General Manager Data, IT & Systems

Position: General Manager
- Data, IT & Systems

Reporting to: Commercial & Digital Director

Confidentiality: Open.

We have been exclusively appointed by Southeastern on a retained search for a General Manager
- Data, IT & Systems.

Below you will find a 'Candidate Opportunity Brief' developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Research Manager of Executive Search & Senior Research Associate and the Commercial & Digital Director and HRBP of our client.

This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents, and provide access to the detail that sits behind the job specification.

"This is an opportunity to lead our Data, IT and Systems function at a time when technology and insight are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of rail.

You'll be responsible for ensuring our IT services, operational systems and data capabilities are secure, resilient and fit for the demands of a 24/7 railway. Beyond keeping the business running, you'll also set the strategic direction for how technology and data can improve performance, support decision-making and deliver long-term transformation.

Working closely with the Commercial & Digital Director, Executive team and Great British Railways, you'll help influence the industry-wide technology and data initiatives while ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital innovation.

This role would suit a leader who can balance operational excellence with forward-thinking change, someone who can set a clear vision, simplify complexity and bring people with them on the journey."

• Building a strong external and internal presence within the rail industry by developing meaningful relationships with customers, industry partners, and stakeholders, leveraging these networks to gain insight into emerging challenges, opportunities and best practice.
• Developing a thorough understanding of the complexed political and regulatory environment within the rail sector, effectively navigating stakeholder interests and industry dynamics to support business objectives.
• Balancing strategic transformation with operational excellence, ensuring appropriate oversight of critical commercial contracts, cyber security, mitigating risks associated with technology and systems failure, and maintaining a clear focus on the day-to-day operational needs of the business

• Established credibility and engagement across the function, securing the confidence and support of key stakeholders and team members, taking them on a digital transformation journey.
• Defined and started to implement the strategic vision for the Data, IT and Systems function, with measurable progress demonstrated through the successful delivery of key initiatives and tangible business outcomes.

Relevant experience or qualifications within IT, Data, Computer Science or a related field

Experience of being a strategic business partner to Executives and Senior external stakeholders

Varied industry experience, to bring a different view and understanding to the role and business

A visionary leader, with demonstratable experience of elevating and taking a team and wider company on a journey of change

Experienced of leading a large-scale business through digital adoption and transformation

Experienced in value-driven pricing.

A strong understanding of cyber and technology, with experience in one or more of
- Azure, Power BI, AWS, Prince 2, Agile PM Scrum, TOGAF, DAMA CDMP, ISO (phone number removed), CISM/CISSP

A natural data storyteller, ability to share clear insight at all levels and take a compelling strategy to market

Confident negotiating and managing complex technology supplier relationships

Desirable:
Rail industry experience

Strong stakeholder management experience able to build relationships across the whole of the business.

Ambitious, able to operate effectively in a fast-paced…