Head of Technology, Data & Systems

ph3MISSION TO METRICS /h3pThe Ocean Cleanup is a global nonprofit that develops and scales solutions to rid the world’s oceans of plastic, driving systemic change and creating a lasting positive impact for people, wildlife, and the planet. Delivering on this mission requires technology, systems, and data infrastructure that enable the organization to operate effectively, scale internationally, and make high-quality decisions. /ppAs Director of IT and Data, you will shape the technology and data landscape that supports this growth. By ensuring that our systems are scalable, secure, reliable, and fit for purpose, you will enable teams across the organization to focus on delivering impact. As a donor-funded organization, efficiency and output are critical: our technology investments must create measurable value and help maximize the impact of every euro invested in the mission. /ph3THE ASSIGNMENT /h3pReporting to the VP Science Technology, the Director of IT and Data is responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of The Ocean Cleanup’s IT, platform, and data functions. /ppYou will define and execute the organization’s technology and data strategy, ensuring that our infrastructure, applications, data architecture, and cybersecurity capabilities support both current operations and future scale-up. The role combines strategic leadership with the ability to engage deeply enough with technology to challenge architectural decisions, establish priorities, and ensure that solutions remain coherent across the organization. /ppYou will lead a team of approximately 9 permanent employees and 6 contractors and work closely with teams across The Ocean Cleanup to understand their needs and translate them into scalable technology and data solutions. Beyond running a high-performing IT function, you will help define how technology and operational data can accelerate the mission across research, modelling, operations, and organizational performance. /ph3RESPONSIBILITIES /h3h3Strategy, Architecture Roadmap /h3ulliDefine and execute the platform, data, and IT strategy in alignment with The Ocean Cleanup’s mission and organizational objectives. /liliDefine, own, and prioritize a multi-year software, platform, data, and IT roadmap. /liliSupport operational teams with strategic data architecture and structural technology needs. /liliManage budgets, prioritize technology investments, and ensure expenditure delivers measurable organizational value. /liliEstablish architectural principles and ensure consistency across internally developed and externally sourced solutions. /li /ulh3IT Infrastructure Operations /h3ulliOversee scalable and reliable IT infrastructure, including cloud environments, applications, workplace technology, and collaboration systems. /liliEnsure employees at the Rotterdam headquarters and those working remotely have reliable and well-supported hardware, software, and business systems, including ERP and CRM solutions. /liliManage and negotiate relationships with technology vendors and external service providers. /liliDevelop and maintain appropriate disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities. /liliEnsure technology choices support the organization’s growth while reflecting its innovative and pragmatic approach. /li /ulh3Data Analytics /h3ulliOversee the collection, storage, governance, and analysis of organizational and operational data. /liliDevelop and maintain internal applications that turn data into high-quality decision-making tools across areas such as research, modelling, performance tracking, and optimization. /liliManage the portfolio of data applications and determine when capabilities should be developed internally, procured externally, or outsourced. /liliOversee appropriate data platforms, BI tools, data lakes, and dashboards supporting organizational KPIs and decision-making. /liliDefine and implement data governance policies and standards across the organization. /li /ulh3Cybersecurity Compliance /h3ulliOwn the organization’s cyber risk and governance approach, translating risk appetite into appropriate controls and practices. /liliEnsure sensitive information, including research data, donor information, and proprietary technology, is appropriately protected. /liliEnsure relevant technology and data practices comply with applicable requirements and standards, including GDPR, ISO 27001, and the EU AI Act. /liliLead incident response and ensure clear processes and communication are in place for technology and cybersecurity incidents. /li /ulh3Leadership Collaboration /h3ulliLead, develop, and support a multidisciplinary IT and Data team of approximately 9 permanent employees and 6 contractors. /liliBuild a high-performing team through effective hiring, coaching, development, and retention. /liliFoster strong collaboration between IT and other departments, ensuring technology solutions address shared organizational needs. /liliOperate effectively with senior leadership and at management-team/C-suite level, translating technology topics into clear organizational priorities and decisions. /liliLead change effectively as new systems, processes, and ways of working are introduced. /li /ulh3PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS /h3p“Even if you don’t meet every professional qualification listed, we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the right skills, experience, and motivation to contribute to our mission. We recognize that talent and potential come in many forms, and we value diverse perspectives and unconventional career paths. If you’re passionate about the work we do and confident in your ability to make an impact, don’t hesitate to submit your application—we’d love to hear from you.” /pulliAt least 15 years of experience in technology, including 5+ years of experience managing and leading teams. /liliDemonstrated experience defining and owning technology strategies and multi-year software, platform, and IT roadmaps. /liliStrong experience with enterprise architecture and/or solution architecture. /liliExperience with software development and the software development lifecycle. /liliStrong knowledge of cloud and data platforms, including technologies such as AWS and Kubernetes, with the ability to challenge architectural decisions and ensure consistency across solutions. /liliProven experience owning cybersecurity risk and governance and translating organizational risk appetite into appropriate controls. /liliExperience operating at and reporting into management-team or C-suite level. /liliStrong change management skills and experience leading technology-related organizational change. /liliExperience in Operational Technology environments is an advantage. /liliExperience working in a fast-growing, international, or scale-up environment is an advantage. /li /ulh3PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS /h3ulliComfortable operating in complex, fast-moving environments and able to create structure where needed. /liliStrong strategic thinker who can translate long-term direction into practical plans and execution. /liliNatural problem-solver who looks for solutions that address shared organizational needs and create value across teams. /liliAble to balance the big picture with sufficient attention to detail and step in hands-on when required. /liliFlexible and focused, comfortable switching between strategic leadership and practical execution. /liliResilient, open to feedback, and willing to adapt approaches as the organization evolves. /liliCollaborative leader with strong coaching skills who empowers others while maintaining clear accountability. /liliStrongly motivated by impact and by The Ocean Cleanup’s mission. /li /ulh3ADDITIONAL DETAILS /h3ulliStarting date: ASAP /liliPosition type: Full-time employee. /liliLocation: Rotterdam, The Netherlands. /liliConducting a pre-employment check may be part of this recruitment process. /liliAt The Ocean Cleanup, we believe we are stronger together, while harnessing the uniqueness each individual brings. That is why we take a fair, equal opportunity, and transparent approach to hiring and welcome special needs requests. /li /ul /p #J-18808-Ljbffr