Head of Information Technology

You make it Hand Picked!

Established by Guy and Julia Hands in 1999, Hand Picked hotels has grown organically and through acquisition to become the 5th largest luxury hotel group in the UK – comprising 21 hotels across the UK and Channel Islands. With strong shareholder support, the business has embarked on an ambitious investment program to refresh the estate and customer experience to define a new standard of country house stay in 2023. With welcoming and charming service delivered in truly inspirational settings, our guests are encouraged to relax, kick off their shoes and indulge.

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Information Technology to spearhead our IT function at Hand Picked Hotels.

A new opportunity has arisen to join our expanding senior team at Hand Picked Hotels. We are currently recruiting for a Head of IT to join Hand Picked Hotels. This role will be operate from our Central Support Office in Sevenoaks but also be required to travel across our hotels as required with some hybrid working.

This role will form part of the Senior Leadership Team reporting to the CFO and will be the principle point of contact for all matters related to Hand Picked Hotels technology matters, excluding web.

About the role:

• The Head of IT will set the IT strategy and data function (excluding Web), ensuring that Hand Picked Hotel’s technology systems and applications meet the evolving needs of the business whilst providing ongoing support for our employees.
• The initial focus will be on analysing and evaluating the existing technology and data infrastructure to define the future tech stack architecture and align it with commercial objectives.
• As the role evolves, the Head of IT will be responsible for selecting the appropriate suppliers and partners to drive Hand Picked Hotels vision, operational efficiency and adoption of new guest-facing technologies across the business.
• The Head of IT will form part of the Senior Leadership Team reporting to the CFO and will be the principle point of contact for all matters related to Hand Picked Hotels IT infrastructure, systems, applications and data.

About you:

• To be considered for this role, it is essential you have current experience of overseeing Group IT teams and delivering projects in a multi- site operation.
• You must have previous experience of designing and deploying robust IT and Data strategies.
• It is vital you have IT qualifications in Cyber Security, Project Management, Hardware, Databases and Enterprise Software.
• Be able to present written information to a high professional standard.
• Previous IT and project management experience within the hospitality industry would be advantageous however applications with a multi-site leisure industry or retail background.

Our Benefits include:

• A competitive salary package
• Company pension scheme with a generous employer contribution
• Life assurance scheme.
• Employee Assistance Program to support you with whatever life throws at you.
• Company Sickness Scheme Benefit.
• 33 days holiday per year including bank holidays, due to the level of the role.
• Forward career progression, with access to our In House and external training programs, including apprenticeships and other recognised hospitality industry courses which are all supported by our learning and development team.
• £30 staff stays with Hand Picked Hotels per room Bed & Breakfast & 25% discount on all food & drink. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds!
• Annual loyalty awards (like afternoon teas and overnight stays)
• Online retail discount platform offering thousands of savings with high street retailers and restaurants as well as a health and well-being platform.
• Opportunity to make lifelong friendships and be part of a team that celebrates Diversity and Inclusion