, ensuring systems are secure and comply with relevant laws and regulations (e.g., data protection, GDPR). Regularly assess and implement security protocols to protect against cyber threats, data breaches, and IT vulnerabilities. Technical Support & Training Provide technical support to staff and management on all IT-related issues, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations. Organize and oversee the training of staff in the use of IT systems, new technologies, and best practices to enhance productivity. Budgeting & Cost Management Manage the budgeting and forecasting for IT-related expenditures, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and monitoring costs effectively. Keep abreast of the latest IT trends and technologies, recommending improvements or new tools that will drive innovation and business growth. Identify and implement strategies for optimising IT infrastructure and operations across the club. What we’re looking for in you An inspirational leader who is comfortable moving between strategic and tactical items. Proven experience in a similar senior IT role, preferably in large-scale business environment. Strong technical knowledge of IT systems, software, hardware, and networking. Experience in managing IT infrastructure across multiple sites and locations. Knowledge of system implementation processes and project management. Familiarity with IT security practices and data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR). Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize tasks under pressure. Proven ability to manage relationships with external vendors and service providers. Strong budget management experience and cost-consciousness. Desirable Qualifications Relevant certifications such as ITIL or equivalent. Experience in the sports industry Experience within a stadium Knowledge of cloud computing, network architecture, and system integrations. Birmingham City Football Club is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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