Head of IT & Data

Job Title: Head of IT & Data Management (Ref 194700)

Contact: callum.bell@forsythbarnes.com

Location: Watford or Birmingham - 4 Days per week in office

Salary: £100,000 – £120,000

Bonus: 20% on target

Holidays: 28 days

Benefits: Private healthcare (family cover), pension (5% employer contribution), life assurance (3× salary), income protection, employee assistance programme, and staff discount.

About the role

The Head of IT & Data Management will lead IT operations, ERP delivery, data strategy, automation, and cybersecurity across a multi-site UK FMCG operation.

This role requires someone equally comfortable in C-suite discussions and hands-on execution. You will define the technology roadmap, lead delivery, and embed digital, AI, and automation capability across the business.

A core responsibility is the delivery, adoption, and optimisation of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, alongside driving enterprise-wide automation and data-driven decision-making.

The environment is dynamic and change-heavy; this role suits someone who thrives in lean teams and fast-moving, scale-up-style organisations rather than large, heavily layered corporates.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Define and deliver the IT, Data, Automation, and AI strategy aligned to FMCG business priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CFO and Executive Team, ensuring technology investments deliver commercial value.
• Build and maintain a multi-year technology roadmap balancing innovation, resilience, and cost control.

SAP, Digital & Automation

• Lead the delivery and ongoing optimisation of SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud.
• Drive end-to-end digital process integration across Finance, Supply Chain, Commercial, and HR.
• Champion AI, RPA, workflow automation, and low-code solutions to improve productivity and reduce manual effort.

IT Operations & Security

• Own IT operations across multiple manufacturing and distribution sites.
• Lead cybersecurity, data protection, and business continuity frameworks.
• Manage internal teams and third-party partners to deliver secure, reliable, and cost-effective services.

Data, Analytics & Performance

• Define and deliver a pragmatic data and AI strategy focused on insight and value creation.
• Embed analytics, dashboards, and performance reporting into daily decision-making.
• Drive continuous improvement, cost reduction, and financial performance through technology decisions.

Team & Change Management

• Lead a small, high-performing IT & Data team, supported by external partners.
• Drive change and transformation adoption across the business.
• Embed an automation-first and agile mindset across IT and the wider organisation.

About You

Essential Experience

• FMCG experience is mandatory.
• Proven delivery experience with SAP S/4HANA is essential (Public Cloud strongly preferred).
• Senior IT leadership experience in multi-site environments.
• Demonstrated success delivering digital transformation, automation, and data-led initiatives.

Skills & Capability

• Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels.
• Strong understanding of AI, automation, analytics, and modern IT platforms.
• Experience owning a broad remit including ERP, cybersecurity, IT operations, and data strategy.
• Commercially minded, with a track record of cost savings and performance improvement.

Personal Attributes

• Confident, credible, and pragmatic (not overly corporate).
• Flexible and resilient, able to adapt to changing priorities.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, sometimes chaotic environment.
• Able to build trust quickly with senior stakeholders.