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.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while driving efficiency and client service.
- Qualifications: Proven senior IT leadership experience and strong project management skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with cutting-edge technologies.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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
Head of IT in England employer: Four Squared Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Four Squared Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT field, especially those who might know about opportunities at firms like this one. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s tech stack and recent projects. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in how they operate and grow their IT landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to take on the challenge.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of IT role. Highlight your experience in IT leadership, cybersecurity, and project management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven technology initiatives and improved efficiency in previous positions.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic mindset. Talk about how you've aligned technology decisions with business goals and managed change effectively. We love candidates who think big and act smart!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Four Squared Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As the Head of IT, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and business applications. Brush up on the latest trends in cloud services and AI adoption, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team and collaborating with senior executives. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led IT projects, managed vendor relationships, and developed your team. Highlight your decision-making process and how you balance risk with business needs.
✨Align with Business Strategy
Understand the company's strategic objectives and be ready to discuss how technology can support these goals. Prepare to talk about your experience in aligning IT initiatives with business strategies and how you've driven efficiency and growth through technology.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle IT crises. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to manage risks or implement disaster recovery plans, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.