Job Introduction

Exciting news! We have a new opportunity in our IT department for the role of Head of Digital & Data Experience. As the head of this role, you will oversee various critical responsibilities:

Manage the live running, backup, performance, and recovery of digital and data technology platforms. Collaborate with the Strategy & Architecture team to maintain roadmaps and implement foundational building blocks. Lead the Studio (Commercial) and Marketing Technology functional squad to deliver value for customers, colleagues, and shareholders.

Ensure effective project management of technology-related projects and collaborate with the Transformation Office. Champion a mobile-first & self-service mindset company-wide, driving innovation and leveraging AI for business efficiencies and new value ad much more.

To be successful in this role you'll need a significant track record of success in delivering digital engineering solutions in a retail environment, ideally globally, a proven track record in driving innovation and delivering emerging technologies such as AI and ML and leading teams to success.

Based at Junction 41 in Wakefield, with free parking and a flexible, hybrid way of working, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in our team. Colleagues are required to work in the office for a minimum of 1-2 days per week, with the expectation of additional attendance when needed.

Join us in driving digital transformation and enhancing our data experience! #DigitalTransformation #ITLeadership #DataExperience

Role Responsibility

• Provide digital engineering methods to functional squads across the whole technology landscape. Develop internal capability and leverage third party partners to ensure effectiveness, compliance (e.g. privacy by design) and quality of build quality
• Work in partnership with the Strategy & Architecture team to develop platform roadmaps that deliver foundational building blocks to meet business aspirations, aligned with functional squad needs and reduce technical debt
• Responsible for the digital transformation of the Studio and Marketing teams. Working in close partnership with Business partners to deliver incremental business value
• Provide project management of technology related projects across the IT team to ensure outcomes and timescales are achieved. Collaborate closely with the Transformation Office ensuring clarity of information
• Managing the IT Digital & Data budget, ensuring cost-effective security solutions are in place without compromising protection
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing IT infrastructure and operations team. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional development and innovation within the team
• Manage relationships with key IT Digital & Data vendors (solution providers, systems integrators, service providers) to ensure optimal performance and value. Monitor service levels and ensure usage compliance with terms and conditions
• Develop and track key performance indicators to monitor the performance and health of digital platform health and operations. Provide regular updates to senior management on platform status, performance metrics, and strategic initiatives

The Ideal Candidate

•  Solid experience of success in delivering digital engineering solutions in a retail environment is required to be successful in this role, ideally globally
• Experience leading, developing and managing teams
• Experience working in fast-paced and complex environments
• Experience working in high-maturity tooling-enabled environments
• Experience in budgeting, financial planning and cost management
• Experience working in the retail sector, ideally including stores, ecommerce and fulfilment.

About the Company

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland.  In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer.  This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.  

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Benefits

• 25% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support       
  • Financial Education Tools
  • Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Retail Management Apprenticeship Programmes with local providers with access to a virtual internal network for learning together
• Discounted mobile phone contracts
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing
• Enhanced Family leave

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly. 

No agencies, please.

Sportswift Ltd T/A cardfactory