At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our IT function, ensuring secure and innovative technology solutions.
- Company: Join a top-rated charity committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous leave, health benefits, eco-travel incentives, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with travel across various locations; supportive environment for growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while making a real impact on people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT leadership, supplier management, and digital transformation.
The predicted salary is between 43168 - 45449 £ per year.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to increasing diversity, particularly encouraging candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. If you’re not sure a role is right for you or feel there may be any perceived barriers to applying, please get in touch, we’d love to have a conversation with you.
Are you passionate about using technology to help people and organisations thrive? As Connection Support continues to grow and evolve, technology plays a vital role in how we deliver services, support colleagues, and achieve our organisational goals. We're looking for a Head of IT who can lead our technology function, ensuring our systems are secure, reliable, and fit for the future while helping us embrace innovation and digital change. You’ll play a key role in supporting frontline services, protecting sensitive information, and shaping the organisation's future technology strategy.
About the Role
This is more than a traditional IT management role. We're looking for someone who can balance strategy, security, service delivery, and innovation while leading a secure, reliable, and forward-thinking technology function. From cyber security and supplier management to digital transformation and AI, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of technology at Connection Support.
The Impact You Will Have
As Head of IT, you will lead technology across Connection Support, ensuring our systems, suppliers, and digital services support organisational priorities, enable frontline delivery, and provide a positive experience for colleagues.
- Developing and delivering the organisation's technology strategy and roadmap.
- Leading cyber security, business continuity, and technology risk management.
- Managing technology budgets, contracts, suppliers, and strategic investment.
- Overseeing digital transformation and system improvement projects.
- Ensuring IT services remain secure, reliable, and responsive to organisational needs.
- Supporting the effective use of data, reporting, and information governance.
- Leading and developing the IT function.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of technology at Connection Support. Your leadership will help ensure our systems remain secure, sustainable and effective while enabling colleagues to focus on delivering high-quality support to the people who need it most.
Contract Details
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
- Working Pattern: Monday-Friday
- Location: Hybrid working, with regular travel across Connection Support locations as required, including Oxford, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, Banbury, Northampton, and Bedford.
- Salary: £43,168 - £45,449
- Closing Date: Monday 23rd November
We will review applications on an ongoing basis and anticipate holding interviews from 16th November onwards. Additional interview dates are currently scheduled for 26th November & 8th December. We reserve the right to close this advert early should a suitable candidate be identified.
About You
We're looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with a practical approach, building strong relationships and helping the organisation make the most of technology. You'll be comfortable working with senior leaders, translating technical matters into clear business language, and making decisions that balance risk, cost, innovation and organisational need. You may already be leading an IT function, managing a substantial technology service, or looking to take the next step into a broader strategic leadership role.
You’ll Bring
- Experience leading an IT function, technology team or significant IT service.
- Experience managing suppliers, contracts, budgets and technology investment.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365, cloud technologies, cyber security and information governance.
- Experience delivering system implementations, digital transformation projects or significant technology change.
- The ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
- Experience leading, developing and supporting teams.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery and problem solving.
- A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and service excellence.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Experience of working within a charity, housing, social care, health or community-based environment would be advantageous but is not essential.
What We Offer In Return
We have been named one of the UK's top charities to work for by Best Companies and offer a generous benefits package, including:
- 30 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
- Occupational sick pay
- Health-related benefits
- Eco-travel incentives
- Retail discounts and more
- Learning and development opportunities
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
If you require any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to discuss your requirements. Connection Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Head Of IT in Oxford employer: Connection Support
Connection Support is an exceptional employer that prioritises compassion and community impact, making it a rewarding place to work as a Recovery & Housing Case Worker in Headington, Oxford. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive work culture, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, you will find a fulfilling career path here. The organisation offers competitive salaries and a permanent position, ensuring stability while you help individuals transition to independent living.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of IT in Oxford
✨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 Connection Support values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Connection Support 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.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Connection Support!
✨Direct Apply to Connection Support
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Connection Support 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 Oxford
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 Connection Support.
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 Connection Support. 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 Connection Support
✨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.
