HEAD OF IT & DIGITAL

The Head of IT & Digital is in the driver's seat. Together with the team and the external partners, he or she is responsible for shaping and tracking the IT strategy in line with WDP’s business strategy. The first goal of the Head of IT & Digital is to bring stability. Resting on that foundation, change becomes the focus. There is a need for project planning with the necessary buffers – a helicopter view that provides the framework for the team. 

There are also many opportunities in the areas of technology and digitalisation that can support the ambitions and further growth of WDP, both in the short and long terms. And that is the reason a digital pillar has been included in the Growth Plan 2025. As the Head of IT & Digital, you and your team will have a direct impact on the success of the organisation. 

In this role, you will report to the CFO and meet quarterly with management. You have a sounding board of 7 colleagues who also take on a ‘Head of’ role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and policy

• To act as an advisor to the CFO and, by extension, to Exco, providing essential insights and critical analyses regarding the current systems and supporting information technology in order to provide input – from the standpoint of technology and digital transformation – for strategic and policy decisions. 
• To assume responsibility for formulating and executing a strategic ICT plan based on the general business strategy. 
• To optimise the existing ICT structure to ensure stable operational continuity, decisive implementation of changes/improvements and the efficient use of available resources. To focus on using IT at the right level, developing added value, and reducing risks.
• To assume final responsibility for application management, ICT infrastructure management, endpoint deployment, ICT service delivery, data insight management, cyber security, and supplier management.

Guidance and coaching

• To guide and coach the ICT colleagues. To lead by example, to motivate them and to inspire the team, so that your colleagues excel in their jobs. To further develop their capabilities through training and development. 
• To monitor the status and progress of their work and projects in order to identify and resolve any bottlenecks/problems. To initiate and prepare projects and exchange the information to optimise cooperation between teams.
• To act as an internal consultant to other departments for interventions in the areas of IT, organisational issues and even in various functional domains for which recognised expertise has been acquired through the automation projects. 
• To take on a lead-by-example role, to stimulate dialogue and an improvement mindset, and to work on reducing the distance between different layers within the organisation.

Management of resources

• To take responsibility for drafting and monitoring the ICT budget (2 million euros per year excl. staff costs and projects).
• To monitor the deployment of resources and other assets in the business within the outlines of the financial agreements.
• To provide financial input from the IT perspective when drafting project charters. To ensure that the projects designed to improve company processes support the strategy of the organisation.
• To ensure the optimal organisation of IT, maximising economies of scale within the group context. To seize on synergies.

Relationship with stakeholders

• To work together with the other members of management to disseminate and realise WDP's strategy. 
• To work together with internal colleagues to identify concrete needs and requirements. To establish partnerships with the business. 
• To work together with external stakeholders to keep concrete needs, wishes and commitments on the radar.
• To work together with external suppliers to keep services running optimally.

Innovation & renewal

• To monitor, report on, and search for possible applications of technological evolutions and innovations. 
• To actively search for opportunities for process or technology improvements. 
• To provide thought leadership regarding methods, tools, and approaches. 
• To remain up-to-date on the latest technologies and service providers in order to make recommendations on which new technological solutions best meet WDP’s operational and system requirements. To excel in technical expertise and to remain abreast of emerging trends. 

HERE'S YOUR PROFILE

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in an executive ICT management or senior management position at organisations of similar size and complexity.
• Experience in policy and strategy development
• Drawing up IT Application Architecture in line with the business strategy and supported by the various stakeholder groups
• Experience in increasing the efficiency of an ICT department (roles and responsibilities, IT process improvements, etc.)
• Knowledge of Business Process Reengineering in Programme and Project Management
• Experience with ERP implementations and ERP environments
• Good understanding of IT Infrastructure and cloud technologies
• Budget management
• Supplier relationship management
• You have experience in increasing the cyber resilience of organisations
• Within WDP, Dutch is used as the language of communication. English is necessary for communication with foreign branches.

HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER

A job at WDP means working in a rapidly growing, international environment. 

WDP offers you a permanent contract at a competitive salary, including a company car, iPhone, expenses allowance, meal vouchers, attractive bonus plan, group insurance, Flexible Income Plan, etc.

Initially, you follow an extensive onboarding programme. Then, throughout your career at WDP, you receive internal and external training.

Above all, you will be warmly welcomed into a team of enthusiastic colleagues who are always ready to lend a helping hand.