Group Information Technology Director

Check Fire – serving the fire trade since 1975. With 50 years’ experience in the Fire Safety, nobody knows the trade better. We have established a proven track record of excellence and have earned the respect of our customers by delivering quality products and dependable service. As the market leader in the Fire Trade, we offer an unparalleled level of capability and reliability.

Our stocks are enormous, our service is personal, and our promises are genuine.

About the Role

The Group IT Director will be responsible for developing and delivering the Group's technology strategy, ensuring that information technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation and business systems support the Group's long-term commercial objectives.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across all IT operations, ensuring technology is secure, scalable and aligned to the evolving needs of each business while promoting innovation, efficiency and exceptional customer service.

Reporting into the Managing Director, the Group IT Director will directly lead the:

• Net Suite Specialist
• IT Service Desk Engineer

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver the Group IT Strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead the Group's digital transformation programme and technology roadmap.
• Provide strategic technology advice to the Board regarding emerging technologies, risks and investment opportunities.
• Promote innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement throughout the Group.

IT Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee all IT infrastructure, networks, cloud platforms, business systems and cybersecurity.
• Ensure technology services effectively support Check Fire, Fire Seals Direct  and future Group businesses.
• Maintain secure, reliable and resilient IT services across all Group companies.
• Ensure appropriate allocation of resources across operational support, ERP development and strategic transformation programmes.

Governance, Security & Compliance

• Develop Group-wide IT governance, policies, standards and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, Cyber Essentials, ISO standards and other applicable regulations.
• Maintain and test business continuity, disaster recovery and cyber resilience plans.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity and data protection controls are maintained.
• Lead major technology projects from business case development through to implementation.
• Drive automation, AI adoption and process improvement initiatives across the Group.
• Support mergers, acquisitions and business integration activities from an IT perspective.
• Develop data governance, business intelligence and reporting capabilities.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead, coach and develop the Net Suite Specialist and IT Service Desk Engineer.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing IT function delivering exceptional internal customer service.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across all Group businesses.
• Manage relationships with software vendors, technology partners and managed service providers.
• Manage the Group IT budget and ensure effective investment in technology.

Experience

• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related discipline.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Chartered IT Professional (CITP) or equivalent.
• Experience with Cyber Essentials and/or ISO 27001.
• Experience with in manufacturing, distribution, construction products or fire protection industries.

What Success Looks Like

In this role you will:

• Deliver the Group IT Strategy in line with agreed business objectives.
• Successfully implement strategic technology and digital transformation programmes.
• Improve operational efficiency through technology, automation and process improvement.
• Ensure technology investments deliver measurable commercial value.
• Develop a high-performing IT team capable of supporting future growth.
• Improve system integration and consistency across Group businesses.
• Strengthen cybersecurity, resilience and compliance across the Group.
• Enhance both employee and customer experiences through technology innovation.

In return we offer the following benefits:

• 25 days holiday + up to 4 days for Christmas Shutdown + Bank Holidays
• Profit Sharing - Receive a percentage of your salary based on the company achieving EBITDA results
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme with Royal London
• EAP Provider with TELUS Health
• Access to Digital GP Appointments and medical professionals
• Free parking including electric charge points
• Excellent and modern onsite facilities including free tea, coffee and fruit