Head of Systems & Security (UK or Ireland)

Delivery Associates (DA) is seeking a Head of Systems & Security to lead its internal technology, systems, cybersecurity and technology governance capability across the global organisation. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for ensuring DA's technology environment is secure, resilient, well-governed and fit for purpose, while continuing to evolve as the organisation grows.

The role requires someone with strong technical credibility who can set direction while remaining close enough to execution to challenge technical decisions, vendors and managed service providers where required.

The Head of Systems & Security will have responsibility for cybersecurity, ISO 27001, technology risk and the evolution of DA’s technology stack to meet changing business needs, together with enterprise systems, vendor/MSP management and data protection. The role will also retain oversight of DA's Data Operations and data governance capability, although deep data science and hands-on data architecture are not the primary focus.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working with executive and Board-level stakeholders and operating in an international, evolving environment where priorities, systems and organisational requirements will continue to develop.

About Delivery Associates (DA) 

Delivery Associates (DA) is a global social impact consultancy specialising in transforming the public sector. We help governments, philanthropies, and social impact organisations turn ambitious goals into an everyday reality for the people they serve. At the heart of what we do is the methodology: Deliverology®, the evolving science of getting things done in the public and social sectors. We use our expertise across strategic planning, delivery and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, digital solutions, and strategic communications to build the capacity of our partners to deliver at every stage of the implementation life cycle. At DA, we value excellence, humility, and passion, ensuring that we deliver the highest quality work while staying committed to making a meaningful difference. 

Key Responsibilities

Systems & Technology

• Own and evolve DA's internal systems and technology roadmap.
• Provide leadership across enterprise systems, infrastructure, platforms and technology operations.
• Ensure DA's technology environment is reliable, resilient, integrated and capable of supporting its global operations.
• Lead technology change, systems improvement and modernisation initiatives.
• Maintain sufficient technical depth to assess solutions, challenge technical decisions and provide effective oversight of internal and external technology teams.

Cybersecurity, Risk & ISO 27001

• Provide senior leadership of DA's cybersecurity strategy, governance and operational security.
• Take ownership of ISO 27001, including certification, audits, controls, remediation and ongoing compliance.
• Own technology risk and ensure appropriate security policies, controls, access management and incident management processes are maintained.
• Ensure cybersecurity and operational resilience remain appropriate as DA's technology environment evolves.
• Communicate technology and cybersecurity risks clearly to senior leadership and the Board.

Vendor Management

• Own senior relationships with key technology vendors and outsourced service providers.
• Ensure suppliers deliver against agreed service, security and commercial requirements.
• Provide technically credible oversight and challenge to vendor recommendations and proposed solutions.
• Oversee technology contracts, service performance and relevant technology investment decisions.

Data Protection & Governance

• Act as DA's Data Protection Officer (DPO) or provide equivalent senior leadership of the organisation's data protection and privacy responsibilities.
• Ensure appropriate compliance with relevant data protection requirements across DA's international operations.
• Maintain effective governance around data access, ownership, security and privacy.

Data Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight of DA's existing Data Operations and data governance environment.
• Ensure internal data remains appropriately governed, reliable and effectively integrated across DA's systems.
• Support the continued evolution of DA's data capability alongside the wider technology roadmap.
• Work effectively with data and technical specialists without the role requiring deep hands-on data science expertise.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop DA's internal systems and technology capability and associated technical teams.
• Partner with senior leaders and Board-level stakeholders, translating technical, security and data risks into clear business implications and decisions.
• Establish clear priorities, governance and accountability across technology initiatives.
• Operate effectively across a distributed international organisation.
• Bring an entrepreneurial and pragmatic mindset, comfortable working in an expanding and evolving environment where structures and requirements may continue to change.

Required Skills & Experience 

• Significant experience leading enterprise technology, systems, infrastructure or IT operations.
• Strong cybersecurity leadership and governance experience.
• Demonstrable experience managing ISO 27001 certification and audits, rather than simply working within an ISO-certified environment.
• Strong technology vendor and MSP management experience.
• Sufficient technical credibility to challenge vendors, architects and technical specialists where necessary.
• Experience managing technology risk, governance, operational resilience and security controls.
• Strong data protection/privacy experience, ideally including DPO or equivalent responsibilities.
• Experience engaging with executive and Board-level stakeholders.
• Experience leading technical teams in international, distributed or professional-services environments would be advantageous.
• A good understanding of data operations, governance and enterprise data environments, although deep data science expertise is not required.
• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to balance security, operational requirements, investment and organisational priorities
• This role is based in Ireland or the UK. Candidates must have the right to work in Ireland or the UK. Delivery Associates will not sponsor applicants for work visas. 

What We Offer 

• Impactful work: Opportunities to engage with senior leaders and contribute to an organisation delivering meaningful social outcomes globally. 
• Global team collaboration: Work with diverse teams across geographies. 
• Excellent colleagues: We strive to be as talent-dense and diverse as possible, so we are always learning from each other. Access to world-class training programmes and mentorship from senior leaders. 
• Growth environment: Everyone's career pathway is unique, so be part of a growing organisation committed to continuous improvement. 
• Flexibility: Remote working environment with opportunities for global collaboration. 
• Healthy compensation: Our colleagues enjoy a comprehensive benefits package for the effort they put in. 

Our Values 

These values serve as an anchor, enabling us to stay true to who we are and what we stand for.  

• Passion: It is all about impact. 
• Excellence: Delivering to the highest standards. 
• Humility: Pride without ego. 

For more information, visit deliveryassociates.com/our-work or contact our talent team at [email protected] 

By applying for a role at Delivery Associates, please note that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Notice. This does not form part of any contract of employment.

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