General Manager Data, IT & Systems

Position:
General Manager – Data, IT & Systems

Reporting to:
Commercial & Digital Director

Confidentiality:
Open.

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading Executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors:

Rail & Transportation
Civils & Construction
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Technology & Cyber Security
Logistics & Intermodal Freight
Defence
Our search directors, search consultants and in house research team specialise in retained opportunities at the highest level of organisational leadership and management.

Our success is based upon a blend of trust-driven relationships, robust market knowledge, and working practices that ensure the best possible alignment of organisational need with experience and personal ambition.

Working with business leaders on bespoke assignments for over a decade, we understand exactly what our customers expect from an executive search and talent advisory service – whether there is a pressing business need for an executive interim or that of a long-term permanent appointment - Ford & Stanley Executive Search provide the solution.

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.

Client Opportunity Statements:

"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.”

Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:

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
Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:

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.
Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)

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

Experience of being a…