At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT strategy and oversee major systems transformation for a thriving service business.
- Company: Established service business with a strong market presence across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and a seat on the senior leadership team.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and genuine impact on business operations.
- Why this job: Own a transformative technology programme that shapes the future of the business.
- Qualifications: Proven IT leadership experience in operational service environments and CRM system replacements.
The Opportunity
Our client is a well established service business operating across the UK. They deliver a hands on, operational service to their customers every day, and technology is what holds that operation together. A well run, commercially minded group with a strong position in its market. This is the number one technology role in the business and a seat on the senior leadership team. You will own the strategy, the budget, the systems and the team. It is a hands on role. The function is lean and you will be doing the work as well as directing it.
Why The Role Exists
The business is investing in a major programme of work across its core business systems, including a full CRM replacement. This is not a refresh. It covers system selection, data migration, integration across the wider estate, cutover and the decommissioning of what is in place today. It will shape how the business sells, serves its customers and grows for the next decade. They want someone to own that programme, not administer it.
What You'll Be Doing
- Systems, architecture and delivery
- Owning the portfolio of business systems across their full lifecycle, from selection and build through to replacement and decommissioning
- Leading the core systems and CRM programme end to end, including data migration, parallel running, cutover and decommissioning of the legacy platform
- Defining and maintaining the systems architecture, integrations, data flows and interface management
- Making and justifying build versus buy decisions
- Directing third party development partners against agreed technical standards and delivery commitments
- Identifying and prioritising opportunities to automate and simplify how the business works
- Strategy and commercial
- Defining an IT strategy that supports the commercial strategy of the business
- Owning the financial planning and reporting for all IT spend, capital and operational, including cloud consumption, licensing and support contracts
- Preparing budgets, seeking approval and delivering projects within them
- Negotiating and managing supplier agreements, and making the case for investment in terms of cost, risk and value
- Keeping the leadership team informed on relevant technical advances and where they could take the business
- Infrastructure and security
- Accountable for the IT and telecommunications estate, hardware and software
- Implementing and maintaining an effective information security framework, including threat assessment and periodic external evaluation
- Owning security operations end to end, covering vulnerability management, patching, incident containment and post incident review
- Directing the managed security provider
- Monitoring, reporting and capacity management across key platforms
- Team, suppliers and stakeholders
- Line managing the IT team, setting objectives and supporting development
- Balancing in house capability against outsourced delivery
- Managing relationships with external systems providers and service level agreements
- Supporting sales and account management colleagues with key customers and new prospects
- Reporting on system performance to key customers
- Risk, data and continuity
- Acting as Data Protection Officer for the business
- Owning data protection, privacy, security and retention policies
- Defining and testing backup, recovery and disaster recovery processes
- Owning the IT aspects of the risk register
About You
- Proven experience running IT inside an operational service business, where technology supports the operation rather than being the product
- Demonstrable delivery of a CRM or equivalent core system replacement at genuine scale, including data migration and legacy decommissioning. You know what goes wrong, because it has gone wrong for you
- Still hands on. Real depth across a hybrid Microsoft estate, identity and endpoint management, public cloud and network security
- Experience building and owning an IT budget covering both capital and recurring spend, and negotiating with suppliers
- Experience leading a small technical team and deciding what is done in house and what is outsourced
- Commercially minded, able to explain technical risk and investment to people who are not technical
- Comfortable in front of customers, prospects and suppliers as well as colleagues
- Certifications such as ITIL 4, CISSP, CISM or BCS membership are welcome, our client is open on route as long as the capability is there
- Creative. Our client was emphatic on this point. They want somebody who will look at the business and say what could be done differently, rather than wait to be asked
What's On Offer
- Salary of £80,000 to £100,000 depending on experience
- £6,000 car allowance
- Hybrid working, minimum two days per week in the office
- A seat on the senior leadership team with direct access to the Directors
- Genuine ownership of the technology function and of a major systems programme
- An established, profitable business with a long track record
- There is occasional out of hours work to support planned change and major incidents. You will need to be within a sensible commute of Hampshire for two days a week.
The Background That Fits
This is an operational business, not a software house. The people who do well in this environment have run IT inside businesses where technology supports the operation rather than being the product. Logistics, distribution, field service, installation, utilities, transport, manufacturing, facilities management and similar. If that is your background, you will recognise this environment straight away.
This is a role for a Head of IT, or an IT Manager ready to step up, who wants to own the whole picture rather than one slice of it. If you want to lead a systems programme that genuinely changes how a business operates, and you would rather be in the detail than above it, this is worth a conversation.
Head of IT in Portsmouth employer: DMA Group
Join a dynamic team at our Scunthorpe waste and recycling facility, where we prioritise employee growth and development in a fast-paced industrial environment. As a Maintenance Engineer, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, a supportive work culture that values safety and reliability, and opportunities for hands-on experience with cutting-edge plant equipment. We are committed to fostering a collaborative atmosphere that encourages innovation and continuous improvement, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT in Portsmouth
✨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 DMA Group 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 DMA Group 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 DMA Group!
✨Direct Apply to DMA Group
Let's not forget to apply directly through the DMA Group 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 Portsmouth
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 DMA Group.
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 DMA Group. 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 DMA Group
✨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.
