At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate IT, ensuring a seamless and secure tech environment for a fast-growing AI company.
- Company: Join Model ML, a rapidly expanding AI workflow builder transforming financial institutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and innovation across global offices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a cutting-edge tech environment while shaping the future of corporate IT.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in IT with leadership experience in fast-growing tech companies.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
About Model ML
Model ML is the AI workflow builder transforming how major financial institutions produce and validate client-ready work. Model ML converts complex, manual processes into fully automated AI systems that scale across global teams. In under a year, Model ML has become one of the fastest growing enterprise AI platforms worldwide and recently closed a $75 million Series A, one of the largest fintech Series A rounds ever. The round was backed by FT Partners, Y Combinator, LocalGlobe, QED, 13books, and other top global investors. We have offices in London, New York, Tokyo, Singapore and Madrid, with Dubai opening now. Our customers are some of the most security-conscious organisations in the world. How we run IT internally is part of what they buy.
The role
You’ll own corporate IT at Model ML end to end. You’ll run a modern, cloud-native stack and make it the best-run IT function a company our size has. Day one you’re hands‑on. Over time you build the team and the systems that let IT scale with a company that’s adding people every month. You’ll sit close to leadership and work with every team: engineers running coding agents all day, a fast‑growing go-to-market team, and an analyst workforce spread across time zones.
What You’ll Own
- Identity and access: Okta, Beyond Identity and Microsoft Entra ID: SSO, MFA, lifecycle management and SCIM provisioning across every app; Joiner, mover and leaver process, fully automated from HiBob, with same-day access on day one and same-hour revocation on exit; Access reviews and least‑privilege policy.
- Endpoints: Procurement, zero-touch enrolment, MDM, patching, encryption, wipe and re-provision; Endpoint security: CrowdStrike Falcon (MDR and exposure management), ThreatLocker allowlisting, and remote management; Tuning security for engineers who run Claude Code, Codex, Docker and heavy local builds without killing their machines.
- Security operations: Email security (Ironscales), secure browser and DLP (Island), password management (Keeper); Network and remote access across offices and remote staff (Cato); Incident response for corporate IT: triage, escalation, post-mortems.
- SaaS and vendors: Admin for Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Slack, Notion, HubSpot, Linear and the rest of the stack; SaaS inventory, licence management and renewals, so we only pay for what we use; Contracts and relationships with every IT vendor.
- Compliance and customer trust: Corporate IT controls and evidence for SOC 2, ISO 27001 and client due diligence; Partner with our security, compliance and sales teams on diligence questionnaires covering device management, access control, backup and business continuity.
- Offices and people: IT setup for new offices, starting with Dubai; Helpdesk with clear SLAs, a self-serve knowledge base, and a support model that works across London, New York and Asia hours; Budget ownership for IT spend, and a hiring plan for the team as we grow.
Your first 90 days
- Days 0 to 30: Learn the environment. Get admin access to every system. Map how IT runs today and identify the biggest gaps.
- Days 30 to 60: Close the gaps. Consolidate licences and tenants, document every system and config, and own first-line support.
- Days 60 to 90: Run IT end to end. Automate onboarding and offboarding, publish SLAs, and present a 12-month roadmap and budget.
What You’ll Bring
- 8+ years in IT, with at least 3 leading corporate IT at a fast-growing tech company, ideally 100 to 500 people.
- Deep, hands-on experience. You’ve built identity and provisioning, not just used it.
- Experience running Mac, Windows, and mobile MDM and EDR.
- You’ve built or scaled a corporate IT function before.
- You’ve supported SOC 2 or ISO 27001 compliant organizations.
- Comfortable with scripting and automation (Python, Bash, PowerShell, or workflow tools like Okta Workflows).
- Clear communicator who can explain a control to an auditor and a fix to an engineer.
- You care about the user experience of IT. Fast, quiet and self-serve beats tickets and queues.
Nice to have
- Experience in financial services or selling into banks and funds.
- Zero-trust networking and secure browser rollouts.
- Multi-country setup, including new entities and offices.
- You already use AI tools to automate your own work.
Benefits
Competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive benefits package to be discussed during the hiring process.
Head of IT employer: Model ML
Model ML is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where creativity and innovation thrive. As a Brand Designer, you'll enjoy the unique opportunity to shape the visual identity of a pioneering AI platform while collaborating closely with founders and executives. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and a culture that encourages pushing boundaries, Model ML provides a rewarding experience for those looking to make a significant impact in the tech industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Model ML values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Model ML might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Model ML!
✨Direct Apply to Model ML
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Model ML website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Model ML.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Model ML. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Model ML
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
