Group IT Director Full Time

Bristol, Gloucestershire
Vaarst
We have a core focus on helping the world become a cleaner, greener, and safer place. We seek to deploy technology for good – come & join us! We usually respond within a week

At Vaarst & Rovco, we have a bias for action and innovation, all while acting with integrity. Join us to work in an environment that values both creativity and ethical conduct, where visionary ideas come to life.

Location: Bristol or Aberdeen, UK – Hybrid 2+ days in the office

Vaarst & Rovco focuses on making the world a cleaner, greener and safer place by deploying technology for good. We’re using techniques inartificial intelligence,autonomy, computer vision and marine robotics to create a difference in the world with underwater technology for our clients in offshore wind and the subsea industry.

Take a look at one of our products in action

Born for renewables in 2015we’ve announced funding of more than £15 million, been voted one of the most innovative and sustainable companies working towards net zero and won awards for Best use of AI and Best Technology Innovation.

Discover your place in a hybrid team of 100+ people that celebrates diversity knowing that every perspective is a valuable part of our success and that empowers you to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance.

As the IT Director at Vaarst & Rovco, you will play a crucial role in shaping the technological landscape of our company as we grow. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of IT & Data infrastructure, cybersecurity, and strategic planning to ensure the seamless operation of our systems and services. Your expertise will be vital in implementing rigorous technology standards and best practices throughout the group organisation.

In addition, this is an incredible opportunity to help further the transition to renewable energy.

Objectives & Responsibilities:

Vaarst & Rovcois an exciting and dynamic environment meaning these are likely to change as we grow, upon joining your objectives and responsibilities will include:

IT Strategy and Leadership:

• Develop and execute the IT strategy in alignment with the company’s goals and objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction to the IT department, ensuring the team’s effectiveness and professional development.

Cybersecurity:

• Implement and maintain robust cybersecurity measures to protect the company’s data, systems, and intellectual property.
• Stay current with emerging threats and technology trends to keep the company’s cybersecurity posture resilient.

IT infrastructure management

• Manage the enterprise IT estate, scaling with the rapidly growing organisation.
• Manage and optimise our data infrastructure, including remote processing centres that support the operational needs of offshore vessels, including autonomous robotics systems.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of all enterprise infrastructure.

Compliance, Support/ IT Service Management (ITSM):

• Ensure adherence to compliance standards such as ISO 27001, governing information security management.
• Develop and maintain robust ITSM processes based on frameworks like ITIL to deliver high-quality IT support and services.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the IT budget, making cost-effective decisions to maximize ROI.
• Allocate IT resources effectively, ensuring alignment with business needs.

Vendor and Partner Relationships:

• Collaborate with external vendors and technology partners to ensure the best solutions are leveraged for the company’s success.

You should apply if you have.

(we know it’s tough, but please try to avoid the confidence gap. You don’t have to match all the listed requirements exactly to be considered for this role):

• Proven track record in managing IT infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on modern approaches such as infrastructure as code, containerisation, cloud, devops/dev services, CI/CD.
• Extensive experience in a senior IT leadership role, demonstrating a deep understanding of modern IT practices.
• Comfortable managing a mixed ecosystem of Windows/Linux and Cloud/on prem.
• Expertise in IT project management, cybersecurity, and strategic planning.
• Excellent knowledge of technology trends and best practices.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to implement and maintain good compliance, technology standards, and IT processes across an organisation. Ideally experience with NIST and ISO7001, or equivalent.
• Ideally proven track record in managing complex data infrastructure.

We’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Our hybrid-remote approach and state-of-the-art Bristol & AberdeenOffice Hubs provide a welcoming space designed to nurture your creativity, productivity and well-being.

Inaddition you’ll get an extensive range of benefits so you can focus on doing your very best work:

• Flexible, hybrid working and a 35 hour work week so you can work when is best for you
• 25 days annual leave to start with increasing to 35 days after 6 years + bank holidays
• Sabbatical’s at 4 and 6 years and a £500 holiday voucher at 2 years
• Private medical insurance, including Dental & optical
• Career and learning development through paid courses, conferences and events
• Curiosity fund – up to £500 to spend on learning which is not role related
• Up to 10% company bonus
• Pension up to 6% company contribution
• Volunteering day, to give back to your local community
• Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Recognition & rewards for doing great work and living our values and behaviours
• Flexible working options including, reduced hours, part time, job share, phased return to work, term time working, compressed hours
• We’re a sociable, tight-knit team with monthly socials
• Hybrid working, Most teams work in our offices 2+ days a week to collaborate and be hands on with our technology. When you do visit our Bristol office is 10 minute walk from the train station, with its own balcony and Fresh fruit & snacks and drinks in the office

Joinin our mission to make the world a cleaner, greener and safer place by deploying technology for good.

Interview Process

We’ve designed a straightforward interview process to ensure the best fit for both you and the company. We have adopted anonymised recruitment. This means that your name, date of birth and other personal details will not be seen by the hiring team.

• Application: Begin by submitting your application with your CV, highlighting your skills and experience relevant to the job. Answer key questions on elements that are important to the role.
• Talent Partner Interview: We will tell you more about the role, the team and our mission. This is a two-way conversation; we want to learn about your motivation, what you can bring, and provide answers to your questions.
• Aptitude Test: Demonstrate your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and workplace personality through an aptitude test. It includes a timed cognitive exercise and a workplace personality questionnaire.
• Technical Interview: Engage in a 1-hour interview with our CTO and VP of software engineering. Experience the role firsthand and share your skills and experience. We’ll discuss our technologies, key skills, and team dynamics. As always, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
• Leadership Interview: Meet our CEO and People & Talent Director. This is your opportunity to express your thoughts on the role and ask any final questions. We’ll clarify expectations and ensure this role aligns with your aspirations.
• Offer! If you are successful in the process, you’ll receive an offer to join and become part of our team.

We value the diversity of our teams and are committed to supporting and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, knowing that every perspective is a valuable part of our success. Should you require any reasonable adjustment throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let a member of the Talent team know.

Be part of a technology company making a positive impact, apply now

As an organisation, we know that in order to achieve our goals we need to attract, develop and retain only the very best people and encourage their growth through our company.

As a fast-growing business in an ever-changing environment, we truly recognise how important it is to be aware of our roots, to visualise the mission we are working towards and to embrace our values to help us reach our common goal as a team.

Vaarst isa cloud robotics business, focused on the energy transition space. We are developing a platform for mobile autonomous robotics, starting with the offshore renewables sector, where our aim is to solve robotic challenges of today and the future.

We produce state of the art computer vision coupled with the latest in machine learning techniques. We use this to deploy underwater robots on offshore wind farms where they perform visual surveys and output detailed 3D models.

Our team have won numerous awards and have been recognised for their contribution to advancements in vision, data and autonomous technology.

Founded in 2021

Co-workers 110+

Group IT Director We have a core focus on helping the world become a cleaner, greener . click apply for full job details