At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT teams and develop innovative technology strategies in a dynamic education services environment.
- Company: Join a trusted, employee-owned organisation making a difference in education and government sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, hybrid work, competitive pension, and a dedicated learning budget.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving IT innovation and collaboration in a supportive workplace.
- Qualifications: Proven senior IT leadership experience with strong technical and strategic skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
Permanent Location: Cheltenham - Hybrid (2 days per week onsite)
Salary: £70,000-£80,000
Industry: Education Services
About the Client
Our client is a well-established, employee‑owned organisation that provides specialist services to government bodies, educational institutions, professional organisations and employers across the UK and internationally. With a reputation built on trust, quality and expertise, they operate in a highly regulated environment where technology plays a critical role in delivering secure, reliable services.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading and developing multi‑disciplinary IT teams across Operations, Service Desk, Software Development and Testing.
- Creating and delivering the organisation's IT strategy, roadmap and technology vision in line with wider business objectives.
- Managing IT budgets, resource planning, vendor relationships and technology investments.
- Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the business, including executive leadership teams.
- Overseeing the delivery, availability, performance and security of cloud and on‑premise technology environments, with a strong focus on Azure.
- Driving continuous improvement across IT service management, operational processes and support functions using ITIL best practices.
- Providing strategic oversight of software development and testing activities, ensuring delivery aligns with business priorities.
- Leading cyber security, risk management and compliance initiatives, including supporting ISO standards, data protection requirements and business continuity planning.
- Reviewing existing infrastructure, systems and processes, identifying opportunities for modernisation, efficiency and improved resilience.
- Managing technology projects from planning through to successful delivery, ensuring stakeholder engagement and business alignment throughout.
- Championing a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement across the technology function.
What You'll Bring
- Proven experience in a senior IT leadership position with responsibility for IT Operations, Development, Testing and Information Security functions.
- Strong technical background with experience across infrastructure, cloud platforms, networking, virtualisation, business systems and enterprise technology environments.
- Previous software development experience, ideally within Microsoft technology environments such as .NET, Azure and modern application platforms.
- Demonstrable experience creating and delivering technology strategies, roadmaps and transformation initiatives.
- Strong understanding of cyber security, risk management, governance and compliance within regulated environments.
- Experience working within organisations that support government, public sector, education or similarly regulated industries would be highly advantageous.
- Knowledge of IT frameworks and methodologies including ITIL, Agile, SDLC, ITSM and project delivery best practices.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, suppliers, forecasting and technology investments.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships at executive level.
- A collaborative leadership style with a proven track record of coaching, developing and empowering high‑performing teams.
- Comfortable balancing strategic planning with hands‑on operational oversight where required.
- A pragmatic, solutions‑focused approach with the ability to prioritise effectively in a changing business environment.
Perks & Benefits
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with up to 5 days carry‑over
- Additional day off for your birthday
- 3 extra days off during the winter office closure
- Christmas Eve half‑day
- Swappable bank holidays
- Hybrid working as standard
- Competitive pension scheme (5% employer contribution, matched up to 10%)
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Group Income Protection (75% of salary for up to 5 years)
- Employee referral scheme
- Private BUPA healthcare (optional)
- BUPA dental scheme (optional)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aider and wellbeing support initiatives
- Eye care contribution
- Annual flu vaccination voucher
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Employee discounts and savings platform
- Subsidised tickets to local cultural events
- Dedicated learning budget for every employee
- Access to company-wide learning and development programmes
- Paid volunteering hours
- Quarterly team lunch allowance
- Regular company social events
- Contribution towards home‑working equipment
- Weekly fresh fruit delivery to the office
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all candidates and welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. As an employment agency for permanent and contract hires, we are dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from under‑represented groups to drive innovation and equality within the workplace. Should you require any reasonable adjustments please let us know so we can accommodate for any interactions with us at Biometric Talent, but also inform the client to ensure reasonable adjustments are made to allow for a fair and equitable process.
Head Of IT in Cheltenham employer: BIOMETRIC TALENT
Join a well-established, employee-owned organisation in Cheltenham that prioritises innovation and collaboration within the education services sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, you will enjoy a hybrid working model, generous leave policies, and a dedicated learning budget, all while leading IT teams to deliver secure and reliable services. This role offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of IT in Cheltenham
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what BIOMETRIC TALENT values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
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Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges BIOMETRIC TALENT might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
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✨Direct Apply to BIOMETRIC TALENT
Let's not forget to apply directly through the BIOMETRIC TALENT website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of IT in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at BIOMETRIC TALENT.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at BIOMETRIC TALENT. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIOMETRIC TALENT
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
