Frontier is an Economic Consultancy with a difference. From day one our goal was simple - to create a company that approached economics with imagination. Founded in 1999, we are entirely employee owned so everyone contributes to the culture and success. Advising public and private sector clients throughout Europe, we now have over 400 employees working across our seven European offices (London, Cologne, Dublin, Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Madrid).

At Frontier we have dedicated teams that provide support to our economists, working across our European offices. These teams form our Business Management Team (BMT) and include IT, Facilities, Practice Co-ordination, Clients, People and Finance.

The BMT help to shape the every-day running of the firm and implement the strategy to make it all happen. They help drive business development and practice coordination while supporting the growth of the firm through recruiting and managing talent. All our employees are supported in their career and personal development through our exceptional training programs, learning resources, qualifications and career progression.

Role:

The IT Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction for information technology systems and solutions within the company. Leading a growing team of 12, the IT Director is accountable for the delivery of technology systems, solutions and support across the European offices. There are three distinct sub teams within the overall IT Team - a Support Team which consists of a helpdesk function with 1st and 2nd line support, managed by the Helpdesk Team Leader, an infrastructure team responsible for maintaining the private cloud and other infrastructure led by the IT Manager and the development team which consists of a Systems Administrator, Solutions Developer, WorkDay Lead and Systems Architect.

The IT Director will demonstrate an agile mindset, valuing everyone as an individual and bringing together groups at all levels and across multiple offices to collaborate and develop technology solutions that enhance our productivity, performance and experience.

Key areas of responsibility:

The IT Director will contribute and add value to the following areas:

Strategy:

Develop a clear technology strategy and target architecture that is aligned with business priorities and objectives, building on what has already been put in place.
Advise and guide the Executive on the firm’s technology and systems operation strategy.
Actively contribute to all operational and strategic matters as an Executive member.
Act as an advisor to the Board and Management Committee on all IT issues
Set and control the IT budget and ensure the IT teams deliver their remits in an efficient and cost effective manner.
Oversee all technological infrastructure (equipment, software, networks, systems, external partners) and support across the organisation.
Contribute to operational projects, central management and the development of the overall strategic direction of the business, including business planning processes.
Analyse the business requirements of all departments to determine and anticipate their technology needs/ Collaborate with Heads of Department across the organisation to understand their requirements and work with them to select and implement technology to support their needs, including: specific examples.
Ensure our IT systems and processes are compliant with our legal and contractual obligations and that any systems risks are mitigated.

Leadership and Governance:

Undertake an active leadership role, with responsibility to ensure Frontier’s long run sustainability.
Act as a role model for our culture and values; and adhere to the highest standards of thought leadership, client and project management, and brand development.
Be responsible for the career development and wellbeing of all our staff. In addition to mentoring, coaching, and facilitating the development of staff, it is expected that Directors will also ensure the development of staff at Frontier matches the needs of the firm and our clients, acting quickly to fill.

Innovation:

Identify and lead strategic change and technology developments that ensure Frontier can continue to expand by meeting clients’ evolving needs while improving efficiencies through the utilisation of internal technologies.
Devise and establish IT policies and systems to support the implementation of strategies.
Be aware of merging gaps in our expertise, experience or skills and embed a learning and development culture through active support.

In addition to stimulating and thought-provoking project work, we offer numerous benefits to support you inside and outside of work. All employees have access to numerous Learning & Development opportunities including ongoing Career Development Reviews with the support of an allocated Mentor.

We understand the importance of work/life balance and offer flexible working arrangements. Our hybrid working model means we expect most people to combine coming into the office with working remotely, either from home or elsewhere. We are encouraging a 60:40 split either way, with a full-time colleague typically being in the office 2-3 days a week. How you split your time will depend on the meetings in your diary, projects you may be working on etc - we want you to be able to embrace the flexibility while thinking about what works best for The Company, Your clients and You. In addition we provide 28 days annual leave with the option to purchase an additional 10.

Frontier is entirely owned by its employees. As Shareholders, we encourage everyone to put forward their views. Not only do we influence how the company is run but we choose to distribute as much of our profits as is prudently possible through bonuses. In addition we offer a highly rewarding salary.

We expect the successful candidate to demonstrate the following:

Personal qualities and competencies:

A high EQ with strong interpersonal skills; building relationships, motivating others and managing their own and other people’s reactions to pressured situations.
Curiosity and innovation; investing in their own development and keeping on top of developments in the digital space.
An ability to rapidly analyse and interpret disparate information and make decisions whilst working effectively with ambiguity.
A commercial mindset willing to challenge assumptions, think flexibly and creatively, generating innovative solutions and driving change in order to meet business requirements.
Confident, clear and coherent communications with a wide range of internal and external people, skilled in interacting with and influencing any individual or group.
The capability to lead teams; motivating and managing team performances.
Contributing to the culture of the firm by embodying Frontier values and acting as a motivating, inspiring and inclusive leader.
Excellent planning, prioritisation & project management capabilities.

Expertise:

Experience of running a successful IT function within a corporate or professional services organisation.
Experience in analysis, implementation and evaluation of IT systems and their specifications.
Experience and success in working in a highly matrixed organisation with a flat structure is beneficial .
Expert managing compliance with varying information security requirements, both legal and contractual (European wide).
Experience in controlling information technology budget
BSc/BA in computer science, engineering or relevant field is beneficial

Should you have any questions or would like any additional information please email recruitment@frontier-economics.com. We are looking forward to receiving your application.

Frontier Economics is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. We are determined that everyone has an equal chance to join us and progress their career with Frontier. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Read more about our incentives here.

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IT Director (Europe)