Location: Office based - most of your time will be spent behind the scenes in our offices on Bristol Harbourside, though there will be lots of opportunities to spend time in the venue.
We're happy to support flexible working - both through hybrid working and your working pattern. You just need to be able to attend key meetings, have some cross-over with the rest of the IT team and deliver the responsibilities of the role.
Department: IT
Report to: Director of Finance & IT
Responsible for: IT Team (6 direct reports)
Salary: £50,000-£60,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working hours: Full time, with some weekend cover (time off in lieu is provided in these instances). Part time working (minimum of 4 days a week) will be considered.
About the role
Following a recent review of our digital strategy, and the development of our Plan 2030, we have started to identify key areas for technological advancement and innovation. We are now seeking a visionary Head of IT to lead our digital transformation and manage IT operations. This senior role is pivotal in driving technological innovation and aligning our digital capabilities with our mission to cultivate curiosity and empower everyone to ask questions. The Head of IT will ensure that our technological infrastructure not only supports our ambitious goals but also enhances the visitor experience.
This role requires someone who can be both strategic and a pragmatic. We need someone who can anticipate future technological trends and leverage them to enhance our educational offerings and exhibit space, as well as streamline day to day IT operations. A pragmatic approach will ensure these innovations are implemented efficiently and cost-effectively, delivering value for money and clear benefits. Strong leadership and people skills are essential as the successful candidate will lead a small, dedicated team, and will need to collaborate with external partners.
You'll be joining the IT team, which includes our IT support desk, infrastructure management, data and insights, as well as software development. The team looks after all IT at We The Curious, which includes all staff related IT, as well as the management of IT in our exhibit space and wider estate.
What will you do in this role?
Role specific responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Management
- Develop and implement the organisation's IT strategy, aligning it with our mission and strategic objectives. Be responsible for the data and systems strategy, with a particular focus on improving the CRM solution (Tessitura), along with our Business Analyst.
- Provide vision and leadership for IT initiatives, ensuring that the organisation is taking advantage of new technologies, focussing on interactive and educational experiences.
- Formulate IT policies and procedures to ensure data security, compliance with regulations and operational efficiency. This includes developing and maintaining disaster recovery and business continuity plans, as well as ensuring cyber security.
- Manage the IT budget, ensuring cost effective solutions are used, and optimising resource allocation wherever possible.
Operational Management
- Oversee the management and maintenance of WTC's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers and data storage solutions. This includes determining in the long run what needs to be locally hosted, and what would be served better by cloud-based solutions.
- Ensure the reliability, security and performance of all IT systems including hardware and software throughout the entire venue. This will include overseeing the software development and maintenance of our exhibits.
- Work with external partners to leverage their expertise and resources.
Team Leadership
- Foster the professional development and growth of the IT team, promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
- Collaborate with other teams to understand and meet their technology needs.
- Manage all aspects of the IT team, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation and professional development.
What will you do in this role?
General ? responsibilities
_Embody and demonstrate our values; Collaborative, Creative, Inquisitive, Playful, Progressive.
_Responsible for carefully following safeguarding policies and procedures and raising any concerns to manager/Designated Safeguarding Officer.
_Collaborate with the Development team on any funding bids and reports relating to your area of work; where applicable as project lead.
_General responsibility for departmental compliance with GDPR.
_Occasional weekend work (time off in lieu will be provided)
What we're looking for from you
_Proven experience in a senior digital role, ideally within the visitor attraction or museum sectors.
_Strong understanding of current and emerging technologies, particularly those related to interactive and educational environments.
_Excellent strategic planning and project management skills.
_Demonstrated ability to manage, lead, and develop a small, diverse team.
_Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or relevant experience
_Strategic thinker with a forward-looking vision.
_Pragmatic approach to delivering value and managing change.
_Passionate about technology and its role in education and engagement.
_Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong emphasis on leadership, people management, and team development.
_Ability to manage change, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
TO APPLY
Fill out our application form by 22nd September