Longleat has a long history of hiring engaged, productive employees, and we’re looking for a Head of Information Technology to continue this tradition.

We have a unique work environment where you can stroll around historic landscape and listed buildings as well as visit Koalas during your lunch break.

With a core business of around 1 million guests every year we are obviously passionate about providing immersive experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime. We have now added onsite accommodation to allow guests to enhance their visit by experiencing an amazing stay with us in a selection of exclusive luxury rural retreats nestled within the Longleat Estate, with designer interiors creating luxurious havens. We also own the famous Cheddar Gorge and Caves which welcomes nearly 200k visitors a year. Supporting this business is an important part of this role.

We’re a business driven by our core cultural values, which are to engage and inspire, put people first, take accountability, continuously improve and to act with integrity. We believe everyone who works at Longleat can subscribe to these values, and that they truly set us apart as a place to work.

The Head of IT will provide operational leadership to the IT team across the Longleat Group ensuring a high-quality technology service is provided across all areas of Longleat’s activities.

What will this role entail?

Reporting directly to the Finance Director this role will take responsibility for developing and delivering efficient technology process solutions including: management of the IT infrastructure, researching, planning and implementing new systems, maintain reliable operational systems and providing a first class internal customer focused technical support to all Longleat employees.

Key duties will include:

• The existing hardware and software infrastructure is ready for upgrades and improvements. This role has the opportunity to develop and deliver a fit for purpose, future proofed, operating platform to support and enhance a well known and much regarded product.
• The IT team should be embedded in the heart of the operations. Supporting the very busy operations teams by supporting and educating, by listening to and understanding the requirements of the business and delivering in a customer focused, user friendly and collaborative manner, always. This role needs to lead by example.
• The ability to communicate to non IT specialists in a way that inspires trust and two way collaboration is a very important part of this role. This is a very busy operational business, understanding that and being comfortable delivering in that environment is key to success in this role.

What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?

• Thorough knowledge of computer/server software and hardware, and a variety of internet (and finance) applications, networks operating systems and point of sale.
• Extensive and good track record of managing technical teams including local and supplier management.
• Experience of managing multiple projects and 3rd Party supplier management.
• Experience of Business Change Management techniques.
• To have the ability to work influentially with a variety of stakeholders and convey complex information in a clear and compelling way.
• Experience within an a B2C environment with a significant number of customers (>1m pa).
• Internal customer facing approach delivering true business partnering.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills for effective management of workloads and deadlines.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to work collaboratively to develop new technology-based solutions.
• Ability to diagnose technical problems and quickly find solutions with very little direction/ interaction.
• Able to develop team capability in line with business plans and organisational vision, able to coach and develop individuals and teams for high-performance, whilst managing poor performance effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders, including internal and external colleagues, stakeholders and to build strong working relationships.

What will I receive in return?

As the Head of IT you will receive a salary of between £50,000 - £60,000 in addition to a range of attractive benefits that include;

• 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata.
• 50% off Annual passes for your Friends and Family, free entry for yourself.
• Generous staff discounts on everything from Retail to nights in our accommodation on the Safari Park.
• Company Pension scheme
• Life assurance cover.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Perks at work and much more!

You’ll be employed on a permanent 40 hour contract, working 5 days out of 7, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required.

Location: Longleat (Warminster, Wiltshire)

All applications to be submitted online, and strictly no agency calls or agency CV submissions.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if enough suitable applicants are received.