Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officer

Woking preferred or wider UK based

About James Walker

The family-owned James Walker Group provides solutions in sealing, rail track fixation and vibration attenuation. Our three trusted global, industrial brands; James Walker, edilon)(sedra and Tiflex offer high performance products and systems based on advanced materials technology and engineering.

Through decades of investment in people, research and development, manufacturing facilities, technology and distribution infrastructure, we have developed a reputation for high quality products and services. Today the Group employs circa 1,900 people and has a manufacturing and sales presence in 30 countries.

Your Role

Sitting on the James Walker Strategic Business Unit (“SBU”) Board and with a visiting position on the James Walker Group Board and the other two SBU Boards, the CIO leads the strategic direction for IT across the business. The CIO engages key stakeholders across the Group and works closely with the senior management team and with the board of Directors, as a “business partner”, to inspire IT, process and behavioural change, which will unlock both efficiency and revenue potential. The CIO is responsible for building a sustainable platform for continued growth and enabling the Group’s long term strategic plans by maximising the potential of existing business systems and capitalising on new technology and digital opportunities that add real value, realising significant benefit and keeping the business ahead of the competitive curve.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting to the CFO to develop, prioritise and implement the IT roadmap and strategic plan to help deliver a future IT estate which is globally integrated and seen as an enabler supporting company performance and driving strategic growth.
• Take ownership and accountability for maximising the potential of existing business systems, simplifying the landscape and resolving inefficiencies within ERP and other business systems to deliver real value.
• Own and drive cost efficiency, business process improvement and value creation opportunities that can help simplify, automate and standardise workflows through technology and digital solutions.
• Drive solutions which help enhance the customer experience as a key differentiator.
• Develop and deliver effective data analytics and business intelligence strategy which provides commercial advantage.
• Ensure investment in IT is identified and supported by appropriate and robust business cases.
• Provide leadership, direction and hands on involvement regarding portfolio, programme, project management and change & transformation activity in support of the organisational objectives.
• Take ownership of information / cyber security, highlighting areas for improvement and propose solutions for consideration.
• Ensure robust, fit for purpose and positive third-party vendor relationship management.
• Ensure AI policy and strategy is fit-for-purpose

About you

Personal Attributes and Technical Skills

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the confidence to liaise with stakeholders up to Board level, gain trust and build effective networks across the business.
• Innovative and forward looking with ability to challenge the status quo and influence as appropriate to enable change. A strong communicator who is able to deliver arguments in clear and logical manner.
• Resilient and resourceful with willingness to be responsive and flexible, and a desire to get things done. Can-do attitude and commitment to delivering results and strives for continuous improvement.
• Collaborative team player with ability to integrate across functional and SBU boundaries.
• High emotional intelligence and empathy, sensitive, tactful and diplomatic as well as professional and patient.
• Very high level of integrity.
• Leadership: a dynamic, results orientated and influential leader with the ability to engage, lead and inspire. Can operate successfully at a strategic level, yet with a hands-on style. A strong team player who promotes engagement. Should have the ability to quickly establish credibility, have an impact and drive change in a manner which takes people with them and gets real buy-in.
• Strategic Business Acumen: a demonstrated ability to devise and implement a forward-thinking plan based on a good understanding of industry trends and opportunities.
• Change Management: create a positive integrated culture, building on existing strengths and attributes.
• Open to limited international travel

Skill & Experience

• Proven track record as CIO or IT Director within a complex organisation, ideally as a board member, with full end to end responsibility for IT including defining strategy.
• Experience in complex manufacturing/industrial businesses.
• Evidence of IT change and transformation to enable and maximise growth as well as fundamentally and positively impact the business.
• Ability to deploy business systems and solutions to deliver genuine business value.
• Knowledge of “what good looks like” through exposure to best practice corporate environments balanced with experience gained in smaller, entrepreneurial businesses.
• Evidence of leading cybersecurity and digital strategy with knowledge of digital, automation and robotics in manufacturing.
• Experience of multi-million-pound budget ownership and management as well as people management of a globally distributed IT function.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level with relevant qualifications