Technology Director – Twickenham – RFU

Job Description
Based at Twickenham Stadium, we are seeking a credible Technology Director who will be responsible for leading technology strategy and delivery for the RFU, setting the strategic direction for the provision, procurement and management of technology platforms required to support the RFU. The role holder will ensure that the organisation has the technology solutions, including digital platforms, it needs to operate effectively and support and achieve its business strategy. Responsible for developing and inspiring a high performing, creative and flexible technology team which enables the organisation to deliver its strategic plan and dynamically supporting the business well into the future.

Key responsibilities will include:
Strategy
• Develop and deliver a forward-thinking, leading practice, technology strategy aligned and integrated to business strategy.
• Demonstrate the value of modern technology and platforms to enable the organisation to meet its objectives.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders to provide technology related support insight and advice.
• Work closely as a business partner to fully understand differing requirements of disparate user groups, setting and meeting agreed appropriate service levels and needs.
• Drive increased levels of innovation, involvement and education from technology in partnering across all functions.
• Identify opportunities from emerging trends and technologies and maximise the business value generated through technology.
• Champion a portfolio of projects designed to deliver the strategic initiatives of the organisation.
• Lead discussions and analysis of business requirements (and gaps) regarding Management Information to further understand partner needs.
Delivery
• Take responsibility for development, delivery and monitoring of both a technology strategy and roadmap.
• Ensure that robust risk management plans are in place through project transformation and day to day running.
• Ensure that the RFU continues to meet its regulatory requirements regarding information and security.
• Deliver high quality, responsive and improving support functions.

Governance
• Establish an appropriate governance mechanism that allows the business to make, shape and enforce decisions on technology investment, in its broadest sense, and set direction for the technology team.
• Drive communication of processes and controls ensuring these are maintained and that decision-making rationale is well communicated and understood by all.
• Champion the sharing of reporting systems and data analysis to ensure visibility of issues in order to prioritise solutions and change.
• Champion the alignment of all business processes and interfaces.
• Monitor and manage the performance of technology related systems and services.

Leadership
• Provide leadership and direction to the technology team to deliver in line with technology strategy and organisation requirements through effective coaching and people development activities to create an energised team who strive to deliver good practice.
• Transform the team from a pure support function to one which has a wider remit to support the needs of the business for information and tools to achieve their objectives.
• Promote confidence in the organisation that technology can support the long-term requirements of the RFU.
• Continually keep abreast of latest technological advancements in sport and business, ensuring sharing of information with technology team and key stakeholders.
• Develop an effective communications strategy to engage the business on the value of technology and programme delivery.

Project Management
• Take overall responsibility for the portfolio of projects which will deliver the technology strategy.
• Lead the co-ordination of technology projects across the organisation.
• Determine resource requirements to meet business needs cost effectively and agree a strategy for meeting these requirements with senior stakeholders.

Enterprise Architecture
• Review and monitor all existing technology systems, infrastructure and equipment and whilst ensuring cost effective solutions that meet the organisation needs.
• Continuously rationalise and create synergy of existing databases, department specific systems, varying interfaces and platforms into integrated solutions that deliver against key RFU priorities.
• Champion the RFU data strategy ensuring it is appropriately scoped, resourced, up to date and prioritised to deliver effectively across the organisation.
• Champion the shared reporting systems, information flows and data analysis to ensure visibility of issues in order to prioritise solutions and change.

Financial
• Formulate and agree annual operational and capital budgets for technology and corporate programmes.
• Monitor the delivery of technology and programmes against these budgets.
• Working with procurement, continuously review all 3rd party spend required ensuring the RFU is receiving value for money.
• Ensure all investments are balanced according to key criteria – managed risk, aligned strategically and ROI.
• Ensure the documentation and proactive management of maintenance agreements whilst simplifying IT costing where possible.

Qualifications and Experience:
• Significant experience working at a strategic level in a forward-thinking, commercial technology environment.
• Experience working at senior level and contributing to broader business and commercial decisions, initiating and implementing business proposals and strategy.
• Significant experience in building, leading, managing and developing a ‘best in class’ commercially focused technology function.
• Experience in leading a technology team through considerable change.
• Strong project management experience in large scale technology transformation.
• Experience of managing substantial financial budgets.
• Proven track record in selection and management of 3rd party suppliers.
• Experience working in a Business Partner culture using collaborative style of working.
• A proven technical ability to deliver and review work when appropriate.
• Strong technology background within a commercial and digital landscape.
• Experience of delivering technology portfolios with a digital and data bias.
• Educated to relevant degree level or equivalent.

The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with excellent leadership and people skills and a passion for building and leading high performance teams. The ability to lead a team of diverse skill sets and to communicate, motivate and influence at all levels (including executive level) are essential for the role. The role holder must be passionate about technology and digital, seeking to be innovative and strive for continuous improvement with the ability/desire to positively explore and embrace new technologies and balance against business needs, priorities and value for money. The role requires an assertive, confident leader with the ability to challenge and influence at senior level whist being a team player with excellent customer service skills. A strategic thinker and scanner of business and technology is vital along with the ability to work at strategic and hands-on level as is the ability to communicate and work with a wide range of users from highly skilled technical to limited/low knowledge non-technical.

How to apply
To apply please send your CV, cover letter and salary expectations to recruitment@therfu.com.

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