Chris Gilmartin
Greenfield,Saddleworth
Summary
Strategic and delivery-focused IT leader with extensive experience managing global applications within complex FMCG environments. Proven in driving large-scale technical and business transformation, translating business strategy into scalable, secure application landscapes. Highly experienced in strategic planning, complex programme delivery, and leading multidisciplinary teams, with a pragmatic approach to governance, integration, and value realisation.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Digital Workplace Manager
University of Manchester
Manchester
07.2025 - Current
- Owning the Digital Workplace strategy, roadmap, and budget, covering M365, Copilot, Foundry, and other agentic AI platforms.
- Leading and developing a team of 6, embedding Agile delivery, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Delivering the M365 collaboration strategy (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Power Platform) at enterprise scale.
- Leading the technical implementation and governance of M365 Copilot, including security, compliance, and data protection using Microsoft Purview.
- Established Power Platform governance and guardrails, enabling safe citizen development and risk control.
- Driving adoption of AI-enabled ways of working, including Copilot and NebulaOne, with a focus on responsible AI.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across Professional Services and Faculties.
- Created and chair the M365 Product Working Group, partnering with IDAM, IGO, Cyber Security, and Platform Engineering.
- Leading supplier and vendor engagement to deliver complex initiatives and maximise ROI.
- Implemented demand management and Agile practices, including Jira, to improve prioritisation and delivery.
- Champion change management and digital upskilling to ensure adoption and value realisation.
Senior Manager, Digital Workplace
Kellanova
Salford
12.2023 - 07.2025
- Defined and delivered a Digital Workplace strategy aligned to global standards, owning priorities, resources, and European budgets.
- Improved employee productivity through secure workplace technologies and effective change management.
- Established a sustainable operating model using internal teams and strategic partners.
- Delivered business process automation using Power Apps and Power Automate.
- Lead M365 Copilot early access in Europe and act as a GenAI evangelist.
- Partnered with IT service, security, and vendors to deliver workplace initiatives, including Windows 11, Autopilot, devices, and mobile management.
Global Head of Digital Workplace
PZ Cussons Ltd
Manchester
09.2020 - 11.2023
- Led Microsoft 365 global product strategy, governance, user adoption, and operations.
- Managed in-house and third-party teams to meet business demands and maximize benefits of M365 services.
- Directed global deployment projects for Azure, Teams, SharePoint Online, Power Platform and other M365 services.
- Drove cost management through effective licensing and service consumption strategies.
- Managing M365 migration for brand acquisitions, including technical and business change.
- Served as a key member of the Technical Design Authority, reviewing and approving technical proposals.
Global IT BA Manager
PZ Cussons Ltd
Manchester
06.2019 - 09.2020
- Led a team of global SAP/European business analysts for projects, system changes, and incidents.
- Delivered SAP-centric global projects across Europe, US, Asia, and Africa.
- Collaborate with the business on supplier selection for new application requirements.
European Applications Manager
PZ Cussons Ltd
Manchester
01.2017 - 06.2019
- Led a team delivering IT change across Europe, managing SAP health checks and other IT projects including warehouse management/manufacturing execution system upgrades.
- Oversaw Windows 10 testing and deployment.
- Applied ITIL methodology for effective project management and stakeholder engagement.
Applications Consultant
PZ Cussons Ltd
Manchester
07.2014 - 01.2017
- Technical consultant for new IT business requirements and projects for a range of FMCG non-SAP applications.
- SQL administration, SharePoint development, and EDI troubleshooting.
IT Infrastructure Support
PZ Cussons Ltd
Manchester
11.2010 - 09.2014
- Delivered local IT support in the UK/US within office and manufacturing environments.
- Leading key projects such as mobile phone deployment, network enhancements and server upgrades.
- End user compute support.
Systems Support Officer
Stockport MBC
Stockport
11.2009 - 01.2010
- Provided systems support and maintenance across various IT infrastructure components.
Education
BSc (Hons) Information Technology & Multimedia Communications - IT
Lancaster University
Lancaster 09.2003 - 06.2006
A-Levels -
Holy Cross College
BuryGCSEs - undefined
The Elton High School
BurySkills
- Leadership: Strategic planning, executive communication, team management
- Project Management: Agile/Scrum/Waterfall methodologies, global/regional deployment
- Change Management: Global IT change strategies through effective planning and stakeholder engagement
- Finance: Effective Opex/Capex cost management
- Broad Technical Experience: M365 services, Azure, SharePoint, Copilot, Power Platform, SQL, and a wide range of FMCG enterprise applications and integrations
- Stakeholder Management: Global presentations, senior executive engagement, training delivery
- ITIL Methodology: Third-party management, incident/problem management, change management
Training
- ITIL Foundation V3 Qualification
- Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
- Leadership Training
- SharePoint 2013 Training
- Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases 2012
- Querying Microsoft SQL Server Databases 2012
- Product Vision Administration
- Progress DBA Training
- Cisco Certified Network Associates Part 1
- Red Hat Server Administration Part 1
Affiliations
- In my spare time I am a lead singer and guitarist in a rock cover band. I am actively involved in fund raising for charity, from Kilimanjaro trekking to support Wood Street Mission, raising awareness around men's mental health for Movember, to participating in ‘Byte Night,’ sleeping out on the streets to support Action for Children.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Digital Workplace Manager
University of Manchester
07.2025 - Current
Senior Manager, Digital Workplace
Kellanova
12.2023 - 07.2025
Global Head of Digital Workplace
PZ Cussons Ltd
09.2020 - 11.2023
Global IT BA Manager
PZ Cussons Ltd
06.2019 - 09.2020
European Applications Manager
PZ Cussons Ltd
01.2017 - 06.2019
Applications Consultant
PZ Cussons Ltd
07.2014 - 01.2017
IT Infrastructure Support
PZ Cussons Ltd
11.2010 - 09.2014
Systems Support Officer
Stockport MBC
11.2009 - 01.2010
BSc (Hons) Information Technology & Multimedia Communications - IT
Lancaster University
09.2003 - 06.2006
GCSEs - undefined
The Elton High School
A-Levels -
Holy Cross College