Head of IT

Head of IT & Digital (within the events & festival industry)

Hybrid, London Office

Job Family: Operations & Finance

Reports to Role Title: Project Director

Contract: Full time

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for an experienced and strategic leader with a passion for technology, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence. This role is crucial in ensuring the seamless integration and functionality of our EPOS and data systems across multiple business areas. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing technology solutions in live event environments, hospitality, or retail, coupled with an analytical mindset and the ability to drive innovation in digital products and reporting tools.

You will be responsible for managing and developing a high-performing team, including the EPOS Project Manager and Data & Systems Manager, while fostering cross-functional collaboration with stock, finance, and operational teams. You will take full ownership of digital product strategy, system integration, data analytics, and IT support processes, ensuring all systems align with the business's growth objectives.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has experience handling multiple projects simultaneously, and can think both strategically and operationally. This role requires hands-on technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a structured and solutions-focused approach.

The Head of Department will be pivotal in maintaining operational efficiency, implementing new digital technologies, and ensuring a high level of service for our stakeholders, including internal teams, suppliers, and external clients. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of our business's technical infrastructure and digital transformation journey.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Define and drive the vision and roadmap for digital and technical services within the business.
• Lead the EPOS and data teams to deliver scalable and effective technology solutions.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure technical systems align with operational needs.
• Develop and manage the department's budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and value-driven decision-making.
• Drive innovation within EPOS, digital product management, and data integration.
• Develop future-proof strategies that allow for scaling and adaptation to emerging technologies.
• Ensure compliance with data security policies and industry regulations.

EPOS & Technology Oversight

• Oversee the EPOS Project Manager, ensuring seamless deployment and support of EPOS hardware and systems across events.
• Ensure that all EPOS solutions are scalable, reliable, and meet operational requirements.
• Work closely with the team to enhance the functionality and efficiency of existing systems, including dispense technologies such as Frictionless, Boxbar, and Order Screens, ensuring seamless integration alongside payment solutions.
• Identify opportunities for system improvements and manage the implementation of new technologies.
• Evaluate and implement the latest payment technologies, including RFID, frictionless payments, and mobile ordering solutions.
• Establish and maintain service-level agreements with technology vendors.

Data & Systems Management

• Oversee the Data & Systems Manager, ensuring effective data management, reporting, and system integration.
• Ensure that reporting and dashboard solutions provide actionable insights for operational teams.
• Support data-driven decision-making across the business through accurate and timely reporting.
• Develop and implement best practices for data governance, security, and compliance.
• Assist in managing APIs, system automation, and database management.
• Oversee the migration and optimization of cloud-based systems for documentation, reporting, and analytics.
• Lead the development of live GP monitoring, real-time dashboards, and custom data visualizations.
• Ensure all event data is captured, stored, and analyzed effectively to improve operational performance.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and align digital solutions accordingly.
• Collaborate with external suppliers and technology partners to ensure high standards of service.
• Champion the use of technology and data to enhance business performance and efficiency.
• Provide insights and recommendations for improving customer-facing digital interactions at events.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for cross-departmental IT and data-related queries.
• Represent the department in senior management meetings, providing updates on progress and challenges.

Training & Development

• Develop and oversee training programs for EPOS and data system users.
• Support the professional growth and upskilling of team members.
• Implement best practices for documentation and operational processes.
• Lead internal knowledge-sharing initiatives to keep staff up to date with industry best practices.
• Create structured onboarding programs for new team members to ensure seamless integration.

Event Support & Execution

• Ensure technical operations are executed smoothly at events, including system setup and troubleshooting.
• Provide on-site and remote support for EPOS and data management teams during live events.
• Coordinate on-site event support between the EPOS Project Manager and the Data & Systems Manager, ensuring seamless collaboration and troubleshooting across all technology systems.
• Conduct post-event analysis to improve operational efficiency and system reliability.
• Maintain a high level of responsiveness to event-specific requirements and ensure contingency plans are in place for technical challenges.

KNOWLEDGE/ EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

• Strong leadership experience managing technical, data, or digital teams.
• Experience working with EPOS systems, data management, and system integrations.
• Excellent understanding of technology deployment in operational environments.
• Proven track record in delivering complex projects and implementing digital solutions.
• Strong budget management skills and experience in strategic planning.
• Ability to analyze business needs and translate them into technical solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders.
• Experience with cloud-based solutions such as Power BI, SharePoint, OneDrive, and database management.
• High-level knowledge of financial reconciliation and loss prevention strategies related to EPOS.
• Familiarity with connectivity solutions, networking, and IT support for remote operations.
• Experience in the events, hospitality, or retail industry.
• Knowledge of reporting tools such as Power BI or similar dashboard solutions.
• Familiarity with cloud-based technology and system automation.
• Understanding of RFID, frictionless payments, and digital ordering systems.
• Experience working with outsourced IT providers.
• API development experience or a working knowledge of data integration methods.
• Prior experience in developing or managing SaaS products related to retail or event operations.

TECHNICAL/ BEHAVIOURAL/ PERSONAL COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to set clear direction and drive innovation.
• Leadership & People Management: Inspires and develops teams to deliver exceptional results.
• Problem Solving: A logical and solutions-focused mindset to overcome operational challenges.
• Stakeholder Management: Skilled at communicating with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and high standards in all outputs.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with colleagues, clients, and external partners.
• Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of IT systems, EPOS software, and data reporting.
• Resilience: Works well under pressure and can handle fast-moving operational challenges.
• Innovation: Proactively seeks new ways to improve technology and data processes.
• Commercial Awareness: Understands business objectives and aligns digital strategies accordingly.

VALUES REQUIRED

• Passion: We tackle challenges and opportunities with passion and enthusiasm. Across the business we have fun whilst we do it.
• Agility: We are always flexible to the needs of the business. Our people generate innovative ways of working. In return our leadership embraces new ideas and opportunities.
• Team Work: We work as one team to achieve a common goal. We support our customers and each other.
• Customer Focus & Excellence: We make a difference by going the extra mile for our customers and each other.

BUSINESS SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

TRAVEL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Travel required to and from events and venues on an ad-hoc basis.
• Overnight stays/weekend work will be required on an ad-hoc basis.
• Travel and accommodation expenses are covered by the business.

COMPANY BENEFITS

• Company sick pay (10 days).
• Medicash- dental care, optical treatments, physiotherapy etc.
• Employee assistance programme- counselling and support.
• Discounts on shopping, travel, entertainment and dining.
• Birthday day off.
• Hybrid and remote working options.
• Quarterly team socials.
• Festival and sport event tickets/drinks tokens.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave.

To apply, please complete the job application on our website www.peppermintbars.co.uk or email jobs@peppermimtevents.co.uk with your CV & covering letter.