Job Description

Description

The role is responsible for designing and delivering Innovate UK Business Connect's Integrated Systems plan to ensure it reflects the IT and data requirements to support the ambitious commitments laid out in our five-year strategy.



The role will lead the IT, Data & CRM and Data Governance teams in support of the organisation through a professional high-quality provision of IT infrastructure and devices, business applications and strategic planning of future IT and data architecture requirements to support the strategy and our employees.



The role will have full responsibility for an integrated data architecture that serves Innovate UK Business Connect's data strategy and supports Innovate UK Business Connect's communications & analytical activity.



As a senior leader of the Operations Directorate, the role will collaborate with colleagues across the organisation exploring the best and most effective ways of supporting the business' systems and data requirements.

Roles & Responsibilities

Collaborate to design and deliver Innovate UK Business Connect's IT plan, to ensure it reflects the IT requirements to support the ambitious commitments laid out in our five-year strategy. Provide expert knowledge, experience and an innovative approach to support and develop the IT plan ensuring it is continually appraised and updated to reflect the IT requirements to support the strategy of Innovate UK Business Connect. Drive Innovate UK Business Connect to best practice for all software and hardware including all SaaS (Software as a service). Work in partnership with internal key teams to include Innovation, Insights and Policy, Reach and Engagement directorate. Work closely with other teams to maximise synergy of systems within the overall IT systems structure. Take ownership and accountability for the Information Security policy, including developing and implementing best practice in line with Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) guidelines. Lead and oversee the management of the Data & CRM team. Provide expert strategic knowledge and inspirational leadership, training and coaching to the team. Take an active leadership role, developing influential working relationships internally throughout across Innovate UK Business Connect. Be the decision maker, in consultation where appropriate, providing strategic and professional leadership on IT and systems related projects and development. Sharing of best practice, driving continuous improvement in compliance with policies and procedures and ensuring that key stakeholders are kept informed. Continually review technical developments to ensure where feasible that efficiency and fit for purpose are achieved. Ensure that user requirements are met and communication during the project journey is transparent and realistic. Responsible for the operational, strategic planning and provision of resource for the delivery of projects and support across the organisation. Ensure that all suppliers are contracted in accordance with company policy and have the experience and security credentials to reduce any associated risk to Innovate UK Business Connect as an organisation. Keep abreast of IT industry changes and legislation to ensure compliance in all areas including General Data Protection Regulation (in liaison with Data Protection Officer) and Cyber Security standards and recommend the implementation of appropriate advancements. Responsible for the IT service desk and be available in a hands-on approach. Provide proactive comprehensive solution orientated support to the Executive and Senior Managers teams and staff on all IT matters. Sharing of best practice, driving continuous improvement in compliance with policies and procedures. Own, develop and maintain business relationships with all 3rd party providers. Promote the use of Data Science within the Data & CRM team to deliver insightful data. Oversee the Data & CRM's team construction and maintenance of an evolving integrated data architecture and its automations.

Experience & Skills

Essential Experience

Experience of leading and developing strategic programmes to include budgeting responsibilities. Senior level experience of managing a portfolio of projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Senior level experience of standard network architecture and relevant systems and technologies. Admin level experience in modern standard software as a service (SaaS) office tools. Experience in gaining and maintaining Cyber Security standards accreditation. Experience of change management, proven experience of developing, gaining organisation wide support and implementing robust systems and solutions. Experience of cloud only infrastructure based on core services utilising Office 365 on Apple based hardware macOS/iOS managed through JAMF Pro Mobile Device Management (MDM). Experience of databases, data querying methods and data architecture. Experience of CRM systems. Experience with IT procurement.

Desirable Experience

Experience with Government Green Book processes.

Skills

Experience of supporting multi-site offices and large home-based employees. Ability to establish and maintain the confidence, trust and support of IT staff and users alike through periods of significant and organisational change. Strong inclusive team working approach and understanding of and ability to work with non IT staff to translate organisation and customer needs into successful service delivery. Strong leadership capability with the ability to effectively lead and motivate a team working in a complex and challenging environment and who need to effectively balance short and long-term priorities. Ability to look continuously for opportunities for improvement and to develop approaches for change to influence and shape the future direction of the business. Keeps abreast of IT industry changes. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate confidently and build effective relationships Team player with good relationship building and influencing skills; enjoys working in a collaborative manner in an open, honest, and diverse environment Capable of working across organisational boundaries and with senior internal stakeholders. Ability and confidence to make sound judgments, drawing on relevant sources of information. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Excellent data analysis skills.

Benefits & how to apply

This role is Grade 3 - the salary will be 70,000 to 75,000 pa 28 days annual leave plus 10.5 bank and public holidays Enhanced Pension Plan (up to 10% employer contribution) Life Assurance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to Work Scheme Wider Wallet employee benefits high street discounts scheme Opportunities for continuous professional development as part of our Talent & Development Programme
This advert will close on Wednesday 22nd October.


First stage interviews w/c 3rd November.



Second stage interviews w/c 17th November.


Please apply by submitting a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability with specifics relating to the requirements of the role, and your CV outlining your experience.


Applicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the UK without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided. Unfortunately, owing to the high number of applications received, we can only provide feedback to applicants selected for interview.



This role requires employees to

complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact the Recruitment Team by email to recruitment@iukbc.org.uk.


Innovate UK Business Connect strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry: people of colour, LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, people of any age or family status. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.


We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to removing barriers for individuals with conditions, illnesses or disabilities and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, and in their future role.


If you would like to request any reasonable adjustment, for any part of the recruitment process (including application), please let us know by emailing recruitment@iukbc.org.uk.

About Innovate UK Business Connect

We connect ideas, people, and communities to drive innovation that changes lives.



Innovation is complex. The journey from idea to market is not straightforward and requires a diverse range of know-how, investment, market knowledge and research. Innovate UK Business Connect exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking - accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.



The future holds both challenges and opportunities. We are passionate about working with innovative businesses to overcome these challenges and shape the opportunities and solutions that follow.



Our vision is to create a network of innovators so powerful its ideas will change the world.



While business is at the heart of our work, our diverse connections span government, funders, research and the third sector. This unrivalled overview and connectivity enable us to be a trusted guide through a complex global landscape of research, development, and innovation.