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Head of ICT (Full-Time / Permanent)
zsl
  • Salary Competitive plus Benefits
  • Location Camden, London, Greater London (On-site)
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Category IT , Senior Management
  • Sectors Animal
  • Job Reference :

Job Description

About Us

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Role Profile

ZSL is seeking a highly credible and collaborative individual to be our new Head of ICT, who will provide operational leadership to the ICT team in the UK (across two sites London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo) and ICT oversight for 9 overseas country offices, ensuring a high quality ICT service is provided across all areas of the Society’s activities. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance and managing a team of 20 people, this role will take responsibility for developing and delivering efficient ICT processes solutions including identifying new systems, maintaining reliable operational systems and technical infrastructure and, enhancing ZSL’s use of cloud services. You and will be influential in supporting the personal development of the team. You will also have a key role in supporting the Finance Director with the on-going development and implementation of the Society’s ICT strategy.

The Head of ICT will champion relations nationally and internationally with staff, acting as a strategic business partner, which and will be supported by the Director of Finance. This will include partnering with all parts of ZSL (Institute of Zoology, Conservation Programmes and Zoo’s) and providing exceptional leadership support, reporting, monitoring and communications systems to ensure ZSL’s systems and data management controls are protected, compliant and upheld across the society.

This senior management role requires a confident, resilient and proactive individual who has gravitas and is capable of making operational decisions on a global scale and can think strategically. As such we are ideally looking for someone who has previous experience or is currently operating as a Head of ICT and holds extensive experience working with a range of stakeholders including government agents, executive committees, and ZSL’s Ttrustee’s and Ccouncil Mmembers. The successful candidate will also possess exceptional people and project-management skills, and be able to plan and keep track of multiple projects while constantly evaluating the business environment for opportunities and threats.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate to take on a senior post within an established international organisation. You must be genuinely excited by the prospect of joining a world leading conservation charity such as ZSL.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • Working with the Finance Director, develop and deliver the ICT department’s vision, strategy and plan.
  • Provision of strategic information and business analysis; management of budgets and monthly report on project delivery.
  • Lead and oversee priority change projects, particularly in light of the need to continue with the transformation of the ICT function to meet the growing needs of the Society including compliance with GDPR and other relevant data protection regulation. 
  • Ensure ZSL’s investment in Microsoft’s Office 365 platform and Azure services are developed and enhanced to deliver new services, drive collaboration and sharing, and replace end of life services reducing costs and/or adding value.
  • Manage all service providers and maintenance contracts to ensure value for money and appropriate risk mitigation.
  • Develop a clear roadmap for future ICT services and features.

Person Specification

  • Ideally be chartered qualified with a professional membership body such as the British Computer Society and have worked at Head of Department level or higher, with a proven track record of leading and developing high performing teams in a complex organisation.
  • Significant experience of ICT management (including overseas) gained in an ICT leadership role.
  • Strong project management knowledge and experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills  and able to influence, negotiate and work with a wide range of stakeholders with different priorities.
  • Demonstrable experience of high quality delivery in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Proven experience of working successfully at strategic level including developing high-level business plans.
  • Extensive experience in leading cross functional teams and implementing ICT strategy globally.
  • Current or previous people management experience is essential as is the ability to work with a wide range of people from different cultures.
  • A solution-focused approach and the ability to make objective decisions under pressure.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communications skills; fluency in English is essential.

Please note: This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent position reporting to the Director of Finance. The post will be based at ZSL’s head office in Regents Park however, may occasionally require the post holder to travel to Whipsnade Zoo and to our overseas offices. Having a "can do attitude", solution-focused approach and the ability to make objective decisions under pressure will make you a success in this role.

Benefit Package:

This role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 7%, complimentary zoo tickets and more.

To Apply

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Tuesday 1st May 2018.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.

ZSL kindly requests no contact from agencies or media sales please regarding this position.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.