Job Description

2025-HOIT
We are proud to be One Team at East Midlands Railway (EMR). We are passionate about keeping people safe, delighting our customers, doing the right thing and putting customers at the heart of our sustainable railway for the East Midlands. With over 30 million passengers served every year and a dedicated team of colleagues, we're transforming how we work through technology, data and innovation.
We are now seeking a Head of IT & Systems to lead the IT function and play a key role in shaping EMR's digital and technology strategy. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced IT leader to drive transformation, develop system resilience, enhance performance and enable our business to thrive in a digital world.
The Role
As Head of IT & Systems, you will be responsible for the strategic direction, operational delivery and performance of EMR's entire IT and systems estate. You will lead a talented team and work closely with senior leaders across the business to ensure technology, data and systems enable operational success and business growth.
Key accountabilities include:

• Leadership of IT operations, infrastructure, cloud services, networks and systems support
• Development and execution of the IT strategy aligned to EMR's business priorities
• Oversight of cyber security, information security, risk, GDPR and resilience frameworks
• Management of VFM supplier partnerships and technology budgets
• Delivery of technology change and improvement programmes
• Provision of trusted data, reporting and insight to support business decision-making
• Business partnering to raise IT performance and responsiveness

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visible and effective leadership to the IT & Systems function, inspiring high performance and collaboration
• Champion digital transformation and adopt best-practice approaches to technology deployment
• Ensure the reliability, performance and security of all IT systems and infrastructure
• Define and implement cyber security and data protection strategies
• Lead the delivery of IT change projects, ensuring robust governance and delivery on time and on budget
• Promote business partnering and ensure stakeholder needs are fully understood, prioritised and met
• Manage, motivate and develop colleagues to build capability and resilience across the function

About You

• Degree educated, BSc/BA in computer science, management or equivalent experience
• Significant senior IT leadership experience in a complex operational environment
• Broad technical knowledge across systems, infrastructure, cloud, data, security and support functions
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at all levels
• Experience of managing large technical budgets and supplier relationships
• Proven experience leading digital transformation and delivering technology change
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to make complex technology issues accessible to non-technical audiences

What We Offer

• Excellent defined benefit pension scheme
• Competitive annual leave allowance with progression after tenure
• Flexible working arrangements
• Free first-class travel on EMR services
• Free and discounted travel for you, family and dependants
• Access to employee benefits and discount schemes
• Opportunities for training and development

How to Apply
Complete the online application and upload your CV. Please remove personal details (including your name) as we operate a blind screening process. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to equal opportunities for all.

Skills Required