We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Technical Director to lead the design, development and delivery of our bespoke core business application. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for creating and executing the company's technology roadmap while building and managing the internal technical team and outsourced providers.
The successful candidate will oversee all technical aspects of our in-house software platform, ensuring it is secure, scalable, reliable and aligned with business objectives. They will work closely with senior leadership to transform operational requirements into innovative technical solutions that drive efficiency and growth.
This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical oversight and will play a key role in shaping the future of our technology.
Key Responsibilities
Technology Strategy
- Develop and own the company's technology strategy.
- Define the technical roadmap for all software development.
- Recommend new technologies and platforms that support business growth.
- Ensure technology investments deliver measurable business value.
- Provide technical leadership to the technical team.
Software Development Leadership
- Oversee software architecture and technical design.
- Ensure systems are scalable, maintainable and secure.
- Approve technical standards, coding practices and development methodologies.
- Introduce best practice software engineering processes.
Project Delivery
- Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Prioritise development work based on business requirements.
- Work alongside Product Manager, Business Analysts and department heads to translate operational needs into technical solutions.
- Remove technical blockers and manage project risks.
Architecture & Infrastructure
- Define the overall system architecture.
- Ensure the platform supports future business growth.
- Oversee APIs and third-party integrations.
- Ensure high availability, disaster recovery and business continuity.
- Oversee cloud infrastructure and hosting environments.
Cyber Security & Compliance
- Maintain high standards of cyber security.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and relevant legislation.
- Manage penetration testing and vulnerability management.
- Ensure appropriate backup, recovery and access control procedures.
Quality Assurance
- Ensure software quality through structured testing.
- Oversee QA processes and release management.
- Monitor platform performance and reliability.
Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with leadership team and department managers.
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear business language.
- Provide regular progress updates to senior leadership.
- Balance commercial priorities with technical requirements.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Significant experience leading software development teams and projects.
- Strong understanding of software architecture and system design.
- Experience delivering complex business systems.
- Excellent knowledge of cloud technologies.
- Experience with DevOps and CI/CD.
- Experience with Microsoft Azure or AWS.
- Experience of tools such as Confluence and DevOps
- Experience managing outsourced development projects
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in process optimisation
- Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Waterfall)
- Strong understanding of APIs and integrations.
- Knowledge of database architecture.
- Experience implementing secure software development practices.
- Excellent leadership and people management skills.
Desirable
- Experience building CRM or administration systems.
- Knowledge of AI and workflow automation.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Power BI)
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker.
- Commercially minded.
- Innovative and forward-thinking.
- Calm under pressure.
- Highly organised.
- Strong decision maker.
- Passionate about technology and continuous improvement.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Delivery of roadmap milestones.
- System uptime and reliability.
- Development velocity.
- Software quality and defect reduction.
- Security compliance.
- Team engagement and retention.
- User satisfaction.
- Reduction in manual administration through automation.
- Successful implementation of new functionality.
Success in the First 12 Months
The successful Technical Director will have:
- Delivered the first major releases of the new administration platform.
- Ensure a high-performing internal / external development team.
- Implemented robust development standards and governance.
- Established a clear technology roadmap.
- Improved business processes through automation.
- Ensured the platform is secure, scalable and fit for future growth.
- Become a trusted strategic adviser to the executive leadership team on all technology matters.
Location
Our head office is in central Ipswich with offices in central London (Great Portland Street). You will be required to split your time between both locations, ideally based at our London office.
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
Work Location: In person
