At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the IT strategy and drive technology transformation for a key transport services organisation.
- Company: Established organisation enhancing UK transport services with modern technology.
- Benefits: Pension scheme, flexible working, employee assistance, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced, evolving environment with opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in a dynamic environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading IT transformations and managing multidisciplinary teams.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Your new company is a well‑established organisation providing essential transport services within the UK, connecting communities and supporting local economies. With a commitment to reliability, customer service, and sustainability, the business is investing in modern technology and infrastructure to enhance its operations. The company plays a key role in facilitating travel and logistics in a dynamic environment, offering opportunities to contribute to innovative projects and long‑term growth.
Your new role involves leading the delivery and execution of the organisation's technology and data strategy. As the senior operational technology leader, you will ensure that IT underpins operational excellence, enhances the customer experience, and supports long‑term business performance through the delivery of robust, modern and secure systems. This role has end‑to‑end accountability across the full technology landscape, including business‑critical applications such as ERP, CRM, booking and fleet management systems, as well as digital platforms and customer‑facing technologies. It also spans data, analytics and automation (including AI), infrastructure and cloud services, IT operations and service management, cyber security, enterprise architecture and overall technology governance.
The organisation is entering an important period of transformation, with technology at the heart of improving services and strengthening customer experience. You will play a central role in shaping and delivering the future digital capability of the business, ensuring that technology investment is tightly aligned to strategic objectives, programmes are delivered effectively, and innovation becomes embedded across the organisation. Success in the role will depend on building strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders and evolving IT into a function that actively enables business success.
You will define and implement a modern IT operating model, transitioning the function from a legacy, infrastructure‑focused environment to one that builds strong application and digital capabilities and works in close partnership with the business. You will lead, mentor and develop the IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, service excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. Acting as a trusted strategic partner to all departments, you will proactively identify technology, digital and data solutions that unlock efficiencies, enable operations and support organisational goals.
You will also lead and govern enterprise architecture, ensuring a consistent, scalable and future‑ready technology ecosystem that reduces risk and supports transformation. The role carries responsibility for the successful end‑to‑end delivery of all technology programmes and projects, supported by strong governance, structured delivery methodologies and effective management of risk, budget and stakeholders. You will provide leadership across IT operations, ensuring stable, secure and high‑quality services through strong service management, proactive monitoring and continuous improvement. Cyber security is a critical part of the remit. You will lead the organisation's cyber security strategy and operations, ensuring robust controls, effective governance and a proactive approach to protecting systems, data and customer information.
You will also oversee data and analytics capability, ensuring data is accurate, well governed and used effectively to support decision making, operational efficiency and customer experience. You will drive the adoption of automation and AI where appropriate, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, insight, service reliability and customer outcomes. Alongside this, you will manage the IT budget, ensuring technology investments deliver value for money and align with strategic priorities, and work closely with procurement to oversee vendor relationships and supplier performance. Finally, you will champion innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation, ensuring technology consistently contributes to improved customer experience, stronger operational performance and sustainable long‑term capability.
The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of leading technology transformation within complex environments, including the modernisation of applications and the evolution of legacy platforms. You will have broad, hands‑on experience across multiple areas of IT, with the ability to operate confidently across enterprise architecture, business applications, infrastructure and operations, IT service management, data and analytics, cyber security, and emerging areas such as automation and AI. This role requires someone who has led significant technology programmes and portfolios, managing delivery at scale while balancing operational stability with innovation.
You will be experienced in building and leading multidisciplinary IT teams, developing high‑performing, collaborative and customer‑focused functions that are aligned closely to business priorities. A strong understanding of data management, analytics, automation and emerging technologies is essential. You will be comfortable exploring how new capabilities can be applied pragmatically to improve decision‑making, efficiency and customer experience, while ensuring solutions are secure, resilient and fit for purpose.
Equally important are your leadership style and personal attributes. You will be an exceptional communicator and influencer, able to engage credibly with stakeholders at all levels and build trusted, long‑term relationships across the organisation. You will have the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes, enabling confident decision‑making at senior and executive level. You will thrive in environments that are evolving and fast‑moving, responding positively to change and challenge. With strong strategic thinking and a collaborative mindset, you will be able to bring people with you, align teams around a clear vision, and drive innovation while maintaining focus on delivery, stability and continuous improvement.
What you’ll get in return includes a Pension Scheme, Flexible Working, Employee Assistance & Wellbeing, Discounts & Perks.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up‑to‑date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Head of IT in Southampton employer: Cyber Security training courses
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where technology and innovation are at the forefront of enhancing transport services across the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company fosters a collaborative culture that encourages continuous improvement and professional development, alongside benefits such as flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive pension scheme. This role not only provides the opportunity to lead transformative IT initiatives but also to make a meaningful impact on community connectivity and customer experience.
Contact Details:
Cyber Security training courses Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of IT role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s tech stack and recent projects. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their tech transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around leading technology transformations and building high-performing teams. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of IT role. Highlight your experience in technology transformation, leadership, and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to drive innovation and operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with the company's commitment to reliability and customer service. Don’t forget to mention your experience with modernising applications and leading IT teams.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, emphasise your leadership style and how you build collaborative relationships. The company is looking for someone who can mentor and develop teams, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyber Security training courses
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest technologies relevant to the role, especially around enterprise architecture, data management, and cyber security. Brush up on your knowledge of ERP, CRM, and automation tools, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary IT teams and driving technology transformation. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered collaboration and innovation in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Head of IT position.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company’s mission and values, particularly their focus on customer service and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your technology strategies can align with their goals and enhance operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, such as managing a technology budget or implementing a new system. Think through potential scenarios and formulate clear, structured responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
