At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the IT function, manage infrastructure, and oversee cyber security.
- Company: Dynamic customer-focused organisation seeking a tech-savvy leader.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to shape technology strategy.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and drive technology forward.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading innovative IT projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT leadership and strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Head of IT to lead the technology function for a busy, customer-facing organisation. The role covers IT strategy, infrastructure, cyber security, business systems, suppliers, service delivery and team leadership. It would suit someone who can operate strategically but is also comfortable being hands-on when needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the IT function and set the technology roadmap.
- Manage IT infrastructure, networks, cloud services, systems and communications.
- Oversee cyber security, backup, disaster recovery and business continuity.
- Lead and develop a small technical team.
- Act as the senior escalation point for major IT issues.
- Manage technology suppliers, contracts, budgets and service performance.
- Support business systems, automation, data and process improvement.
- Ensure technology supports operational, commercial and customer-facing needs.
Key Experience
- Experience leading an IT function or technical team.
- Strong background across infrastructure, cloud, networks, cyber security and business systems.
- Experience managing suppliers, budgets and IT service delivery.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, operational or customer-facing environment.
- Able to balance strategic planning with practical, hands-on problem solving.
Useful Technical Knowledge
- Microsoft 365, Azure, Entra ID, Intune, Teams and SharePoint.
- Enterprise networks, wireless, firewalls and connectivity.
- Cyber security, access control, monitoring and resilience.
- Virtualisation, telephony, endpoint/security platforms and system integrations.
- SQL, APIs, scripting or automation would be beneficial.
Skills
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Commercially aware and supplier-focused.
- Calm under pressure.
- Pragmatic, hands-on and solutions-focused.
- Able to explain technical matters clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Head of IT in Manchester employer: PLUG
As a leading employer in the technology sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities for hands-on leadership in a fast-paced environment. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly impact our customer-facing operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT in Manchester
✨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 PLUG 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 PLUG 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 PLUG!
✨Direct Apply to PLUG
Let's not forget to apply directly through the PLUG 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 Manchester
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 PLUG.
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 PLUG. 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 PLUG
✨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.
