We have a core belief that our toxic, sedentary lifestyles are making humans, and the planet, sick. So we’re on a mission to change it.
We’re a bunch of outsiders, dreamers, entrepreneurs, rebels and activists who fight for full regeneration of our people and planet. We move furiously fast in an ever-changing ecosystem, and we also fail fast, learn, get back up and try again. To thrive in this slightly crazy atmosphere, we’re also a bunch of mates, doing cool things and supporting each other along the way.
Celebrating the outdoors isn’t just something we talk about - when the seasons change we’re out there to mark it. Exploring, sharing, workshopping, camping and enjoying local produce (and wine) is all part of it. Ideally you already love the natural world, or you are eager to get out there, learn and get involved. You’ll be supported and encouraged all the way.
We are a footwear company, a health and wellbeing company, and an evolving bunch of activists. And we’re searching for brilliant humans with exceptional skills and talent to help us make this dream into a reality.
Does the shoe fit? Read on…
Vivobarefoot is seeking an experienced, innovative, and proactive Head of IT to lead and scale our enterprise IT services, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and the protection of our digital presence. This role is pivotal in empowering our internal technology team to take ownership of key IT operations, reduce reliance on third-party providers, and drive operational excellence. You will play a critical role in safeguarding Vivobarefoot from online threats, including the proliferation of counterfeit websites, which harm both our customers and our brand.
We’re looking for a hands-on, data-driven individual with a passion for building robust in-house IT capabilities in a high-growth, fast-paced company. This is a crucial role within Vivobarefoot’s team, offering substantial influence on our IT infrastructure, strategy, and security.
KEY OUTPUTS
- IT Leadership & Strategy
- Develop a forward-thinking IT strategy that supports our growth, focusing on operational self-sufficiency and advanced cybersecurity measures.
- Lead the internal IT team in designing, building, and managing reliable, secure, and scalable systems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to align IT initiatives with business goals, delivering tangible value across departments.
Cybersecurity & Anti-Counterfeit Measures - Lead the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols to protect against threats such as data breaches, phishing, and counterfeit websites.
- Develop and manage a threat detection and response system to quickly identify and take down counterfeit websites and fraudulent online activity.
Operations Optimization - Assess and overhaul current IT processes to drive efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
- Lead automation efforts to streamline IT services, reduce manual interventions, and improve system resilience.
- Champion a “self-sustaining” mindset, developing in-house expertise for key IT functions, including cybersecurity.
Internal Capability Building - Build and mentor a high-performing internal IT team, fostering skills that reduce dependency on external Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
- Identify and close skill gaps within the team, providing training and development opportunities.
- Promote knowledge sharing and create an environment where continuous learning is encouraged.
Security & Compliance - Lead the design and implementation of security protocols, ensuring the highest level of protection for sensitive data, e-commerce systems, and digital assets.
- Ensure compliance with internal and external regulations, including GDPR , PCI-DSS , and cybersecurity standards .
- Regularly review and audit IT infrastructure for vulnerabilities and ensure security updates are applied in a timely manner.
- Oversee incident response plans to address cybersecurity breaches and counterfeit activities swiftly and effectively.
Technology Stack & Infrastructure - Evaluate, optimize, and manage our technology stack, identifying areas for innovation and cost-saving opportunities.
- Implement in-house solutions where feasible to reduce reliance on third-party providers.
- Ensure scalable infrastructure that can support ongoing business growth, including cloud and on-premises systems.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation - Foster a culture of innovation within the IT team, encouraging experimentation with new tools and technologies.
- Continuously monitor performance metrics, using data-driven insights to guide improvements and enhance IT services.
- Stay informed of emerging trends and best practices, applying them to drive continuous improvement.
DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the internal IT team in maintaining and enhancing the organization’s technology infrastructure.
- Oversee system migrations, upgrades, and technology changes with minimal disruption to operations.
- Develop and enforce incident response protocols, ensuring quick and effective resolution of IT and cybersecurity issues, including fraudulent activities like counterfeit websites.
- Drive proactive monitoring of system health, ensuring scalability, resilience, and security.
- Manage IT budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of IT systems, processes, and configurations for internal transparency.
- Solicit feedback from end-users and stakeholders to continuously improve the IT experience.
WHAT WE'D LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU
- Proven experience in IT management, with a focus on IT operations and collaboration with MSPs.
- Experience within retail is a plus, particularly if you have supported store implementations from a technology perspective.
- Demonstrable knowledge of data governance , GDPR , and PCI-DSS compliance .
- In-depth experience with fraud prevention technologies and techniques.
- In-depth knowledge of Microsoft 365, Multi Factor Authentication, Single Sign On and JIRA.
- Up to date knowledge of current technologies and trends in IT operations.
- Experience in vendor management and contract negotiation.
- Strong understanding of ITIL processes and best practices.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- Certifications such as ITIL, PMP, or relevant technical certifications are a plus.
OUR EPIC BAREFOOT BENEFITS:
- 25-day holiday allowance (pro rata), 4 additional days each year to volunteer, get outdoors or focus on your wellbeing, and a day off for your birthday.
- Private Medical Health care, including mental health, dental and eye care.
- Livebarefoot Pot – up to £1,000 per year to inspire you to live barefoot (embrace hobbies and passions) and or boost your natural health.
- Free seasonal Vivo footwear and discounts for you, your friends & family.
- Pension matched to 5%.
- 4 Vivo Gatherings to celebrate the equinox and solstice, connecting and reflecting in nature.
- Travel Allowance to support connection days.
- Generous gender-neutral parental leave.
- Life Insurance up to 6 times your salary.
- Group income protection insurance.
- Long service awards.
- Car salary sacrifice scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Vivobarefoot believes that diversity is the essence of its ecosystem. We encourage diversity of thought and believe that it enables creativity and innovation to flourish. Our mission is to create a fair and equitable workplace where people thrive and are empowered to become their true selves at work. We believe that feedback and fostering collaboration will allow employees to blaze new trails and enjoy every aspect of the Vivobarefoot community.
Every opportunity for recruiting a new member of the Vivobarefoot family should be an opportunity for us to introduce fresh perspectives, talent and skills into our community. Therefore, our commitment is to recruit regardless of race, colour, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, mental health illness, disability, marital or parental status, national or social origin, gender identity, age or any other characteristics protected by law. We look forward to walking this barefoot journey with you!
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