Simon Kniveton
Head of IT & Transformation (Retail, Ecommerce, Omnichannel, Cyber Security) @The Original Factory Shop
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WORK HISTORY
Head of IT & Transformation (Retail, Ecommerce, Omnichannel, Cyber Security) @The Original Factory Shop
Bolton, GB
Recruited by the CEO and COO to stabilise, modernise, and transform the technology estate of a PE-backed, multi-site UK retailer.Key achievements:• Led a full IT and digital transformation, delivering a smart store vision across ~160 stores.• Replaced legacy EPOS and store networking with modern platforms (including SD-WAN), delivering ~50% annual savings on a £1.8m IT budget.• Launched a new omnichannel ecommerce website and mobile app in under five months.• Introduced Reserve & Collect, colleague-centric digital tools, and in-house development capability.• Reduced IT team size by 46% while increasing capability and service resilience.• Implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity and GDPR strategy, acting as Chief Privacy Officer.• Stabilised and modernised supply chain and support centre systems during live trading.
EDUCATION
The Open University
Master of Business Administration - MBA
ABOUT SIMON KNIVETON
Recognised in CIO Magazines Top100 most transformative CIO\'s 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019I’m a commercially focused Technology and Digital leader with over 20 years’ experience transforming IT functions in retail, ecommerce, and consumer-facing businesses.My career has centred on modernising legacy environments, stabilising operations during high-pressure trading periods, and delivering technology strategies that genuinely enable growth, customer experience, and operational resilience. I’m equally comfortable leading strategic change at Board level and getting hands-on to unblock delivery when it matters most.I’ve led large-scale transformations across multi-site retail, SaaS, and international operations — including omnichannel ecommerce platforms, EPOS and store infrastructure, cloud migration, cybersecurity, ERP, and data-driven systems. I have a strong track record of delivering measurable outcomes: significant cost savings, improved service resilience, faster time-to-market, and more capable, engaged technology teams.My leadership style is authentic, calm, and empowering. I focus on clarity of purpose, pragmatic prioritisation, and building high-performing teams who understand how their work connects to customers and the wider business. I thrive in complex environments where stability, trust, and thoughtful change need to be balanced carefully.I’m particularly motivated by roles where technology is critical to customer trust, brand reputation, and long-term growth — especially in retail and omnichannel organisations navigating digital transformation.I bring calm, clarity, and delivery focus to complex environments — particularly where customer trust, operational resilience, and transformation need to coexist
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