Head Of It - (Full-Time/Permanent)

Head of IT - (Full-time/Permanent)

Reports to: Senior Management Team

Location: Based at our Head Office, 74 Scarva Road, Banbridge, BT32 3QD.

Gordons Chemists Head Office is comprised of Accounts, Purchasing, Marketing, Human Resources and Warehousing, and is also the operational centre for the companies IT infrastructure. The site is the company’s Sole and Central Warehouse for supplies to all Pharmacies and Stores throughout Northern Ireland and Scotland. The companies ERP and WMS and accounts IT systems reside at Head Office as well as Email, Internet, Anti-virus, and all other in house IT systems. The IT department also remotely support systems in all branches including EPOS and PMR systems.

The successful candidate will assume responsibility for the ongoing planning, implementation, maintenance and support of all systems both at Head Office and in Branches.

Role Overview/Key Responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for the company’s IT infrastructure.
• Manage and mentor IT team.
• Manage short, medium and long term IT business strategies for the company.
• Negotiate all IT related and telecommunications contracts.
• Purchasing of all Gordons Chemists IT hardware and software.
• Project based implementation of Infrastructure Solutions including VMWare.
• Project based implementation of Software Solutions including ERP, WMS and BI systems.
• Evaluate systems for best use in the business.
• Researching, investigating and presenting new IT solutions for the company to Directors.
• Gain buy in from end users for system changes.
• Ability to liaise and communicate with cross functional departments.
• Manage the ongoing development and support of Company ERP/WMS and integration.
• Manage the ongoing development and support of Company BI system.
• Define and agree business ERP/WMS processes with the management team.
• Train users on processes and ensure these processes are upheld.
• Infrastructure planning and implementation of LAN and WAN and WIFI Networks.
• Disaster Recovery planning and testing.
• Implement support and maintain Windows server roles and MS Exchange.
• Backup and recovery systems.
• Maintain Helpdesk Service Levels both in house and of IT suppliers.
• Further develop IT policies and systems to support the implementation of strategies set by the board to include Data Protection policies and GDPR compliance.
• Manage the corporate security infrastructure (VPN, Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam, firewall, WSUS)
• Safeguard systems and data from the ever-increasing threat of cyber-attacks and put in place processes across the organisation to combat against the same.
• Rollout of company Credit card systems and PCI compliance.
• Planning software and hardware updates to the companies EPOS and PMR systems
• Additional projects when required.

Attributes/Skills:

• Degree/3rd level qualification in IT related discipline or 5 + years relevant IT experience
• 3 years previous IT Management experience
• Previous experience in similar environment would be beneficial
• Working knowledge of:

o Windows Server 2008-2019, Active Directory and Power Shell
o Microsoft 365 & Sharepoint
o Microsoft Entra & Endpoint Security
o VMWare and Hyper V
o Networking
o BI tools QlikView/Tableau
o MS NAV
o Microsoft SQL DBA and SQL Languages

• Experience using Progress DB’s
• Previous EPOS experience would be beneficial
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the business and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise own workload and adhere to deadlines.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Be a strong people manager with the ability to motivate a team
• Flexible attitude to work
• Willing to travel to other company locations on occasion.

We reserve the right to amend criteria in order to facilitate shortlisting

Hours: Full time/Permanent, working Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm (40 hours per week); however, given the senior level of the role you will be expected to fulfil all aspects of the role, which may result in working outside these core hours.

Compensation:

The successful candidate will receive an attractive salary and additional benefits including;

Staff discount, pension and 25 days holiday plus 8 statutory days.

To Apply:

Applications should be made in writing accompanied by a current C.V. detailing why you believe you are suitable and how you meet the relevant criteria.

All applications should be forwarded to Corina Marshall, Head of Human Resources by email via clicking APPLY NOWor by post to Gordons Chemists, 74 Scarva Road, Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 3QD.

Closing Date: Sunday 28 April 2024