Your new company
Landmarc provides the support services that enable Armed Forces from around the world to prepare for frontline military operations across the UK Defence Training Estate (DTE). This includes maintaining and delivering safe and sustainable infrastructure, managing and operating training areas and ranges and delivering multi-million pound projects to improve vital training assets.
By joining Landmarc you will be supporting our vision to provide the best training experience we can for our Armed Forces. We are the first and only Special Purpose Vehicle to be contracted by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as their Industry Partner on the UK Defence Training Estate and the only company that is solely dedicated to the UK DTE, delivering essential support services since 2003.
The department has two main functions. The first is Enterprise Architecture and Information Technology, which involves delivering IT services, including architecture and business analysis, IT project delivery, IT service management (and the IT service desk), infrastructure services, IT security, and innovation management. The second function is Data, Management Information (MI), and Reporting, which includes fulfilling TESC contract reporting obligations and providing Landmarc business insights to drive efficiency and productivity improvements.
Your new role
The Head of Information and Technology will lead the Information and Technology department, providing clear direction and developing and motivating the team. This role involves developing an IT Strategy that fully supports TESC contractual obligations and Landmarc’s commercial aspirations. Additionally, the Head will own the Enterprise Architecture and a three-year IT Roadmap that aligns with the Landmarc Business Plan and business objectives.
Delivery of the IT Strategy and Roadmap is a key responsibility, encompassing budget management, talent acquisition, systems and solutions implementation, business engagement, and coordination with relevant third parties. Building strong and effective relationships with business stakeholders is crucial to gain quality feedback, prioritize requirements, and ensure their effective delivery.
You’ll be required to develop a strategy and plan for Data & Information Management, Business Insight, and Reporting. Ensuring effective and reliable IT operations for all users, formalized into Service Level Agreements, is essential. Leading the management team in shaping and delivering their responsibilities, providing guidance on best practices, and formally managing their performance are also key duties.
You’ll be attracting, retaining, and developing quality talent to meet Information and Technology objectives is vital. The Head will oversee Information and Technology Governance, including architecture decisions, risk management, technology operations, TESC reporting, and project and product delivery, ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.
Identifying and mitigating risks, including IT Security and Data Protection, in alignment with the Landmarc corporate Risk Framework, is another critical responsibility. Supporting internal and external audit activities related to Data/Information and Technology, such as ISO 27001 certification, risk management, business continuity, and relevant MoD-specific requirements, is also part of the role.
Defining appropriate Information Management and Technology Operations KPIs and reporting on their achievement through a dashboard to the Finance Director and ELT is required. Ensuring the delivery of processes and guidance for relevant TESC contract requirements is also essential.
The Head is accountable for the Data, Business Insight, and Reporting team, ensuring they fulfill responsibilities, including contract compliance reporting. The team must record, store, and maintain relevant business data appropriately and analyze it to derive business insights that improve Landmarc’s productivity and efficiency.
Finally, the Head will define and lead the innovation process for Landmarc, ensuring that technology-enabled solutions are identified and exploited. They are also accountable for Information and Technology budget and spend planning, management, and reporting, delegating authority to the leadership team as appropriate.
What you'll need to succeed
Candidates for the Head of Information and Technology role will need to demonstrate proven experience in IT leadership roles, preferably within a similar organizational setting or industry. They should possess strong experience and knowledge of IT systems, services, infrastructure, security, and emerging technologies. Additionally, experience in data and information management, including processes and tools for effective data governance, information management, and reporting, is essential.
Proficiency in both agile and traditional management methodologies and tools, such as Scrum and Prince2, is required. Candidates should also have experience managing IT departments, including budgeting and financial management, talent management, risk management, and IT audits. Familiarity with relevant compliance standards and regulations, such as ISO 27001 and the Data Protection Act, is crucial.
A solid understanding of corporate productivity and technology tools, including Microsoft Office and Azure, is necessary. Knowledge and experience with IT security frameworks, such as NIST and Cyber Essentials, and best practices in this area are also important.
Desirable skills and qualifications include a degree in a relevant subject, such as Computer Science, Information Management, or Business Management. Experience and/or certification in leading data warehouse, analysis, and visualization tools, such as Snowflake, Azure Synapse, Power Platform, Cognos, SAS, and Qlik, are highly valued. Relevant certifications, such as CISSP, PMP, ITIL, or CIO-level certifications, are advantageous. Experience with CAFM solutions, such as Maximo and Facilio, and working in secure or restricted environments, such as for the MoD or other government departments, is also beneficial.
What you can do
To be successful in the role, you will need to effectively represent and advocate for the Information & Technology function when engaging with senior business leadership. This involves making sensible decisions and empowering your team to deliver strategic objectives, ensuring that you ‘get stuff done’ and are trusted in your role.
Leading by example is crucial, as you will empower your direct reports and their teams while driving accountability. Effective delegation is key, allowing team members to innovate and solve challenges creatively. You should enjoy being challenged by deadlines, have a high tolerance for ambiguity, and remain calm and productive under pressure.
As a leader, you will mentor and manage a diverse department, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Supporting others to navigate conflict and fostering a culture of accountability are essential aspects of the role. Demonstrating business acumen and commercial understanding, in addition to deep technology skills, will be vital.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary to provide effective feedback to staff. You should be able to work independently and as part of a team, with a strong customer service orientation. Being health and safety conscious, outcome and results-oriented, and having a proactive, flexible, and positive approach to work will also contribute to your success in this role.
- Daniel Sharp