At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT operations and drive digital transformation for a leading charity.
- Company: Join Alzheimer's Research UK, the UK's top dementia research charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in technology while helping to accelerate dementia research.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in IT and experience with cloud technologies required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is an exciting time to join as we are embarking on an ambitious Digital, Data and Technology (DDT) Programme to enable the organisation to reach its ambitious goal of raising 120m by 2033. This is a significant time for Technology in the organisation, with the Technology Operating Model, Cyber Security initiatives, User Experience (e.g. AI, Microsoft tooling) and the Technology architecture (move from on-prem to SaaS and Azure) all receiving significant investment and change.
The successful person will be a visible and approachable leader who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on IT operational management. You’ll be comfortable working closely with senior stakeholders, leading technical teams, and ensuring a consistently high level of service across the organisation. In addition, this is a time of change, so leading and driving forward change to evolve IT into a modern scalable service function.
This role will have 3 direct reports (with teams) with responsibility for Operations Infrastructure, Cyber Information Security and End User Systems Management.
Key Responsibilities:- Leadership and Management
- Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
- Membership of internal programme/business boards, creating and delivering updates to senior stakeholders.
- Contributing and collaborating as a key part of the Digital, Data Technology leadership team.
- Acting as the key IT contact for senior business stakeholders.
- Building strong relationships with suppliers (including procurement).
- Managing budgets, resources, and IT governance requirements.
- Digital and Technology change
- Driving forward SaaS and cloud infrastructure migration.
- Evolving IT into a modern scalable service function using self-service and automation.
- Improving the end user experience from IT provided tools including with AI (safe adoption, productivity enablement, guardrails and policy).
- Cyber and Information Security
- Acting as the senior operational owner for cyber and information security, with accountability for policy, standards, controls and incident readiness.
- Leading security operations including threat/vulnerability management, incident response, and risk assessment.
- Embedding security by design across cloud (Azure), SaaS, and end-user technologies.
- Technology Operations
- Leading, mentoring, and developing an IT support and infrastructure team.
- Overseeing infrastructure (cloud and on-prem), networks, hardware, and end-user technology services.
- Ensuring high levels of system availability, reliability, and user satisfaction.
- Managing support for devices, connectivity, printers, collaboration tools, and business systems.
- Managing and improving support processes, SLAs, and operational performance metrics.
- Driving service excellence and managing escalated technical issues when needed.
- Technology Expertise
- Strong experience across modern end-user and enterprise technologies, including: Microsoft 365 (Entra ID/Azure AD, SharePoint, Intune, Defender, Active Directory), Microsoft Azure (Virtual Machines, Azure SQL, networking and other cloud infrastructure), Office technology (networking, Windows environments, personal computing, mobile device management), and security tools and services covering identity access management, endpoint and cloud protection, SIEM/XDR, vulnerability management, and email/domain security.
- Expertise in hybrid or cloud native environments.
- End-user tooling, including emerging AI-enabled productivity tools.
- Proven experience in a Head of IT, Service Management / Service Delivery leadership role.
- Experience leading digital transformation or cloud modernisation programmes.
- Experience in owning cyber and information security with accountability for policy, standards, controls and incident readiness.
- Technically credible — able to hold your own in conversations with developers, architects, and IT leadership.
- Experience driving continuous service improvement (CSI) and operational excellence.
- Track record of delivering service innovation and automation in a growing organisation.
- A confident communicator who can represent the IT function professionally at all levels, internally and externally.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage incidents and complex service challenges.
- Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive information.
- Strong people management experience, including leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams.
- Experience influencing decision-making at senior leadership and executive level.
- Strong leadership capability, balancing hands-on delivery with short- and long-term strategic vision.
- Outstanding communicator, with strong influencing, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language.
- Strong focus on ownership, accountability, and results delivery, with a proactive “can-do” attitude.
- Strategic and analytical thinker, able to see the bigger picture and set direction.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
- Curious and adaptable, with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
- Willingness to be hands-on when needed, leading by example within the team.
- Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
- Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
- Salary: Circa 75,000 per annum, plus benefits.
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information. The closing date for applications is the 21ST June 2026, with interviews being arranged once shortlisting has been completed. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
IT Network Director employer: Alzheimer's Research UK
Alzheimer's Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of technology. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects while working alongside passionate colleagues in a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the picturesque Granta Park, Cambridge, the organisation provides a flexible working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Network Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, especially their DDT Programme. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, and don’t forget to have some questions of your own to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in leading teams and driving change. They want someone who can balance strategy with hands-on management, so make sure they see that in you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role. Don’t wait until the last minute; get your application in early to stand out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Network Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Network Director role. Highlight your experience in digital transformation, cloud migration, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our ambitious goals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a visible and approachable leader, it's important to convey your leadership style in your application. Share experiences where you've developed high-performing teams and driven change, as this is key to our culture at StudySmarter.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as possible. This way, you’ll have the best chance of being considered before we potentially bring forward interview dates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimer's Research UK
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Microsoft 365 and Azure. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud infrastructure and security tools, as you'll need to demonstrate your technical credibility during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered accountability and continuous improvement within your teams.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's Digital, Data and Technology Programme. Think about how your role as IT Network Director can contribute to their ambitious goals, and be prepared to discuss your strategic vision for evolving IT into a modern service function.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice translating complex technical concepts into accessible language. You’ll need to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders, so focus on being clear and concise while showcasing your problem-solving skills and proactive attitude.
