Vice President, Information Technology`

The Vice President, Information Technology will provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization's global Information Technology function, ensuring technology is a key enabler of business growth, operational excellence, customer service and profitability.

Based in Edinburgh, this executive will lead the development and execution of the company's global IT strategy across a multi-site Testing, Inspection and Certification organization. The role will oversee enterprise applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data and analytics, digital transformation, technology architecture, IT service delivery and business systems.

The successful candidate will be a commercially minded technology leader who understands how to translate business strategy into technology investments and measurable business outcomes. Experience within the TIC sector, industrial services, engineering, laboratory services, manufacturing, professional services or another complex multi-site environment is highly desirable.

The VP IT will partner closely with the CEO, CFO, COO, CHRO and business-unit leaders to modernize the technology environment, improve operational efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity and create scalable systems capable of supporting continued organic growth and acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities

IT Strategy & Business Partnership

• Develop and execute a multi-year global IT strategy aligned with the company's growth objectives.
• Establish technology as a strategic business partner rather than solely a support function.
• Partner with executive leadership and business-unit presidents to identify opportunities where technology can improve revenue, productivity, customer experience and profitability.
• Develop and manage the global IT roadmap, investment priorities and technology governance framework.
• Establish clear IT performance metrics, service-level expectations and business outcomes.
• Advise the executive team and Board on emerging technologies, cybersecurity risks and technology investments.

Digital Transformation

• Lead the organization's digital transformation agenda across testing, inspection and certification operations.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve laboratory, inspection, certification and back-office workflows.
• Drive adoption of cloud technologies, SaaS platforms, AI, automation, advanced analytics and mobile technologies where they create measurable value.
• Develop digital solutions that improve customer interaction, scheduling, reporting, certification and access to testing and inspection results.
• Establish a practical AI strategy focused on productivity, data analysis, automation and customer-facing applications.

Enterprise Applications

• Provide strategic oversight of the organization's enterprise application portfolio.
• Ensure effective integration of ERP, CRM, HRIS, ATS, laboratory management, field-service, quality and other business-critical systems.
• Develop an enterprise architecture that supports a growing, multi-site organization.
• Rationalize legacy applications and eliminate unnecessary technology complexity.
• Establish standards for application selection, integration, implementation and lifecycle management.

Cybersecurity & Risk

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive global cybersecurity strategy.
• Protect sensitive customer, employee, laboratory, commercial and operational data.
• Partner with internal and external security experts to manage cyber risk, threat detection, incident response and business continuity.
• Ensure appropriate security policies, controls and disaster-recovery capabilities are in place.
• Support compliance with applicable UK, EU and international data-protection and cybersecurity requirements.
• Regularly report cybersecurity risks and mitigation plans to executive leadership and the Board.

Data, Analytics & AI

• Establish a scalable enterprise data strategy and governance framework.
• Improve the quality, accessibility and security of operational and commercial data.
• Develop business intelligence capabilities that provide leaders with actionable information on revenue, margins, utilization, productivity, customer performance and operational KPIs.
• Expand the use of predictive analytics and AI across the organization.
• Ensure data architecture supports both organic growth and future acquisitions.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Play a leading role in technology due diligence for acquisitions.
• Assess IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, applications, contracts, data, personnel and technology risks associated with potential acquisitions.
• Develop technology integration plans for acquired companies.
• Establish repeatable approaches for integrating acquired businesses while minimizing disruption.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate platforms and achieve technology synergies following acquisitions.

IT Operations & Service Delivery

• Ensure reliable, secure and cost-effective delivery of global IT services.
• Oversee infrastructure, networks, cloud services, end-user computing, applications and technical support.
• Establish appropriate IT service-management processes and performance standards.
• Improve technology reliability and user experience across laboratories, offices and field operations.
• Develop a scalable operating model capable of supporting continued geographic and organizational growth.

Leadership & Organization

• Lead, develop and retain a high-performing global IT organization.
• Establish an effective organizational structure encompassing infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, data, architecture, project delivery and service management.
• Build strong relationships between IT and business-unit leadership.
• Develop technology talent and succession plans.
• Create a culture of accountability, innovation, customer service and continuous improvement.
• Effectively manage internal teams, technology partners, vendors and strategic suppliers.
• Own the global IT budget and technology investment portfolio.
• Develop business cases and ROI analysis for significant technology investments.
• Drive cost optimization while maintaining appropriate service levels and cybersecurity.
• Negotiate and manage strategic technology vendors and outsourcing relationships.
• Establish disciplined governance over software licensing, contracts and technology spend.

Required Experience

• 15+ years of progressive IT leadership experience.
• Significant experience leading an enterprise IT organization at VP, CIO, CTO, SVP or equivalent level.
• Experience managing technology across multiple locations and business units.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing enterprise technology strategies.
• Strong experience with cybersecurity, cloud, enterprise applications, data and digital transformation.
• Experience leading large-scale technology implementations and organizational change.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Experience managing third-party technology providers and strategic vendors.
• Experience with M&A technology due diligence and integration is highly desirable.
• Experience operating in a private-equity-backed or acquisitive environment is advantageous.

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