IT Manager

Job content

This position is based in Liverpool with flexible work arrangements available.

John West Foods Ltd is part of Thai Union Group PCL, the world’s seafood leader bringing high quality, healthy, tasty and innovative seafood products to customers across the world.

Today, Thai Union Group Public Company Limited is the world’s trusted seafood leader, leveraging its expertise, bringing high quality, safe, and delicious seafood products to customers across the world for over 40 years. We are the world’s largest producer of shelf-stable tuna products, with a global workforce of over 44,000 people who are dedicated to pioneering sustainable and innovative seafood products.

Job purpose:

The John West IT manager’s primary objective is to be a trusted partner to the business leadership team on site, bringing control, monitoring & functional best practices on the field of technology and information management to support the Company operational performance.

The role’s objectives are aligned with those of the leadership team in that the the successful candidate is instrumental in creating the environment allowing a high degree of robustness & synchronization in the various front end & back-end Information Systems, technology and business processes.

The successful candidate will oversee the overall IS/IT department of the Company, coordinate IT third party service companies on sites.

The successful candidate will work hand in hand with the site’s functional leaders and ensure coordination, alignment with Thai Union Europe and Thai Union Group’s IS/IT management, and at large, the company’s IS/IT platforms, policies in technology, applications & security.

The JW IT manager will plan, coordinate, and design all activities of the IT department, as well as provide direction and support for solutions that enhance business operations. The IT leader will work closely with the Company and TUE IT leadership team to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost-effective IT solutions for all areas.

Roles & Responsibilities

IT Management and Leadership

• Manage IS/IT for all John West entities (UK, NL, IRE) and TUTE (NL)
• Recreate a solid team on site, including a network of Key Business Users: Attract, develop, and retain a high performing team to meet the current and evolving needs of the business through effective selection, training, and development, coaching and performance management
• Serve as leader and mentor for all IT staff and become a trusted advisor to the Business
• Ensure the IS/IT team is aligned to the standards of quality and services of IS/IT the organization
• Facilitate and support Productivity programs as needed to improve the Company overall competitive position and overall cost of operations.
• Work with service providers to ensure full coverage of IT services to all users
• Enforce Group IT and Security standards and Business Continuity across all JW sites

IT Strategy & Execution

• Reposition the IS/IT roadmap for John West and TUTE
• Monitor SLA’s and KPIs, metrics to understand the current the performance of our IT systems and way of working, and propose action plans in a second step to improve overall post go live performance
• Ensure adequate allocation of resources to support the existing IS/IT infrastructure and business applications
• Develop, implement and enforce all IT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, and service provision
• Lead and/or support all projects impacting John West

Financial and Vendor Management

• Develop and manage the IT capital budget (CAPEX) and operating spend (OPEX) and ensure they comply with stated goals, guidelines, and objectives
• Manage third party vendors used in the implementation and support of the operations
• Work with John West and TUTE leadership to help identify cost savings opportunities
• Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives

TUE Project Management & Operations

• Manage and/or support TUE application projects from inception (vendor selection, Business case identification…), validation (Business and IT approval) and execution/implementation
• Ensure projects are delivered on a timely and cost-effective manner
• Identify digital transformation and other application initiatives that can benefit Thai Union
• Work on other ad-hoc request as and when needed
• Participate and support the communication of IT initiatives across the JW group

Management / Internal and External relationships

• IT Support onsite resources and other vendors
• Key internal customers – Leadership team, KBUs, all employees using the IT systems
• Key external customers – hardware suppliers, systems providers and consultants

Person Specifications:

Knowledge & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer/information science or related field
• Demonstrable experience managing and/or directing IT organization in a commercial entity in retail and/or FMCG industry
• Knowledge of basic networking fundamentals, Microsoft Azure would be an advantage
• Ideally, proven experience and understanding of SAP (S4 Hana) and EDI
• Project management in a complex, global and matrix organization
• Knowledge of Business processes (ITIL), management, budgeting, and office operations
• Demonstrated ability to apply IT in solving business problems
• Strong understanding of human resource management principles, practices, and procedures

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to conduct and direct research into IT issues and products
• Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language
• Highly self-motivated, self-directed, and attentive to detail
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Extensive experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Demonstrated flexibility in managing the scope of work

Our Offer:

We have a Shoal of Benefits including:

• An extensive benefits package including 27 days annual leave (with the option to purchase up to 3 additional days).
• Competitive pension.
• Private Medical Cover
• Life Assurance
• Hybrid Working Arrangements
• Flexible Benefits Platform
• Paid volunteer days and Crew reward and recognition schemes

John West is committed to providing equality of opportunity. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please let us know.

At THAI UNION EUROPE, we are committed to creating an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and recognized for who they are. This is a critical component of our success. Each of our employees adds value to the company regardless of gender, education, religion, origin, nationality, disability or age.