Location : North West England
Role Type : Full-Time, Permanent
Our client is an exciting family-run FMCG business that is looking for an exceptional Head of Systems to join their team and join them on their continued upward trajectory.
The Head of Systems will be responsible for driving the organisation’s digital transformation, with a particular focus on data, business systems, automation and continuous improvement.
Working collaboratively across all areas of the business, the role will identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce administrative activity, improve data quality and accessibility, and use technology to enhance operational and commercial performance.
The role will also take ownership of the organisation’s ERP system, acting as the key internal point of contact for its administration, development, problem-solving and user support. Working alongside external IT partners, the Head of Systems will also help shape and deliver a forward-thinking IT and systems strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Digital Transformation & Continuous Improvement
- Act as a key driver of digital transformation, data utilisation and systems improvement across the organisation.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and constructive change.
- Identify opportunities to digitise data collection and reduce manual and administrative activity.
- Review existing processes to ensure that data collection is necessary, streamlined and efficient.
- Identify and implement process improvements that improve productivity, accuracy and business performance.
- Research emerging technologies and bring innovative ideas forward to improve the efficiency of business systems.
- Challenge existing ways of working constructively and identify opportunities to simplify and improve processes.
Data, Reporting & Business Intelligence
- Work with teams across the organisation to automate and centralise data, ensuring information is accessible, accurate and available in a timely manner.
- Identify gaps in data and reporting and work with colleagues to develop practical solutions.
- Support the development of reports, dashboards and other tools that enable departments to better understand and utilise business data.
- Improve the reporting and analytical capabilities of existing software systems.
- Develop future reporting solutions that consolidate information into accessible dashboards and support better decision-making.
- Analyse large and complex datasets to identify meaningful trends, insights and opportunities for operational and commercial improvement.
- Generate insightful analysis that supports productivity improvements and cost reduction.
- Help operational and commercial teams develop their understanding of effective data analysis and reporting.
Automation & Technology
- Explore new and innovative methods of capturing operational data directly from machinery, control systems and other sources.
- Investigate opportunities to use AI, automation and emerging technologies to improve productivity.
- Identify and eliminate low-value administrative tasks through system-generated data, reporting and automated processes.
- Investigate opportunities to automate transactional processes, including order processing, dispatch information and invoicing through electronic data exchange and other technologies.
- Explore opportunities to connect systems and data more effectively across the organisation.
ERP & Business Systems
- Champion the effective use and ongoing development of the organisation’s ERP system.
- Act as the primary internal point of contact for ERP administration, support and development.
- Drive the successful implementation of system updates and enhancements.
- Resolve day-to-day issues relating to computerised systems and support users in achieving effective outcomes.
- Provide or coordinate user training and support the development of appropriate procedures and SOPs.
- Continuously improve business systems to ensure data is connected, efficiently captured and accessible to relevant users.
- Work with internal stakeholders to understand system requirements and identify opportunities for further development.
IT Strategy & Infrastructure
- Work closely with external IT support partners to guide and influence the organisation’s IT and systems strategy.
- Help ensure that the organisation’s technology infrastructure and systems remain effective, secure, scalable and fit for future requirements.
- Contribute to the development of a best-in-class systems and technology environment.
- Maintain an awareness of emerging technologies and assess their potential value to the organisation.
Governance, Documentation & Business Continuity
- Ensure key systems and processes are appropriately documented to support business continuity and effective systems development.
- Maintain robust procedures around system administration and development.
- Ensure business data is secure, protected and appropriately backed up.
- Promote good data governance and system resilience across the organisation.
Key Performance Indicators
Success in the role will be supported by measurable improvements across areas including:
- Reduction in paper-based processes and administration.
- Increased productivity and transaction volumes relative to indirect headcount.
- Reduction in the overall cost base.
- Contribution to improved profitability and business performance.
- Improved availability, accuracy and timeliness of management information.
What Success Looks Like
The successful individual will:
- Demonstrate strong alignment with and actively promote the organisation’s values.
- Act as a visionary and forward-thinking leader, continually challenging the potential of systems and technology.
- Drive improvements in digital data collection, reporting and business processes.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across all areas of the organisation.
- Constructively challenge existing practices and successfully turn ideas into tangible improvements.
- Provide accurate and timely information in agreed formats and to agreed deadlines.
- Produce meaningful analysis that supports operational improvements and cost efficiencies.
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret significant volumes of data and translate findings into clear, actionable insights.
- Help operational and commercial teams develop their capability and confidence in using data effectively.
- Be recognised as a trusted internal expert on business systems, data and technology.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Graduate level, or equivalent level of education or experience.
- Strong interest and enthusiasm for technology, computers, data and business systems.
- Knowledge of programming and database design, with the ability and willingness to develop technical knowledge where required.
- Experience or understanding of technologies such as SQL, Visual Basic, C++, JavaScript or similar.
- Experience of implementing new systems and supporting organisational change.
- Understanding of hardware and network design and infrastructure.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders across different areas of a business.
- A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing change.
Desirable
- Experience within the FMCG sector.
- Previous experience of business partnering and working closely with operational and commercial stakeholders.
