Head of IT in London

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Position Overview

The Head of IT will lead the technology strategy and operations for a growing organization (based in the UK, US and Poland) specializing in software and services for pharmaceutical companies globally. This role (based in Poland or the UK), involves managing a small internal IT team responsible for M365, core infrastructure, cloud platforms, and user access, while overseeing external vendors supporting critical business applications such as NetSuite, Mavenlink, ZenQMS, and ZenDesk. The Head of IT will ensure that technology aligns with business objectives, supports operational efficiency, and complies with relevant industry and regional regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and execute the organization’s IT strategy to align with business goals and growth objectives.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to identify technology opportunities that drive innovation and operational efficiency.
  • Act as a strategic advisor for technology adoption, ensuring scalability and long-term planning.
• Infrastructure and Operations Management
  • Oversee the management of Microsoft 365 (M365), including user access, email, collaboration tools, and security.
  • Ensure proper management of domains, cloud infrastructure, and data integrity across platforms.
  • Maintain IT infrastructure uptime, performance, and reliability, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
• Vendor and Application Management
  • Partner with external vendors to manage and optimize business-critical applications including but not limited to:
  • NetSuite: ERP for financial and operational management.
  • Mavenlink: Project and resource management.
  • ZenQMS: Quality management system for compliance.
  • ZenDesk: Customer support platform.
  • Monitor vendor performance, negotiate contracts, and ensure SLAs are met.
  • Manage integrations between internal systems and external applications.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead and mentor a small internal IT team, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
  • Delegate operational tasks while ensuring the team delivers high-quality support and service.
  • Define and track team KPIs related to system uptime, incident resolution, and user satisfaction.
• Compliance and Security
  • Implement and maintain cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive company and client data.
  • Ensure compliance with regional and industry standards, including GDPR, UK Data Protection Act, and other pharma-specific requirements.
  • Conduct regular audits of IT systems and processes to identify vulnerabilities and ensure data integrity.
• User Support and Training
  • Ensure timely resolution of IT issues and provide guidance for employees using internal systems and applications.
  • Develop and deliver training programs to enhance employee proficiency with M365 and other tools.
  • Maintain an IT help desk function to support day-to-day operations.
• Budget and Resource Management
  • Manage the IT budget, including forecasting, cost control, and vendor expenditure.
  • Optimize IT resources to balance cost-effectiveness and performance.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies to improve operational efficiency.

Key Qualifications

• Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
  • 8+ years of experience in IT leadership roles, preferably in a mid-sized company or within the pharmaceutical or software industries.
  • Experience managing cloud infrastructure and SaaS platforms (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS).
• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in managing Microsoft 365 (M365), including security and collaboration tools.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems like NetSuite, project management tools like Mavenlink, quality management systems like ZenQMS, and customer service platforms like ZenDesk.
  • Knowledge of cloud infrastructure management and domain administration.
  • Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, UK Data Protection Act).
• Leadership and Communication
  • Proven ability to lead and develop IT teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong vendor management skills, including contract negotiation and performance monitoring.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Problem-Solving and Innovation
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex IT challenges and implement innovative solutions.
  • Strategic thinker with a focus on scalability and efficiency.

Compensation and Benefits

Will allow for HR to interject more here on salary and benefits for this JD.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• Direct Reports: Internal IT team (e.g., 3 team members).

Additional Notes

This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic planning with operational execution. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a global or regional capacity and a passion for leveraging technology to drive business success.

Regional Compliance Considerations

• GDPR and UK Data Protection Act: Ensure all IT practices comply with data privacy regulations in the EU and UK.
• Pharma-Specific Regulations: Familiarity with GxP (Good Practices) and other quality standards commonly required in the pharmaceutical industry.