Head of Emerging Technology

Role Overview

We are seeking a visionary and technically astute Head of Emerging Technologies to lead the future of our IT landscape from our Belfast Business Service Centre. Reporting directly to the CIO, this role is the most senior IT position in Belfast and will provide strategic leadership across multiple IT functions including Enterprise Architecture, Business Analysis, PMO, Dev Ops, Data Science & Analytics, and Product Management.

This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the technical capabilities required to realise Fieldfisher’s 2030 ambitions. The role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, technical depth, and operational agility to ensure our platforms are aligned, our teams are empowered, and our delivery is fast, scalable, and future‑ready.

• Execute the firm’s IT technology strategy in alignment with Fieldfisher’s 2030 vision working with Fieldfisher X, Condor and the firm’s AI Strategy.
• Lead the planning and evolution of the enterprise technical landscape, ensuring synergy between creative planning, analytics, and technical execution.
• Champion innovation and drive adoption of existing technologies across the firm focusing on scaling up internal IT projects, and Fieldfisher X AI initiatives.

• Act as the senior IT leader for the Belfast Business Hub, providing day‑to‑day leadership and mentorship to local IT teams.
• Foster a high‑performance culture and ensure alignment with global IT strategy and standards.

• Oversee Enterprise Architecture to ensure scalable, secure, and interoperable systems.
• Direct Business Analysis to translate business needs into actionable technical requirements.
• Manage the PMO to ensure disciplined delivery, governance, and reporting across IT projects.
• Drive Dev Ops capability with a fast‑track delivery model that enables rapid execution and seamless transition to operational support for IT services.
• Lead Data Science & Analytics to unlock insights and support data‑driven decision‑making from the firm’s data strategy.
• Own Product Management to ensure user‑centric design, delivery, and lifecycle management of the firm’s digital solutions.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, security, and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across business units to align technology initiatives with strategic goals.
• Represent IT in executive forums and contribute to firm‑wide planning and innovation.

• Proven experience in senior IT leadership roles, ideally within professional services or regulated environments.
• Deep expertise in the Microsoft Ecosystem, enterprise architecture, Dev Ops, data analytics, and product management.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, edge computing, Cyber and ESG software) and their enterprise applications.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and team leadership skills.
• Experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams and complex portfolios.
• Familiarity with agile, lean, and hybrid delivery methodologies.
• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field; advanced qualifications preferred.

• Experience leading IT functions in a multi‑site or global organisation.
• Knowledge of ESG and sustainability in technology strategy.
• Track record of delivering technologies in high‑pressure, fast‑paced environments.

• We don’t have a type. We believe our differences are our strength; varied cultures, approaches and experience can only benefit us.

• You can be yourself:
  It takes everyone to make us who we are. We’re a culture of diverse perspectives, with each of us making unique contributions that make us better together.
• In the office or WFH? We think the best balance is more time in the office than at home, so we operate a 60 : 40 rule.
• Beyond salary:
  We offer plenty of benefits; private medical insurance, health cash plan, dental insurance, life assurance, critical illness insurance, matched pension contributions up to 7%, holiday trading, plus many more. Visit:
  Reward & Benefits ¦ Fieldfisher.
• Modern Office Space:
  Loc…