At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the IT function while ensuring security and stability.
- Company: Join a growing organisation with a collaborative culture and innovative technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous annual leave, and private healthcare from day one.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to drive continuous improvement in IT processes.
- Why this job: Shape IT strategy and make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role.
- Qualifications: Experience leading IT teams and strong technical background in infrastructure and networking.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Role We are supporting a growing organisation seeking an experienced Head of IT to take ownership of its technology function.
This is a key leadership position responsible for ensuring the organisation's IT environment remains secure, stable, and aligned with business objectives.
Reporting into the senior operations leadership team, you will act as the primary technology lead, shaping IT strategy while remaining closely involved in the day-to-day running of systems, infrastructure, applications, and user support.
This is a hands-on role within a lean and collaborative IT team, ideal for someone who enjoys balancing strategic direction with practical delivery.
You will lead internal technology initiatives, manage external partners, improve operational resilience, and ensure the business has the tools and support required to operate effectively.
Key Responsibilities Lead and develop the IT function, providing direction, support, and guidance to the wider team.
Own the organisation's technology roadmap and ensure IT services support business priorities.
Manage the performance, reliability, and security of infrastructure, networks, applications, and core systems.
Build and maintain strong relationships with third-party suppliers, technology partners, and service providers.
Oversee IT budgets, procurement activity, licensing, and contract negotiations.
Drive continuous improvement across IT processes, documentation, service delivery, and risk management.
Support the implementation of security controls and ensure compliance with relevant data protection requirements.
Deliver technology projects from planning through to completion, ensuring deadlines and budgets are achieved.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, translating technical matters into clear business language.
Experience Required The successful candidate will have: Previous experience leading an IT team or owning an organisation's technology function.
A strong technical background across infrastructure, networking, systems, and business applications.
Experience managing technology suppliers, contracts, and procurement processes.
Good knowledge of cyber security principles, data protection, and UK GDPR requirements.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with technical and non-technical audiences.
A proven track record of delivering IT projects and operational improvements.
A structured and organised approach, with strong attention to documentation, governance, and risk.
Return: 65,000-80,000 Salary25 Days AL + BHHybrid working afer probation Company pension matched up to 5% Life Asurance x4 Private healthcare from day 1 & More!!
Oscar Associates (UK) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
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Head of IT in Southampton employer: Oscar
Oscar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Surrey where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and a generous benefits package, including 25 days of leave and a pension scheme, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT in Southampton
✨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 Oscar 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 Oscar 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 Oscar!
✨Direct Apply to Oscar
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Oscar 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 in Southampton
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 Oscar.
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 Oscar. 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 Oscar
✨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.
