At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT operations, enhance infrastructure, and drive cyber security improvements.
- Company: Innovative organisation near Stockport focused on collaboration and impactful outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, part-time hours, and potential for extension.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind transformative IT strategies in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in IT and strong knowledge of cyber security and infrastructure.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape technology for future growth and resilience.
We are recruiting an Interim Head of IT to provide hands-on leadership, stabilise IT operations, and drive improvements across infrastructure, business systems, data, cyber security, and emerging technologies for our client. The role balances strategic oversight with practical delivery, managing internal teams and external partners to ensure secure, resilient, and future-ready technology that supports the organisation's immediate and long-term priorities.
Client Details: Based near the Stockport region, our client is renowned for its outstanding collaboration with a range of partners to drive innovation and deliver impactful outcomes. The business focuses on developing efficient, forward-looking approaches to support growth, performance, and leadership in its field.
Description: As the Interim Head of IT, you will lead the organisation's technology function, ensuring systems, services, and data are secure, resilient, and fit for immediate business needs. This role balances strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, focusing on stability, risk management, and practical improvement.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will cover:
- Leadership: Lead the IT function with a hands-on, delivery mindset, developing internal capability and managing external partners to ensure reliable, high-quality services. Act as the senior IT voice with leadership, shaping priorities and contributing to organisational planning.
- IT Service Management: Stabilise and improve day-to-day IT services, owning the service desk model, embedding KPIs, and ensuring effective change, communication, and transition for new or updated systems.
- Infrastructure: Oversee resilient, secure infrastructure across office, laboratory, and cloud environments, including specialist and scientific systems, with strong focus on availability and disaster recovery.
- Cyber Security: Take ownership of cyber security, risk, and compliance, covering data protection, incident response, vulnerability management, business continuity, and security awareness.
- Business Systems & Data Management: Lead the lifecycle and optimisation of core business systems and data, working with stakeholders to improve processes, governance, data quality, and integration.
- AI & Automation: Shape and deliver a practical approach to AI, automation, and advanced analytics, enabling responsible adoption, secure access, and measurable efficiency gains.
- Vendor Management: Manage IT suppliers, contracts, licensing, and budgets, ensuring strong commercial control, performance management, and value for money.
Profile: As the successful candidate for the Interim Head of IT position, you will be experienced in the following areas:
- Essential experience: Senior leadership experience across IT, digital, or data in complex environments. Strong working knowledge of infrastructure, cloud, cyber security, and enterprise systems. Proven ability to manage and get results from outsourced technology partners. Clear communicator, able to translate technical issues for non-technical audiences. Highly organised, delivery-focused, and comfortable making decisions at pace.
- Desirable experience: Experience in scientific, research, or laboratory-based settings. Exposure to data governance, enterprise data platforms, AI, or automation. Background working in regulated or security-sensitive organisations.
Job Offer: Daily rate of £450 to £550 (Outside IR35). Initial 3 months (Likely Extension). Part-time role, working 2-3 days per week. Opportunity to lead a key department as the 'number 1', and drive significant transformation.
Interim Head of IT in Stockport employer: Michael Page
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of IT in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT field and let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've stabilised IT operations or driven improvements in past roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you can balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company culture! Understanding their approach to innovation and collaboration will help you tailor your responses and show that you're the perfect fit for their team. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Interim Head of IT. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of IT in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Interim Head of IT role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant skills in IT infrastructure, cyber security, and vendor management. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description!
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. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead IT functions and drive improvements. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Soft Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills! As a leader, clear communication and decision-making are key. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or communicated complex IT issues to non-technical stakeholders. We love seeing those interpersonal skills in action!
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 out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As the Interim Head of IT, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of infrastructure, cloud, and cyber security. Brush up on the latest trends and technologies in these areas, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented them in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires hands-on leadership, so think about examples that highlight your ability to lead teams and manage external partners. Be prepared to share specific instances where your leadership made a tangible difference in IT operations or project outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You'll need to translate complex technical issues for non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects in simple terms, focusing on the impact and benefits rather than just the tech jargon. This will show your ability to bridge the gap between IT and the rest of the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making under pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to stabilise IT services or manage risks effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.