At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT teams, shape technology strategy, and drive digital transformation.
- Company: Employee-owned organisation in the education services sector with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, hybrid working, competitive pension, and health perks.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a purpose-driven organisation while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven senior IT leadership experience and strong technical background required.
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.
As part of their continued growth and digital transformation journey, they are looking for a Head of IT to lead technology operations, development, testing and information security functions. This is a key leadership role offering the opportunity to shape technology strategy, modernise legacy systems and drive business-wide improvements across a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation.
How you’ll spend your day:
- 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 to this role:
- 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 Aiders 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
What happens next?
One of our Recruitment Consultants will be in touch and inform you if you’ve been successful to the next stage of the process or not, which is a qualification call where we will tell you more about the role and the client, and understand more about you, your experience and career aspirations. Should we both wish to proceed, we will submit your details to the client and be in touch regarding the outcome and any further steps.
The interview process for this client consists of:
- Initial Teams interview followed by a final onsite interview.
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 underrepresented 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 Montpellier employer: BIOMETRIC TALENT
As a well-established, employee-owned organisation in the education services sector, our client offers a collaborative and purpose-driven work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits including hybrid working, extensive leave options, and a dedicated learning budget, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful projects that support government and educational institutions. This role as Head of IT not only allows for strategic influence but also fosters an environment of innovation and continuous improvement, making it an excellent opportunity for those seeking a rewarding career in Cheltenham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of IT in Montpellier
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals, especially in tech strategy and operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and managed projects, particularly in IT operations and security. We want to hear about your successes and how you overcame challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of IT in Montpellier
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of IT role. Highlight your experience in IT leadership, especially in operations, development, and security. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for technology strategy and how you can drive improvements. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements in managing IT budgets, leading teams, and implementing technology strategies. We love seeing concrete examples of your impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIOMETRIC TALENT
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Head of IT, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong technical background. Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms, especially Azure, and be ready to discuss how you've modernised legacy systems in the past. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also technically savvy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your collaborative leadership style and how you empower high-performing teams. Share specific examples of how you've coached and developed your team members, as this role requires a strong focus on team dynamics and accountability.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the education services sector and the regulatory environment it operates in. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with the needs of government bodies and educational institutions, highlighting your commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to balance operational oversight with strategic planning, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.
