Director of IT Operations

Portsmouth | Competitive Salary and benefits (dependent on skills and qualifications)

Full-time | Hybrid

Joint-contribution pension from 6% (12% total) – Enhanced maternity & family leave – Life assurance – HolidayPlus – Virtual GP & Employee Assistance Programme plus retail and leisure discounts & many more.

REQ5841

Job Purpose

Provide strategic and operational leadership for all IT and Operational Technology (OT) services across the organisation. Lead the delivery of secure, resilient and high-performing technology services that support business operations, regulatory obligations and critical national infrastructure. Oversee IT business continuity and crisis management, while driving service excellence, transformation and continuous improvement.

We deliver safety, warmth, and comfort to homes and businesses. Every role, whether in the office or on the front line, plays a key part in this mission. Here’s how you will contribute…

Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and deliver the IT & OT strategy, ensuring technology supports business objectives and operational performance.
• Lead the delivery of IT change, transformation and service improvement programmes across infrastructure, applications and end-user services.
• Ensure the availability, resilience and performance of all IT & OT services, delivering 24/7, 365-day operational support across the business.
• Work collaboratively with Cyber, Transformation and business leaders to deliver strategic priorities and optimise technology capabilities.
•  Oversee and effectively manage SGN’s core IT delivery programmes including:

o   Responsible for the Development, Test and Support Services Framework, ensuring all third parties deliver and maintain quality outputs, to time and budget.

o   Continued IT Service transformation and automation (Service Management, Service desk and End user services)

o   Work closely with CISO and SOC to ensure threats & vulnerabilities are managed and mitigated.

o   Supporting the delivery of new more efficient mechanisms of delivering change with business colleagues and re-use of technology (Ways of Working).

Financial Management and Controls

• Manage the IT Operations operational and capital budget, ensuring effective financial planning, governance and value for money.
• Oversee strategic supplier relationships and contracts to drive service excellence, efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with relevant governance, cyber security and IT service management standards.

Regulatory Funding and Stakeholder Management

• Ensure IT & OT services support the organisation's regulatory, operational and security obligations.
• Responsible for attendance and support of SGN Regulated Investment Committee, Cash Committee and other internal Executive forums as required, to challenge review and contribute to the Company performance and financial targets.
•  Support the wider IT leadership team on any engagements or requirements with Ofgem, DESNZ, NCSC as part of their ongoing assessment of company’s cyber security risk management for IT and OT.
•  Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support regulatory, cyber security and business priorities.

People, Talent and Skills

• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing IT Operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and inclusion.
• Ensure the organisation has the technical capability, skills and supplier partnerships required to support current and future business needs.
• Manage strategic technology partners to deliver high-quality, resilient and cost-effective services.

Accountabilities

• Overall accountability for the delivery, resilience and availability of all IT & OT services supporting approximately 5,000 employees and 5.9 million customers.
• Ensure business-critical services, including emergency response and operational systems, remain secure, resilient and available.
• Own IT business continuity, crisis management and cyber resilience capabilities across the organisation.
• Report on IT Operations performance, risks and strategic initiatives to the CIO, Executive Leadership Team and Board.

What you will need

• Significant senior leadership experience within IT Operations in a complex, business-critical or 24/7 operational environment.
• Proven success developing and delivering IT strategies, operational improvements and technology transformation programmes.
• Experience leading large-scale, high-availability IT services with responsibility for service resilience and operational performance.
• Strong financial and commercial management experience, including substantial budgets and strategic supplier relationships.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of IT service management, cyber security, business continuity and operational resilience.
• Understanding of governance and industry frameworks such as ITIL, ISO 27001 and related best practices.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging Executive and Board-level audiences.

Not sure you meet every requirement?

Research shows some people – particularly women and those from underrepresented backgrounds – may hesitate to apply unless they meet every criteria. At SGN, we value diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If this role interests you but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still love to hear from you. You might be just who we’re looking for – now or in the future.

Why SGN?

SGN leads pioneering research and development for a energy system. Our innovative technologies are transforming the gas industry while keeping people safe and warm. We are an award-winning employer, including CCA Gold Awards for Great Places to Work and Inclusivity and Accessibility, and a proud Gold member of the Armed Forces Covenant.

If you require any accommodations or support during the application process, reach out to us. We're here to help ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for everyone. >

>