Description: Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live-event space - it’s an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards are testament to our clients' satisfaction. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities, and protect the environment.

Olympia Events is undergoing a period of change. In 2017, the venue was bought by a consortium led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance international. Work is currently underway to transform the wider estate into a cultural hub of which Olympia Events will be the central part. Once complete, the estate will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, over 30 eateries, world-class office space and over two acres of public realm. More information can be found at https://olympia.co.uk/

Job Purpose: We are seeking an exceptional Technology Director to work closely with our venues, partners and leadership team to drive tech strategy, timelines and deliverables for Olympic Events. This role will lead inspire the IT team to ensure that technology is in place to support Olympia’s current and future vision and objectives. They will be responsible for overseeing IT infrastructure and driving initiatives that improve efficiency, security, and user experience. This position requires a strategic, commercial leader with a passion for technology and a commitment to excellence.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and maintain a division-wide technology strategy that aligns with global objectives and drives operational excellence at Olympia.
• Leadership & Team Development: Inspire and lead the Olympia IT team, fostering a culture of engagement, continuous learning, and exceptional service delivery.
• Audiovisual Partner Management: Oversee and develop the relationship with the AV partner ensuring successful operations, continued improvements and financial targets achieved.
• Roadmap & Investment Planning: Build and manage rolling 24-month technology investment roadmaps for the venue, ensuring scalability and future readiness.
• Events Collaboration and Development: Work with the IT team to manage the provision of network / data (EForce) to event hosts ensuring efficient and effective delivery.
• Cross-Departmental Support: Provide technology solutions to e-commerce, marketing, finance, HR, F&B, and operations teams, leveraging global standards and adapting them locally.
• Business Development Support: Deliver technology input for new business opportunities, sponsorships, and proposals, balancing innovation with commercial objectives.
• Data & Analytics Enablement: Partner with key stakeholders to define and implement regional data warehouse and analytics strategies that enable business goals.
• Compliance & Security: Ensure adherence to GDPR, PCI, and other regulatory requirements, maintaining robust cybersecurity and data governance standards.
• Integration & Standardisation: Drive adoption of global technology standards while supporting local integrations and customizations where necessary. .
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. Olympia Estates / Legends Global), ensuring alignment on technology priorities and future developments.
• Reporting & Governance: Provide regular briefings to senior leadership on technology programs, project status, budgets, and strategic initiatives. Track record of creating roadmaps and technology investment plans.

Person specification

Skills, experience and behaviours

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Business, or related field (MBA preferred).
• Proven experience in technology strategy, digital transformation, and IT operations within multi-venue or hospitality/e-commerce environments.
• Demonstrated success in developing and delivering IT roadmaps and investment plans.
• Strong knowledge of data management, analytics, cybersecurity, and compliance frameworks (GDPR, PCI, ISO 27001).
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills across all organizational levels.
• Leadership experience in managing high-performing IT teams and driving cultural change.

Sustainability Responsibilities:

• Continuously improve your knowledge of Olympia Events’ sustainability programme - the ‘Grand Plan’. Complete all training provided and promote sustainability practices to meet our Grand Plan objectives
• Follow and promote all sustainable workplace policies and procedures and seek ways to make your department more sustainable by taking an active role to initiate change

Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. As a consequence, Olympia Events may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.

Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and excepts all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over according to the changing needs of the business.