Head of Technology

ESco is an established, independent UK business providing subscription, membership and supporter management services across the publishing, membership and charity sectors.

As we continue to evolve and invest in our technology capability, we’re looking for an experienced Head of Technology to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape ESco’s future technical direction.

This is a senior role combining technical leadership, strategic thinking and commercial awareness. It is not a traditional, infrastructure-focused Head of IT position. We’re looking for someone who can take a broad view across software, systems, data, AI and business processes and bring these together into a clear and deliverable technology strategy.

You’ll lead a multidisciplinary technology team and work closely with senior leaders across the business. You’ll provide technical direction, shape solutions and help us make smart decisions about how technology can continue to support our clients, our people and our long-term ambitions.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to have genuine ownership and influence over the technology direction of an established business at an exciting point in its development.

What you’ll do

• Develop, own and deliver ESco’s technology strategy and roadmap
• Lead, support and develop our multidisciplinary technology team
• Provide technical direction across software development, systems and the wider technology environment
• Work with colleagues across the business to translate commercial and operational priorities into effective technology solutions
• Guide and constructively challenge proposed solutions, architecture and technology choices
• Shape our approach to software development, integrations, data, cloud technologies and technical resilience, working closely with our Head of Risk and Compliance where appropriate
• Lead ESco’s AI and automation strategy, building on our existing capabilities to embed intelligent, connected and scalable solutions across our client services, systems and internal operations.
• Help prioritise technology investment by balancing business value, cost, risk and long-term suitability
• Contribute technical expertise to significant client and commercial discussions
• Turn agreed plans into action and take responsibility for delivering meaningful, sustainable change

What we’re looking for

• Significant technical leadership experience within a software or technology-led environment
• Experience of leading and developing a multidisciplinary technology team
• Strong current knowledge of modern software development, architecture and engineering best practice
• A strong understanding of APIs, integrations, databases and cloud technologies
• The technical credibility to guide, support and constructively challenge experienced developers and other technology specialists
• The ability to translate complex technical thinking into clear, commercially sound decisions
• Experience of developing a technology roadmap and taking responsibility for its delivery
• A pragmatic approach to balancing technology, people, cost, security, risk and opportunity
• The confidence and experience to contribute effectively as part of a Senior Leadership Team
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to bring people with you through change

Previous hands-on software development experience would be beneficial but is not essential. Experience within the subscription, membership, publishing or charity sectors would also be advantageous.

Just as importantly, we’re looking for someone who fits with our team and ethos. Our culture is built around being open and honest, working with integrity, being commercially minded, being passionate about what we do and working in genuine partnership. We take our work seriously, but not always ourselves!

Why ESco?

• Genuine ownership over the technology direction of an established independent business
• A place on the Senior Leadership Team
• An experienced and committed team, with the opportunity to make a visible difference
• Hybrid working
• Additional annual leave linked to length of service, plus your birthday off
• A modern, purpose-built office in a peaceful rural setting
• An Investors in People employer committed to its people and their development

The details

Location: Wethersfield, Essex. This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office. Candidates must therefore be able to travel regularly to our rural location, which is not well served by public transport.

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Salary: A competitive senior-level package, dependent on experience. Salary expectations will be discussed at the initial stage of the recruitment process.