Head of IT

About Vital Ireland and the Role

Vital Ireland is a leading healthcare distributor within the pharmaceutical, medical device, and scientific markets, operating through Fannin Ltd, Iskus Health Ltd, and Medisource, and employing over 300 people across both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. As part of the Vital Healthcare group under Investindustrial, Vital Ireland is expanding its IT leadership to support growth and transformation. The Head of IT, based in Leopardstown, Dublin (with hybrid work including minimum 3 days per week onsite), reports directly to the CEO of Vital Ireland and matrix reports to the Group CIO. This senior position involves leading a team of 10 IT professionals and managing an annual IT budget of approximately 92 2 million.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic IT direction as a senior management team member.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing IT team focused on service excellence and effective business collaboration.
• Control and oversee the IT budget and manage technology suppliers to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality service.
• Manage and improve business-critical applications including SAP, SAP CRM, SAP Success Factors, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, QlikView, and Esker.
• Ensure robust performance, security, and availability of IT infrastructure hosted on Microsoft Azure along with networks and end-user services.
• Maintain and enhance cybersecurity, governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Implement effective project governance and continuous improvement protocols for IT systems.
• Lead major technology initiatives from planning through to deployment.
• Support mergers and acquisitions through IT due diligence and integration activities.
• Drive innovation by adopting emerging technologies, including AI, and formulate the organization's AI adoption strategy.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience and Skills:

• Established IT leadership, operational expertise, and programme management capabilities.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in budget management, contract negotiation, and vendor relations.
• Deep expertise in specific tech domains complemented by broad IT knowledge.
• Proficient in cyber security principles, IT governance, and modern workplace technologies.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, balancing strategic vision with practical delivery.
• Expertise in building teams committed to service quality and effective business partnerships.
• Experience managing operations and compliance infrastructure within Microsoft Azure.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Familiarity with SAP or other large ERP systems.
• Practical working knowledge of Microsoft Power Platform tools.
• Hands-on software development experience in any programming language.
• Experience with Esker document automation solutions.
• Track record in implementing AI-enabled business technologies.
• Experience supporting IT roles in business acquisitions and system integrations.

Leadership Attributes

• Proactive, accountable leader with a strong results orientation.
• Business-aligned technology leader mindful of cost optimization.
• Detail-focused with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative communicator and influencer with a customer-centric approach.
• Flexible and adaptable in dynamic environments.
• Passionate about talent development and team excellence.
• Committed to ongoing innovation and continuous improvement.