Group Head of IT

Core Highways are a leading provider of temporary traffic management, barrier solutions and events signage. People are the heart of our business. We recognise each individual’s value and commitment, knowing that the success of our business is only made possible by the drive and enthusiasm of our people.

We currently have a vacancy for a Group Head of IT to be based in our Milton Keynes office on a Hybrid basis. Reporting to the CFO, this role will be responsible for overseeing the technology strategy, infrastructure, system development, and operations across the entire organisation. This leadership role ensures that IT initiatives align with the company’s overall business objectives, enhance operational efficiency, and drive innovation.

The Group Head of IT will lead a team of IT professionals, manage vendor relationships, and ensure the security and integrity of all information systems. They will also lead the implementation of an ERP solution. This role may require occasional travel to other company locations or for vendor meetings and may also require working outside of standard business hours to address urgent IT issues or to manage projects that need to be conducted during non-peak times.

• Manage the deployment of IT systems including business roll-out of Oracle Netsuite, Mobile Workforce Management (Reflow) and Power BI reporting systems.
• Develop and implement the IT strategy in alignment with the company’s business goals.
• Identify opportunities for technological innovation to enhance competitiveness.
• Oversee the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions and investments.
• Oversee the day-to-day IT operations, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional development.
• Set clear objectives and performance metrics for the IT department.
• Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of the company’s IT infrastructure.
• Oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrade, and support of all IT systems, including servers, PCs, operating systems, hardware, software, and peripherals.
• Manage cloud services and data centres, ensuring optimal performance and security.
• Retire legacy on-premises infrastructure and software to mitigate security risks and ongoing costs.
• Ensure IT service desk functions efficiently, resolving issues promptly and delivering a high level of customer service.
• Manage and mitigate IT-related risks, such as cyber threats, data breaches, and system downtime.
• Develop, analyse and report on key IT performance metrics, such as system uptime, response times, and user satisfaction.
• Develop and enforce IT security policies and procedures to protect the company’s data and systems from threats.
• Stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats and ensure robust defence mechanisms are in place.
• Implement continuous improvements to strengthen our IT security environment.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Manage relationships with external IT vendors, consultants, and service providers.
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure high-quality service and value for money.
• Act as a liaison between IT and other departments to understand their needs and provide appropriate technological solutions.
• Oversee new IT projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Implement project management best practices to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and adoption of new technologies.
• Drive the adoption of emerging technologies that can provide a competitive edge.
• Continuously assess and improve IT processes, policies, and systems.
• Encourage an innovation mindset within the IT team to explore new ways of solving business challenges.

• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in IT, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and execution.
• Strong background in IT infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong understanding of IT project management methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Relevant certifications such as PMP, ITIL, CISSP, or CISM are highly desirable.

• Salary of between £90,000-£110,000 + car allowance + bonus.
• 33 days holiday per year – Inclusive of bank holidays.
• Enhanced maternity pay.
• Pension scheme.
• Employee Benefits Hub – offering retail discounts, rewards and perks on over 1,000 brands.
• Employee Assistance Program – providing free 24/7, professional and confidential advice on any issue both personal and work related.
• Free Wellbeing App – access to the latest in wellbeing support for example, virtual fitness programs, help to stop smoking etc.
• Enhanced Maternity leave.
• Company competitions to win cash prizes.
• CPD: support and training to develop your career and skills.

We are an equal opportunities employer. As a Disability Confident Leader, we recognise that everybody is different and strive to harness those differences to create an inclusive environment where individuals feel valued, their talents are recognised and they are given every opportunity to develop their full potential.

If you believe you have the necessary experience and qualifications or would like to know more information about this role, please contact our recruitment team.