The Head of UK PI Platform Delivery will be responsible for leading delivery teams which engineer the foundational services of Vanguard UK's direct to consumer offer. The role partners with leaders across the UK PI business and other IT organisations to strategise and effectively shape IT demand that will deliver business impact. These platform services focus on scalability to service hundreds of thousands of clients, reusability across teams, and clean documentation to enable speed.

The ability to operate at multiple altitudes is critical to this role: this leader should be comfortable moving between business and technology strategy, to delivery process and software delivery lifecycle optimisations.

This role will also be a member of the Manchester senior IT leadership team and will be pivotal in establishing our presence in the region, fostering a strong company culture, and engaging with the local technology and financial services community.

• Hires, evaluates, and supervises crew. Provides guidance and training as necessary to develop crew. Sets performance standards, reviews performance, and makes informed compensation decisions in accordance with all applicable Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Responsible for delivering software releases relating to the product for the business units, managing the testing, evaluation, and selection of IT vendor products. Works with business clients to determine scope, and makes prioritisation and sequencing decisions to delivery maximum value.
• Works closely with management to develop and implement staffing and operational plans. Effectively leverages various staffing options and manages a global workforce. Participates in the development of short and long term department goals. Monitors and reports on service delivery metrics and overall performance.
• Develops and implements changes to department policies and procedures to meet changing business needs and to achieve department objectives. Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and evaluates and recommends appropriate strategies and technologies for building products and delivering services.
• Leads quality initiatives to improve the delivery of service levels. Works with senior management in the planning, development, and execution of short and long range goals.
• Presents status, metrics, and department initiatives at meetings with management and project peers. Develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders to provide long-term collaborations and deliver successful business outcomes.
• Participates in the development of the department budget. Reviews expenses and ensures department operates within budgetary guidelines. Leads the strategy and execution to build, buy, and integrate business technology solutions.
• Ensures staff complies with information technology and information security policies and procedures, and verifies that deliverables meet requirements.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within a similar industry
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse groups of people
• Previous experience as a software engineer strongly preferred
• Proactive and approachable leadership style, with the ability to foster a positive work environment
• Community-minded individual, preferably with an understanding of the Manchester community and local business environment
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. Graduate degree preferred