Head of Applications & Data (IT)

Milton Keynes, MK16 9EZ

Salary – £85,000 to £95,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Full time role.

Hybrid working model.

We’re looking for a Head of Applications & Data to join us and take ownership of the application landscape and data environment. The role will manage end-to-end lifecycles to ensure optimum functionality, performance and service in both applications and data, and will lead a growing internal team and manage key strategic suppliers. The role will also define and execute a strategic roadmap and oversee transformational change in applications and data as we head into the exciting future ahead.

What will your role look like?

You will be responsible for:

End-to-end lifecycle management of a complex landscape of business applications including POS, inventory, operations, HRIS, finance and payroll.
Creation and execution of an applications strategy, defining a future roadmap of business applications and identifying opportunities for modernization, consolidation and improvement.
Lead, coach and develop the internal applications team covering application management and application delivery.
Drive operationally focused efficiency improvements through the use of applications and automation, including AI, promoting an innovation and continuous improvement mindset.

Ownership and management of data architecture, covering a complex multi-source Microsoft based data environment and unified data platform.
Creation and execution of a data strategy, defining a future roadmap of data architecture, technologies, visualization and analytics, identifying opportunities for extending and enhancing data, and driving analytical innovation including AI and ML.
Lead, coach and develop the internal data team comprising of data architecture, data management, data engineering and data analysis.
Drive the continued evolution of data development and delivery to iterative, agile, methodologies, guiding and supporting the business and fostering a culture of collaboration, communication and agility.

Build and maintain excellent working relationships with business stakeholders including Management and Senior Leadership teams, understanding, collaborating and acting as a trusted partner, advisor and enabler.
Management of key third-party suppliers and managed services providers driving strategic alignment and enablement while ensuring optimal operational, financial and contractual performance.
Creation and ownership of operational and capital expenditure budgets for Applications and Data, ensuring strict cost control and ongoing management including monitoring, budget analysis, and reporting.

About you

Ideally, we are looking for someone who has:

A background in managing complex application and data environments, ideally within the retail, FMCG, or Hospitality sectors.
An excellent understanding of business applications, (POS, inventory, operations, HRIS, finance and payroll) their functionality, business process overlap, and architecture including integrations and data flow.
An excellent understanding of Data architectures, data analytics and reporting, ideally in a Microsoft (SQL, ASQL, ADLS, Data Bricks, Power BI) environment.
Solid understanding of software development and delivery methodologies, ideally with knowledge in modern Microsoft technologies. Experience of Azure DevOps, orchestration, automation and CI/CD
Experience and knowledge in Governance, Risk, and Controls (GRC) for applications and data including cybersecurity, data and financial audit activities and compliance.
Highly experienced in third-party and supplier management including contract negotiation, contract management, and service performance management.
Experience in creating and managing large operational and capital expenditure budgets, including analysis and reporting.

What does our process involve?

After your application, and a brief discussion with our recruitment team, there will be 2 stages of interview for this role

1st stage – Teams or Face to Face interview with the IT Director and a member of the People team.
2nd stage – A short presentation on a role related subject to the IT Director and the Group CIO.

We also have some great benefits

Bonus Scheme
Company Car Scheme, or equivalent Opt Out payment
Private Healthcare scheme provided by Vitality
33 days Holiday (inc. BH) - entitlement increases with service
Pension Scheme. 4% employer, 5% employee contribution.
Employee discounts (50% off onsite KFC, Burger King, Starbucks and Pizza Express to name a few)
My Welcome Break discounts - savings at hundreds of high street retailers including fashion stores, electrical retailers, supermarkets and travel companies
Career progression and brilliant training programmes
Cycle to work scheme - salary sacrifice scheme allows you to save money on bikes – including e-bikes
Free onsite parking at all Welcome Break sites
Free lunch provided in office (sandwiches, pasta pots, rolls) as well as Tea and Coffee

About Welcome Break

Welcome Break is one of the UK’s leading motorway service operators, running 59 service areas and 31 hotels across the UK.

When you come into one of our sites you will recognise your favourite brands such as Starbucks, Subway, WHSmith, KFC, Pizza Express and Burger King, as well hotels under the Ramada and Days Inn brands. But what might come as a surprise is that we are all one team and that even with different uniforms, everyone works for Welcome Break.

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Head of Applications and Data