Head of IT

#TEAMBULK ARE HIRING A HEAD OF IT

Bulk™ is on an incredible journey, with a mission to move the business from a manufacturing-led retailer to a destination brand for active nutrition. We are shaking up the sports nutrition industry through disruptive marketing campaigns that help people think differently about our brand – and we want you to be a part of it!

We want passionate risk-takers. We want people that like to challenge our thinking. We want people that live and breathe digital and have an affinity to the world of nutrition, health, fitness, and sports.

IN A NUTSHELL 

Reporting to our Technology and Portfolio Director, the Head of IT will be responsible for all of Bulk’s back and middle office technology, with a particular focus on ensuring that our core ERP architecture delivers the high-quality customer experience we aspire to.

Leading a team of six, including four direct reports, this is a varied and business-wide role. It covers day-to-day service delivery, continuous improvement of systems, processes and people, and support for larger-scale transformation initiatives - all while keeping Bulk™ secure.

2024 was a landmark year of change for Bulk™, with major upgrades across nearly every system and process in the business. Following this significant investment, we’re now looking for someone to industrialise this new landscape, unlock the full potential of our technology, and lead the continued growth of a high-performing team.

KEY TECHNOLOGIES

NetSuite, RF-Smart, Celigo, Magento, Scurri, Tableau, Akeneo, Aftership, Google Workspace, Asana, Slack, Crowdstrike, SD-WAN, Meraki, Jamf, Intune

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING? 

IT Strategy & Planning

• Define and deliver an IT strategy and roadmap aligned with business goals, with a focus on ERP and middle/back office systems

• Maintain and evolve IT policies, procedures, and standards

• Identify and assess emerging technologies and enhancements to stay competitive

• Own the IT budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and strong ROI across internal functions and supplier relationships

IT Infrastructure, Operations & Service Management

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of all core IT infrastructure (endpoints, networks, servers, cloud, etc.)

• Ensure stability, performance, and resilience of IT systems and services to support customer experience

• Lead business continuity and disaster recovery planning

• Manage IT support to deliver timely, effective user service across the business

• Oversee external IT vendors and service partners, ensuring SLAs and value for money

• Maintain data integrity and consistency across core systems

• Ensure strong incident and problem management, personally leading critical incidents

Cybersecurity & Data Protection

• Develop and lead a cybersecurity strategy to protect systems, data, and reputation

• Ensure compliance with data protection frameworks (e.g. GDPR, Cyber Essentials, NIST)

• Implement and monitor robust security controls and conduct regular audits

• Promote a culture of security awareness across the organisation

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, coach, and grow the IT team to build capability and engagement

• Set clear goals, conduct performance reviews, and support ongoing development

• Balance service delivery and change activity within limited capacity

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Build strong relationships across the business, acting as a trusted IT partner

• Communicate technical matters clearly to non-technical and senior stakeholders

• Understand departmental tech needs and align IT solutions accordingly

Change Management

• Implement scalable change management processes for IT enhancements and projects

• Oversee planning, communication, testing (incl. UAT), and adoption of change

• Support project teams and stakeholders in assessing impact and mitigation

• Manage internal development capability to ensure quality, supportability, and ROI

3rd Party Vendor Management

• Select, contract, and manage external IT vendors and partners

• Monitor performance against SLAs, resolving issues and optimising delivery

• Ensure contractual compliance and identify opportunities for improvement or consolidation

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR? 

• Ideally, you'll hold a relevant bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field

• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ITIL, CISSP, CISM, PMP, Change Management certifications like Prosci ADKAR)

• Significant experience (typically 7+ years) in progressively responsible IT roles, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management position

• Demonstrable experience in managing and delivering change to IT infrastructure, operations, service, and security in a complex retail environment

• Experience with ERP/WMS/Middleware support and management

• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., Azure, GCP) and their management.

• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, best practices, and relevant regulations

• Experience in managing IT Capex and Opex budgets £m

• Proven experience in leading and managing IT-related change initiatives of various scales and complexities

• Proven experience in managing relationships with 3rd party IT vendors, including contract negotiation and performance management

• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a multi-skilled high-performing team

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences and effectively communicate change impacts and vendor performance

•  Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and manage change effectively

• Understanding of core business processes, particularly in areas supported by our ERP and WMS (e.g., finance, supply chain, warehousing).

WHAT ARE THE GAINS? 

• Monthly Bulk Bank Benefits Allowance 🏦 including a subsidised Gym Membership 🏋️
• A day off to celebrate your Birthday 🎂
• PerkBox Subscription 👍
• 60% discount on all Bulk™ products 💰
• Flexi Start 🕙
• Additional Annual Leave (optional) 🌴
• Teammate Pension Scheme 💰
• Life Assurance 💟
  
• Medicash 👩‍⚕️
• A day off for Volunteering (optional) 🤗
• Cycle to Work Scheme 🚲
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave 🐣 and workplace nursery scheme 🧒
• Bulk™ Pantry 🍴
• Happy Hour Drinks Fridge (Thursdays & Fridays) 🎉
• Summer Working Hours 🌞

LOCATION: Colchester or London (if London-based, will require weekly visits to Colchester)
HYBRID: 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home


OUR COMMITMENT 🌈

Bulk™ is a place where employees have a voice fundamental to our success as a business. Building a diverse and inclusive team enables us to reach and connect with our global customers, from developing delicious recipes to how our brand is built and perceived.

Regardless of age, disability, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, education, neurodiversity or any protected characteristic, if you are a passionate risk-taker and eager to make a difference in sports nutrition, we want to hear from you. We know that a CV doesn’t begin to scratch the surface, and that the things that make you who you are could be a real game-changer for us. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

PRIVACY 🔐

Bulk™ takes your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your application for this role. When you apply, we shall process your details for this vacancy only and we will not pass your details onto a third party. We may contact you by email, text or telephone about the progress of your application. This processing is conducted lawfully on the basis of legitimate interests.