Chief Technology Officer
Logistics UK · Royal Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom
Apply & track with Apply EdgeThe Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will provide strategic and operational leadership for the organisation's Technology function, driving innovation, digital transformation and technology enabled business performance. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the CTO will be responsible for defining and delivering the organisation's technology strategy, ensuring technology investments align with business objectives and support long term growth.The role will lead the development and implementation of digital transformation initiatives, including the adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the modernisation of systems and processes, and the reduction of reliance on legacy systems and tools. The CTO will champion digital innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer and member experiences, and enabling effective decision making through technology and data.The CTO will provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple functions, including: DevelopmentTestingProject ManagementCyber and Information SecurityBusiness Information and DataInfrastructure and NetworksIT Service Delivery and SupportWhy Join Logistics UK?Logistics UK, formerly the Freight Transport Association is one of the biggest business groups in the UK, representing the entire industry with members from the road, rail, sea, and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.An effective supply chain is vital to Keep Britain Trading, directly impacting over 7 million people employed in making, selling and moving the goods that affect everyone everywhere. With Brexit, technology and other disruptive forces driving changes in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK PLC.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Digital TransformationDevelop and deliver the organisation's Digital and Technology Strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectivesLead digital transformation programmes, including AI adoption and system modernisationDrive the modernisation of business systems and processes, leading the replacement of legacy systems and tools with innovative, future focused solutions that enhance organisational capability and efficiencyDrive innovation to improve operational efficiency, customer and member experience, and employee productivityAdvise senior leaders on technology opportunities, risks and emerging trendsTechnology Operations & Service DeliveryProvide leadership across Software Development, Testing, Project Management, Cyber and Information Security, Data & Business Information, Infrastructure & Networks, and IT SupportEnsure technology systems are secure, reliable, scalable and fit for purposeOversee the delivery of technology projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and deliver business valueManage technology suppliers, contracts and service level agreementsCyber and Information Security, Data & GovernanceEnsure the security, integrity and resilience of all systems, applications and dataDevelop and maintain IT policies, standards and governance frameworksEnsure compliance with legal, regulatory and cyber security requirementsLead data governance and business intelligence initiatives to support effective decision-makingAbility to identify technological threats and the need to evolve and improve systems to prevent risks. Resource ManagementDevelop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring value for money and effective resource allocationPrepare annual departmental plans, objectives and performance reportsMonitor departmental performance against agreed plans, budgets and key deliverablesEnsure efficient management of departmental resources and technology investmentsStakeholder & Business PartnershipBuild strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into technology solutionsCollaborate with senior leaders and departments to identify opportunities for process improvement and digital innovationLead engagement with external technology partners and suppliers to maximise service quality and performanceCommunicate a technology strategy, progress and outcomes to senior leadership and key stakeholdersLeadership & People ManagementLead and develop a high performing departmentManage performance, coaching, succession planning and professional development across the functionFoster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvementEnsure the team has the capability and skills required to support the organisation's current and future technology needsRequirementsQualifications & ExperienceSignificant senior leadership experience within IT, Digital or Technology functionsProven success delivering technology strategies, digital transformation initiatives and organisational changeExperience leading multi-disciplinary teams across Development, Testing, Infrastructure, Cyber and Information Security, Data, Project Management and IT SupportCandidates should possess relevant qualifications and certifications, such as a degree, ITIL, TOGAF, CISSP/CISM, PRINCE2, Agile certifications, or be able to demonstrate equivalent practical experienceStrong track record of managing technology budgets, suppliers and strategic technology investmentsTechnical KnowledgeStrong understanding of networking, infrastructure, server management and cyber and information securityKnowledge of software development lifecycles, business analysis, process mapping and optimisationExperience with Agile, DevOps and modern software delivery practicesKnowledge of cloud technologies including Microsoft Development technologies. Understanding of IT service management, data governance, analytics and business intelligenceStrong knowledge of IT governance, enterprise architecture, risk management and regulatory complianceUp-to-date understanding of emerging technologies, including AI, automation and digital innovationTechnical SkillsAbility to translate business requirements into effective technology solutionsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience managing complex technology programmesExperience of software development principles, database management and systems architectureAbility to oversee secure, scalable and resilient technology solutionsStrong understanding of cyber security, business continuity and disaster recovery planningLeadership & Stakeholder ManagementProven ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing teamsStrong coaching, mentoring and performance management skillsExperience influencing and collaborating with Executive Teams, Boards and key stakeholdersExcellent relationship building skills with the ability to manage internal and external partnerships effectivelyAbility to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiencesPersonal AttributesStrategic thinker with strong commercial awareness and business acumenInnovative and forward thinking, with a passion for leveraging technology to drive organisational successResults focused, proactive and able to lead through change and ambiguityExcellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skillsSelf-motivated, resilient and committed to continuous improvementBenefitsWe value our employees and offer a wide range of benefits recognising that no two employees are the same - everyone has different preferences and needs that change over time.Competitive salary (details will be shared upon application). 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidaysChristmas Working Arrangement for extra days off during the festive periodHealth Cash Plan for all employees and Private Medical Insurance for managersEmployee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First AidersEnhanced Family Leave policyFlexible and remote working arrangementsTwo paid days off per year for charity or volunteering workVarious learning and development opportunitiesRange of pension schemesAward scheme to recognise outstanding employees Life Assurance Scheme for peace of mind