SFIA Skills: Strategic planning (ITSP)

Responsible for overall development, delivery and monitoring of the strategic management and technology framework and plan. Familiar with business strategy models, canvas, value chains, change management approaches, business scorecards and benefit networks. Accountable for all architecture and technology roadmaps and documents being in accordance with agreed standards.

Accountable for IT relationships ensuring all stakeholders and participants are aligned across business, IT and other business support services (procurement, HR, FM, etc). Works collegially as a peer with other service leaders.

Leads the wider technology strategic planning process and function, and plays an important role in overall organisational strategy development and change management. Undertakes management development, as well as coaching and mentoring executives across the organisation.

Contributes to the definition and implementation of the organisation’s governance framework and processes. Leads and owns the technology portfolio planning process for both new programmes and projects and the operational environment.

Ensures staff maintain an outcome focus that results in technology adoption, delivery and measurable business value for the organisation from their technology investments.

Builds a robust high-level plan to deliver the strategy. Is aware of the budgetary and other constraints in analysing business proposals and delivering the plan successfully.

Regularly monitors and reviews progress on the strategy and plan, communicating, updating and evolving as required with the necessary senior stakeholder support.

Leads the strategic planning process. Seeks and gains senior stakeholder involvement and support into the strategic planning process to deliver measurable business value.

Exploits new approaches, proposals and technologies to build a credible strategy, building on the existing strengths and potential of the current estate and marrying all relevant organisation objectives with achievable IT goals.

Gains authority in the organisation, including from the wider leadership community. Influences stakeholder groups as required to successfully gain their support and commitment.

Communicates the strategy and plan as appropriate through-out the organisation, adjusting according to stakeholder needs. Influences across the organisation to ensure its successful adoption and implementation.

Has a clear and thorough understanding of the needs of the business and uses this to develop strategy and plans. Focuses on business risk and continuity issues which impact the strategy. Takes full advantage of wider issues, e.g. commercials, people, processes and systems, for any proposed IT strategy. Understands current IT estate and operations, as well as current enterprise architecture objectives and constraints.

Communicates and embeds strategic management via objectives, accountabilities and monitoring of progress.

Formulates the longer term needs of the business, drives and promotes a future state and communicates the longer-term strategy.