Head of Technology Change Delivery FTC

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Technology Change Delivery to join the Wates Group Technology & Data function. This senior leadership role is accountable for scoping, governing, and delivering all projects within the Group Technology  Portfolio—spanning multi‑million‑pound investments and large-scale transformational change.

Reporting directly to the Group Technology& Data Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping enterprise-wide technology delivery, leading sizeable teams, engaging with  key suppliers, and ensuring the successful implementation of business‑enabling technology  solutions.

In this role, you will:

• Serve as a core member of the Technology& Data Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic decision‑making and leading initiatives that deliver exceptional technology  
• Take personal accountability for scoping and delivering multiple technology enabled business change projects, ensuring adherence to portfolio processes and governance.
• Support and assure large transformational programmes delivered through partners or indirect resources.
• Lead end‑to‑end supplier engagement, including RFI/RFP activity, contract negotiation, onboarding, delivery oversight and service handover.
• Manage, lead and develop high-performing technology teams, ensuring capability development, resource planning, and collaborative working.
• Work closely with project sponsors and Group functions/divisions to ensure programmes align with organisational strategy.
• Implement proactive supplier management and maintain strong strategic partnerships.
• Manage both opex and capex budgets, ensuring cost effectiveness, accurate forecasting and value for money.
• Uphold Wates' commitment to Zero Harm, ensuring safe working practices and quarterly site visits.

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven experience leading strategic, business‑enabling technology initiatives in partnership with business units.
• Strong background in delivering technology change programmes using structured project management methodologies.
• Experience developing integrated ERP-based application environments.
• Extensive experience managing software suppliers, licensing considerations, contract negotiations, and vendor management.
• Track record of planning and managing £1m+ budgets.
• Experience managing stakeholders up to Board level.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Business or Technology .
• Technology standards qualifications (e.g., ITIL, COBIT).
• Project/Programme management certifications (e.g., PRINCE2).

Skills

• Strong leadership and mentoring capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage deliverables in a fast‑paced environment with competing priorities.
• Analytical, solutions‑focused approach to problem solving.
• Ability to articulate plans, business cases and technical information to diverse audiences.
• High standard of written and verbal communication.
• Effective time and resource management.
• Thought leadership with the ability to anticipate challenges.

Behaviours

• A collaborative, customer‑centric leader who motivates teams to deliver exceptional outcomes.
• Inclusive and transparent, demonstrating fairness and respect.
• Curious and forward‑thinking, championing innovation and continuous improvement.
• A strong role model for Wates' values: Care, Fairness, and Look for a Better Way.

WHAT WE OFFER 

• Competitive salary & bonus  
• Flexible working  
• Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade)  
• Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)  
• Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers' contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…  
• Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
• Industry leading family leave benefits to include26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.  

Our commitments:

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.  We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.

We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work.  As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme.  Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at recruitment@wates.co.uk