Head of IT in Manchester

Do you have experience leading an IT function or team within an SME or mid-market business?

Have you built or developed an IT function across infrastructure, systems, security and suppliers?

Are you a commercially minded IT leader who is comfortable being hands-on when required?

We are working with a growing, multi-site consumer business with operations across the UK, Europe and Asia, as they look to appoint a Head of IT to lead and develop the function through its next stage of growth.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role, reporting into the COO, with responsibility for the full IT landscape and the opportunity to shape how technology supports the wider business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and develop the IT strategy and roadmap, aligning technology with commercial objectives.
• Lead and develop the existing IT team across multiple locations.
• Oversee IT service delivery, infrastructure, cloud, identity, devices and connectivity.
• Take ownership of cybersecurity, data protection, risk and compliance.
• Drive improvements across ERP, business systems, data, reporting and system integration.
• Manage the IT supplier and MSP landscape, including contracts, SLAs and commercials.
• Own the IT budget and ensure technology investment delivers value.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation and responsible AI adoption.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure IT remains a genuine enabler of business growth.

What We're Looking For:

• Previous experience leading an IT function or team within an SME or mid-market environment.
• Strong people leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Broad technical knowledge across infrastructure, cloud, security and business systems.
• Experience managing IT suppliers, MSPs, budgets and commercial relationships.
• A track record across IT security, risk, data protection and compliance.
• Experience working across multi-site or international environments.
• A commercially minded approach and the ability to translate technology into business outcomes.
• The confidence to remain hands-on when required.
• Experience with Sage X3 or a comparable ERP would be particularly advantageous.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 / Entra ID, Intune, BI/data, Shopify, Amazon or EDI would also be beneficial.
• Experience within manufacturing, retail or ecommerce would be advantageous.

For more information, please contact Fraser Graham.