Head of Strategy & Governance Reports to: Group Head of IT Direct Reports: Governance & Compliance Officer Programme Portfolio Manager Head of Data Strategy & Governance Vendor Manager Senior Technical Author Role Overview Senior IT leadership position responsible for driving strategic planning, governance, and operational excellence across the IT organization. Acts as key advisor to Group Head of IT, leading strategy development, program governance, and operational improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning Drive technology vision and strategy for the enterprise Lead technical roadmap development and innovation initiatives Manage project portfolio prioritization and resource allocation Build partnerships with key stakeholders and technology vendors Oversee strategic planning and governance processes Financial & Operational Management Direct IT business plans and budgets Manage Strategy & Governance Office operations Optimize cost structures and service delivery Lead cross-functional projects and improvement initiatives Monitor KPIs and drive operational excellence Governance & Compliance Develop and maintain IT policies and procedures Oversee risk management and compliance Implement performance management frameworks Drive continuous improvement programs Manage vendor relationships Required Qualifications & Experience Education Degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or similar MBA preferred Experience 5 years IT Leadership/Program Management experience 5 years managing large, cross-functional teams Proven experience in operational and strategic IT management Strong background in project management Budget management experience Technical Knowledge Deep understanding of technical product development Strong knowledge of enterprise IT systems and architecture Expertise in project management methodologies Understanding of IT governance frameworks Key Competencies Strategic thinking and business acumen Strong leadership and influence skills Excellent communication and presentation abilities Problem-solving and analytical capabilities Stakeholder management expertise Change management experience Additional Information Role may require UK and international travel Position scope may evolve based on business needs Ascent People is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy and applicants from all ages and backgrounds will be considered.