Director of Technology Office (DTO)
Location - Watford - Hybrid
Are you an experienced Director of Technology or maybe a CIO or CITO looking for that next step up in your career to broaden your experience in a larger PLC business?. Due to our exciting growth plans in our Tech team, we have a new and exciting role for a Director of Technology Office.
We’re an award-winning business with an open, safe environment where people can thrive. With the freedom to be themselves, it’s a place where we’ll ask for your ideas, listen to your opinions and value the contributions you make. Chances are you’ve never experienced anything quite like our culture.
Reporting into our CITO, you’ll be responsible for supporting in developing and executing the IT strategy, managing technology investments, and ensuring the alignment of technology initiatives with business goals. This role oversees the development and maintenance of IT policies, procedures, methodologies, and governance to ensure the IT organisation delivers value to the business. You'll also oversee the Vendor management, Portfolio management and enterprise architecture while ensuring the delivery of innovative solutions that support retail operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive operational efficiency.
The Role
We are looking for a truly inspirational Leader that can drive the execution of the technology roadmap, ensuring timely delivery of initiatives that support retail operations, digital transformation, and customer engagement. Ensuring that technology investments are aligned with long-term business needs and that the IT strategy supports future scalability and growth.
Principle Accountabilities:
- Implement and manage robust IT governance frameworks to ensure compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and security standards.
- Lead initiatives to optimise IT costs through vendor negotiations, licensing management, and efficient allocation of resources.
- Identify, assess, and manage technology risks, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory compliance risks.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of the enterprise architecture, ensuring it supports retail technology initiatives, including POS systems, e-commerce platforms, supply chain systems, and CRM.
- Lead digital transformation efforts, focusing on improving customer experiences through omnichannel strategies, mobile applications, and personalised services.
We’re a team. And teams work best together when they know and respect one another. Listen and learn from one another. So we offer a hybrid working model with three days a week based in our Support Centre in Watford. Giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you.
What are we looking for?
- Leadership
- Being a passionate, inspirational and engaging leader, you will have the ability to create and cultivate a “one team” approach through collaboration and motivation and be able to work in a fast paced environment.
- You will bring experience of driving growth in both commerciality and people through coaching and empathetic leadership, alongside a strong sense of decision making and critical thinking.
- To succeed within this role, you will need evidence working in IT leadership roles, preferably in a retail environment.
- Technical Skills
- A proven track record in driving digital transformation, innovation, and IT strategy execution. You’ll have a strong understanding of retail technology systems such as POS, e-commerce, CRM, and supply chain management.
- Familiarity with cloud computing, cybersecurity, data privacy regulations, and emerging technologies.
- Experience with IT governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks.
What we can offer you
You’ll be supported by some fantastic training and development and have the opportunity to learn, grow and develop your own career further.
We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes
- Annual bonus and car allowance
- Save-as-you-earn scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Colleague discount
- Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.
About Us:
We’re a down-to-earth business, and how we work is special. That’s down to our unique culture. We believe in doing what’s right – winning for our customers, our communities, our planet and our people. We take pride in being an open, welcoming place where everyone feels at home. Where you can be yourself, do your best work and make a positive difference every day.
We are a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 40 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.5Bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.
Please contact us here if you require any adjustments within the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage you will have an opportunity to inform us when we invite you to interview. Please note, this link is only for reasonable adjustments required - general enquiries, or direct CV applications cannot be accepted via this form. 
