Job description

Job Title: Head of IT - Energy Client

Location: London, UK (3Days/Week Onsite)

Duration: Permanent

Salary:- 130K/Annum

About the Role

We are recruiting for an experienced and strategic Deputy Head of EM UK IS/Head of IT to join a leading Energy client based in London.

This is a senior technology leadership role supporting the UK CIO in shaping and delivering the organization's technology strategy. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving AI-led innovation, data transformation, digital enablement and operational excellence across trading, risk management and business operations.

As Deputy to the UK CIO/Head of IT, you will act as a strategic advisor and operational leader, ensuring technology capabilities remain aligned with the fast-paced demands of energy markets, evolving business priorities and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Technology Leadership

Partner with the UK CIO to define and execute the technology and information systems strategy.
Drive strategic initiatives across AI, data, analytics, cloud transformation and digital innovation.
Identify and champion emerging technologies that can enhance trading performance, operational efficiency and decision-making.
Represent the UK CIO in executive forums, governance boards and steering committees where required.
Translate business strategy and market requirements into actionable technology roadmaps.

AI, Data & Digital Transformation

Lead and evolve the enterprise data strategy, including data architecture, governance, quality and accessibility.
Drive the adoption and deployment of AI and Machine Learning solutions across the organisation.
Collaborate with Data Scientists, Quantitative teams and business stakeholders to embed AI and advanced analytics into core business processes.
Champion predictive analytics, automation and cloud-native technologies.
Establish scalable and effective frameworks for AI adoption and digital transformation.

Technology & Operational Excellence

Provide leadership across critical IT operations supporting energy trading platforms, market data systems, risk platforms and business applications.
Ensure technology platforms are robust, scalable, secure and highly available.
Drive automation, modernisation and continuous improvement across IT service delivery.
Monitor and improve operational KPIs, SLAs and service performance for mission-critical systems.
Support effective incident, problem and change management practices.

Stakeholder & Business Engagement

Act as a trusted advisor and bridge between technology and business teams.
Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across Trading, Risk, Operations and other business functions.
Translate complex business challenges into practical and scalable technology solutions.
Manage relationships with strategic technology vendors, market data providers and external partners.
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to accelerate innovation and delivery.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure technology solutions comply with relevant industry regulations, cybersecurity standards and internal governance requirements.
Support audit readiness, risk assessments and technology risk mitigation.
Lead and contribute to IT governance initiatives, including architecture reviews, technology standards and investment prioritisation.
Ensure appropriate controls are in place to protect critical business and trading systems.

Leadership & People Development

Support and deputise for the UK CIO where required.
Lead, mentor and develop senior technology leaders and teams.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, agility and continuous improvement.
Drive organisational and cultural change required to support digital transformation.

Required Experience & Skills

Significant experience in senior IT or technology leadership roles within energy trading, commodities, financial services or capital markets.
Strong understanding of trading systems, market data platforms, risk management systems and front-to-back technology landscapes.
Proven experience delivering large-scale digital transformation, data and technology initiatives.
Strong exposure to AI/ML deployment, data engineering, analytics and cloud technologies.
Experience defining and implementing data governance, data architecture and data quality frameworks.
Strong understanding of IT operations, service delivery, technology resilience and high-availability environments.
Experience working within regulated environments, with knowledge of technology risk, cybersecurity and compliance.
Excellent executive-level stakeholder management and communication skills.
Strong leadership experience, including managing senior teams and driving organisational change.

Desirable Experience