At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the IT strategy and ensure a secure, scalable tech environment.
- Company: Dynamic firm in Worcestershire with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, private health insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while driving impactful change in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior IT leadership experience and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Worcestershire across 3 sites (predominantly office based with flexibility for remote working of 1 day per week)
Reports To: Partner, Head of Finance and Operations
Department: Operational Support
Direct Reports: 1 1st Line IT Support Technician
Role Purpose: The Head of IT has full accountability for the firm's information technology environment, ensuring it is secure, resilient, scalable and aligned to the firm's strategic and regulatory objectives. The role will also be responsible for driving the thoughtful and appropriate adoption of AI and automation, ensuring these technologies are used safely, ethically and pragmatically to enhance efficiency, decision making and client service. This is a senior leadership role with clear ownership of the end to end IT estate, including infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, data and third party services. The role is responsible not only for operational stability, but for shaping and delivering the firm's technology roadmap so that technology actively supports business growth, efficiency and risk management. Working closely with senior leadership, the Head of IT will plan, prioritise and deliver technology initiatives using robust project management disciplines, ensuring change is well governed, outcomes focused and delivered with minimal disruption to the business.
Core Accountabilities:
- The overall performance, security and resilience of the firm's IT estate
- Ownership and continuous evolution of the business technology stack
- Delivery of IT and digital change programmes through effective project management
- Alignment of technology decisions with business strategy, regulatory obligations and operational risk
- IT governance, supplier performance, investment decisions and technology related risk
- Driving the responsible use of AI and automation to support efficiency, insight and business growth
Key Responsibilities:
Technology Ownership & Infrastructure:
- Own and manage the firm's IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, cloud services, servers, storage, backup and disaster recovery
- Ensure systems are secure, reliable, well maintained and capable of scaling with business growth
- Proactively identify and address performance issues, capacity constraints and technical debt
- Oversee and coordinate external IT service providers where required
Cybersecurity & Data Protection:
- Hold overall accountability for the firm's cybersecurity posture
- Define, implement and enforce security policies, standards and controls
- Monitor systems and risks, responding appropriately to threats and incidents
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, data protection legislation and industry best practice
- Act as senior owner for IT related incidents, risk management and remediation
Business Applications & Technology Stack:
- Own the selection, implementation, integration and optimisation of core business systems
- Ensure applications are stable, well integrated and aligned to business processes
- Manage vendor relationships to maximise value, performance and reliability
- Ensure users are informed of relevant system changes and improvements
IT Strategy, Projects & Change Delivery:
- Define and maintain a clear IT strategy and multi year technology roadmap
- Translate strategic objectives into clearly scoped, prioritised and well governed IT projects
- Lead and deliver IT and digital change initiatives using appropriate project management methodologies
- Manage project plans, risks, dependencies, budgets and stakeholder communication
- Ensure technology change is delivered on time, within scope and aligned to business outcomes
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery:
- Own and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements
- Ensure backups are robust, current and regularly tested
- Periodically test recovery processes and implement improvements
Vendor, MSP & Contract Management:
- Own the relationship and performance of the outsourced IT Managed Service Provider
- Manage all third party technology suppliers and service contracts
- Negotiate and review contracts and SLAs to ensure value, resilience and scalability
- Ensure contracts are renewed, replaced or exited in a controlled and timely manner
Budget, Governance & Compliance:
- Own the IT budget, cost forecasting and investment planning
- Ensure technology spend delivers clear business value
- Establish and maintain IT policies, procedures and governance frameworks
- Prepare for and manage IT audits and regulatory reviews
Team Leadership & User Enablement:
- Line manage and develop the 1st Line IT Support Technician
- Ensure users receive effective, timely and professional IT support
- Develop and deliver IT training to improve adoption and capability
- Maintain clear documentation, procedures and user guidance
Key Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience in a senior IT leadership role (IT Manager, IT Lead or Head of IT)
- Experience in accountancy, finance or professional services strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud platforms and business systems
- Demonstrable experience of cybersecurity, data protection and risk management
- Proven track record of delivering IT projects and managing technology change
- Strong vendor, contract and Managed Service Provider management experience
- Strong experience of building stakeholder relationships with Senior executives & C Suite.
- Proven line management, leadership and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and Team Player skills
- Strong decision making, prioritisation and problem solving abilities.
Qualifications:
- Relevant certifications (e.g. Microsoft, ITIL, CompTIA, CISSP or similar) desirable
Personal Attributes:
- Clear ownership mindset with strong accountability
- Strategic thinker with a practical, delivery focused approach
- Confident decision maker able to balance risk, cost and business need
- Proactive, organised and comfortable managing competing priorities
- Able to operate both strategically and hands on when required
Working Conditions:
- Full time role, predominantly office based with some remote flexibility
- Occasional out of hours work for maintenance or critical incidents
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Private Medical Health insurance
- Life Assurance
- Group Personal Pension Plan
- Electric Car scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Flexible Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Enhanced Family Pay - maternity, paternity, parental, and compassionate leave
- Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential helpline as well as online support
Chief IT & Digital Strategy Lead employer: Four Squared Recruitment Ltd
As a leading employer in Worcestershire, we offer a dynamic work environment that prioritises innovation and employee well-being. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and a supportive culture that encourages collaboration and creativity. With competitive benefits including flexible working arrangements, private health insurance, and generous leave policies, we strive to create a workplace where every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our strategic goals.
Contact Details:
Four Squared Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief IT & Digital Strategy Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. We can’t stress enough how important it is to be comfortable talking about your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief IT & Digital Strategy Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Chief IT & Digital Strategy Lead. Highlight your experience in IT leadership, project management, and cybersecurity, as these are key areas for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven technology change and aligned IT strategy with business goals in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we want to see your leadership style. Include details about how you've managed teams, developed talent, and fostered collaboration in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Four Squared Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest IT infrastructure, cloud platforms, and business systems. Brush up on your knowledge of cybersecurity and data protection, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss specific technologies and how they align with business strategies will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior leadership role, it’s essential to demonstrate your experience in managing teams and projects. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led IT initiatives, managed vendor relationships, and driven change within an organisation. Highlight your ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, especially with senior executives.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you had to balance risk, cost, and business needs. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company’s strategic objectives and be prepared to discuss how your vision for IT can support their goals. Show that you understand the importance of aligning technology with business growth and efficiency. This will demonstrate your commitment to not just the role, but to the company's success as a whole.
