Job Description

Kennedys is looking to recruit a Chief Information Officer to lead our global IT function. The role is responsible for all aspects of the operational delivery, information/Cybersecurity and end-user satisfaction of the firm's information technology and systems for all 2,900+ people located in 45 global offices.



The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer and involves working closely with the other Global Business Services Chiefs as part of the global business services leadership team.

Team

Kennedys IT Team comprises approximately 90 people across Asia Pacific, EMEA, Latin America, UK, and the US. The UK IT Team has specialist teams focusing on IT Operations, IT Applications, IT Infrastructure IT Security and IT Data Teams.



The majority of the IT team is based in the UK, with key hubs in London, Chelmsford and Manchester.



The role involves regular travel to these offices to engage with teams and support key initiatives.

Key responsibilities

Leadership

Lead the global IT function and maintain operational delivery of existing IT services Communicate the global IT priorities and roadmaps for function to all stakeholders globally Coach and develop senior team members in terms of industry technical knowledge and promote a team culture in keeping with the firm's values Oversee the IT function's global salary reviews and resourcing requirements Develop and share best practice and facilitate collaborative working between regions and countries Manage the central IT operational budget, collate global IT budgets, analyse and advise regions on proportionate spend Actively contribute to required transformation projects within the firm working closely with the other Global Business Services Chiefs.

Operational

Deliver existing IT operations globally ensuring systems are secure, robust, reliable and properly supported and meet the day-to-day needs of all users Develop and implement IT policies and procedures as required Ensure effective information services procurement and vendor management from contract negotiation to monitoring service provision, in partnership with the Procurement team Ensure all technology related systems, processes, controls and security are kept up to date and fit for purpose and add value to the firm Provide expert advice and support when systems are being upgraded or installed Identify ways in which new technology may enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Risk, Security, Compliance and Cyber Resilience

Ensure resilient technical architecture and robust contingency, risk management and business continuity plans for the IT function, including disaster recovery plans and cyber response Maintain IT governance to ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory standards Support the Risk & Compliance Team as required in the delivery of improved practices to maintain ISO 27001 accreditation.

Projects

Ensure that key projects are delivered effectively (with the appropriate governance and oversight) to deadlines with close management of costs, resources and risks Oversight of IT programmes and projects, reporting on governance and delivery as required.

Key Relationships

Global Business Services Chiefs Executive Group Regional Managing Partners

Required skills and experience

Previous experience in a leadership role within an IT department gained in an international professional services environment Track record of leading, motivating and managing IT teams across multiple global locations Excellent communication skills, confident presenter, able to engage and persuade at all levels Possesses a high degree of technical fluency and is able to demonstrate and communicate the practical application of this competence Strong strategic thinker and influencer Strong team leadership skills and collaborator Comfortable leading and supporting change Ability to manage stakeholders collaboratively and with empathy Builds and manages relationships across a global network with senior leadership, including effectively managing within a global organisation Deals with difficult conversations with senior leaders to jointly come to the right outcome for the business Highly client service orientated, solutions focused, and results orientated Resilient with the ability to operate within high pressured environments

Please let us know if you require any additional support or adjustments to be made in order to submit your application to Kennedys.


where a level of experience is indicated, this is a guideline only and represents the amount of time we would usually expect a candidate to accumulate the requisite level of experience. This does not preclude applications from candidates with more or less experience.*