We are a values-led, charitable organisation that provides more than 60,000 people in Sunderland with a place they can call home. We have a clear vision and a social purpose. We believe that everyone has the right to live in a good quality home that they can afford. We invest millions of ponds every year to keep our existing homes safe and descent. We also play our part in helping to deal with the UK housing crisis by building hundreds of new, modern homes to rent in Sunderland. We’d love for you to join us achieve our vision.
Salary :
£80,000.00
Job Description:
Are you a strategic technology leader with a passion for innovation, service excellence, and secure, scalable systems? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your work directly supports organisational transformation and community impact?
We’re looking for an experienced, strategic and forward-thinking Head of IT Solutions to join our IT Leadership Team at Gentoo. . In this pivotal role you will be responsible for shaping and delivering our applications, integrations, and data platforms—ensuring they are modern, secure, and aligned with our strategic ambitions. Based at our Doxford Park, Sunderland head office where you will work a standard 36-hour week, Monday to Friday, with the added benefit of an early 12:30pm finish every Friday
We recognise the importance of a positive work-life balance, our hybrid working model provides the flexibility of both office and home-based work. To support collaboration and innovation, you will be required to work from the office for part of the working week and be flexible to attend on site meetings as required.
While fully remote working is not available, we are dedicated to fostering a positive and adaptable workplace that supports professional growth and a healthy work-life balance.
The role is subject to a basic DBS paid for by Gentoo.
What you’ll be doing:
Develop and deliver a multi-year IT Solutions Strategy aligned with Gentoo’s strategic ambitions.
Lead the transformation of our technology landscape through modern software engineering practices including API-first design, service-oriented architecture, and DevOps.
Oversee the implementation and support of business-critical systems, ensuring stability, scalability, and security.
Champion agile, lean, and user-centred methodologies to drive continuous improvement.
Provide leadership to cross-functional teams including Solutions Development, Systems Management, and Database Administration.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to maximise the value of IT investments.
Ensure robust governance, risk management, and compliance across all systems change initiatives.
Lead system implementation and support, ensuring smooth transitions from project to live service.
Ensure systems are patched and maintained in line with cybersecurity protocols.
Manage budgets for the Solutions function, including planning, forecasting, and monitoring.
What we’re looking for:
Proven experience delivering complex software and integration programmes.
Significant experience leading software development, systems integration, or enterprise applications teams.
Deep technical expertise in modern application architecture and cloud-native design.
A demonstrable track record of leading high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation.
Highly developed stakeholder engagement and supplier management skills.
A strategic thinker with the ability to translate business needs into scalable technology solutions.
Experience with agile, DevOps, and secure-by-design methodologies.
A collaborative, pragmatic, and people-focused approach.
Some of our great benefits include;
31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.
Early finish on Fridays
Flexible and hybrid working.
Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover.
Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan.
Competitive Aviva pension scheme – Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution.
Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme
Enhanced family-friendly leave
Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes.
Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary
