At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global IT operations, ensuring performance, security, and smooth functioning of all systems.
- Company: Join a dynamic aerospace and defence company focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on career advancement and team leadership.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a strategic role while managing cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in IT or related field; experience in IT management and vendor oversight.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
As the Head of IT, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation, performance, and security of all IT operations globally. This includes managing all aspects of applications and network/infrastructure across a hybrid environment as well as physical IT assets (e.g., machines, printers, Wi‑Fi, networking gear, etc.). While day‑to‑day operations and technical execution are largely outsourced to a Managed Services Provider (MSP), this role is essential for vendor and contract oversight, Tier 1 support coordination, budget ownership, and architecture alignment. This position offers a unique opportunity to operate at both a strategic and operational level, ensuring our enterprise ecosystem remains reliable, secure, and aligned with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Accountability Responsibilities
- Infrastructure Ownership: Oversee the full scope of site IT infrastructure—including servers, networking, Wi‑Fi, printers, workstations, hardware, and cloud connectivity.
- Application Portfolio Management: Own the lifecycle and roadmap for the IFS ERP and Windchill PLM systems, including upgrades, enhancements, and decommissioning decisions.
- Vendor Management: Lead day‑to‑day interaction with the MSP to ensure high‑quality service delivery, adherence to SLAs, and alignment with site‑specific needs.
- Contract Oversight: Manage MSP contracts and ensure compliance with service agreements, renewal schedules, and escalation procedures.
- Tier 1 Support: Serve as the initial point of contact for site‑level support issues, providing hands‑on resolution or escalation as required.
- Architecture & Standards: Act as the local architect—ensuring all hardware, networking, and cloud solutions align with corporate standards, cybersecurity policies, and evolving business needs.
- Cybersecurity & Compliance: Partner with internal and external security teams to ensure infrastructure and network components are compliant with ITAR, NIST, and other defence‑related regulations.
- Budget & Asset Management: Own and manage the global budget, including forecasting, cost control, procurement, and asset tracking.
- Project Delivery: Lead or coordinate transformational projects, including upgrades, relocations, and migrations.
- Change Management: Oversee change control processes for application updates and enhancements, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
- Site Collaboration: Work closely with leadership, operations, and facilities teams to ensure IT services support production and business operations effectively.
- Team Management: Build and lead IT team.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (Master’s a plus).
- Years of experience in IT application, infrastructure and network management.
- Strong background managing outsourced services or MSPs.
- Experience managing a hybrid on‑prem/cloud IT ecosystem (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS, or similar).
- Familiarity with modern network architectures, firewalls, VLANs, VPNs, SD‑WAN, and wireless solutions.
- Working knowledge of IT hardware management (workstations, printers, AV, etc.).
- Experience in a regulated industry, preferably aerospace or defence, and understanding of security and compliance requirements (e.g., ITAR, NIST).
- Strong budgeting, vendor negotiation, and contract management skills.
- Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and organizational abilities.
Head of - IT in Cambridge employer: QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD
As the Head of IT, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises innovation and employee development in a dynamic work environment. Our company fosters a collaborative culture where your expertise will directly influence our global IT operations, while offering competitive benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to maintaining a secure and efficient technological landscape. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique chance to lead transformative projects and work alongside talented professionals dedicated to excellence.
Contact Details:
QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of - IT in Cambridge
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of - IT in Cambridge
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 QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD.
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 QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD. 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 QUINTESSENTIAL BRANDS UK GROUP LTD
✨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.
