At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT and security systems, ensuring robust operations and compliance as we scale.
- Company: SkyBound, a pioneering tech company in autonomous flight.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, innovative projects, remote work, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of drone technology while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in IT security and management, with strong problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Join a small, ambitious team in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Remote first (With one day each month spent in our Southampton office SO19)
About SkyBound
SkyBound is at an exciting stage of growth, building the software and operational systems that are defining the future of autonomous flight. This is a hands‑on opportunity to take ownership of IT and security systems from the ground up, shaping the company’s approach to IT, compliance, and operational effectiveness as we scale. You will ensure our systems are secure, resilient, and well-integrated, working closely with the CTO and Head of Data & AI to connect the dots across software, data tools, and operational systems. You will also oversee and enhance our MSP services to ensure smooth, scalable support for the business. If you thrive in a hands‑on, technically diverse environment, enjoy solving problems at multiple levels, and want to help shape the IT and security foundations of a high‑growth tech company, this is the perfect opportunity.
Role Overview
The IT Manager will oversee SkyBound’s security posture, infrastructure, and day‑to‑day IT operations. This is a deeply technical role with a strong emphasis on security implementation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. You will design, implement, and manage security processes, lead incident response, and ensure our cloud environment remains robust and compliant. This is not a purely managerial role. You will be the technical expert, the problem‑solver, and the person who jumps in wherever needed.
Key Responsibilities
- IT & Security Ownership
- Own internal IT operations and security practices across the business
- Maintain, optimise, and expand existing systems such as SSO and MDM to ensure security, efficiency, and scalability
- Lead IT enablement: make systems work for teams while maintaining structure and compliance
- Oversee and enhance MSP services, ensuring they deliver value as the business scales
- Provide guidance and oversight without slowing innovation, supporting software and data teams in doing their best work
- Establish and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity frameworks, working across teams to ensure critical systems, infrastructure, data, and operational processes can be recovered effectively.
- Establish security practices and processes that keep the business secure and ready for growth
- Manage risk, audits, and documentation at a high level, ensuring policies are effective without being overly restrictive
- Work closely with CTO, Head of Data & AI, and other teams to ensure systems and workflows integrate smoothly
- Translate technical concepts into clear recommendations for leadership
- Champion IT best practices and a culture of security awareness across the company.
- Collaborate effectively with software and data/AI teams, understanding technical concepts well enough to hold informed, respectful discussions and make decisions aligned with business priorities
What we’re looking for
You are pragmatic, hands‑on, and technically capable, thriving in a fast‑moving, high‑growth environment. You have experience in startups, scale‑ups, or smaller teams, and understand the challenges and opportunities that come with growing a business. Skilled in IT operations, SaaS administration, identity management, and device management (MacBooks / Google Workspace). Comfortable leading IT enablement while collaborating with strong technical teams like software and data/AI, helping them succeed without taking over their domain. Able to drive compliance and risk management without overengineering processes. Experienced in vendor management and optimising third‑party services. Bring technical credibility and judgement, translating complex IT and security issues into clear actions for leadership.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- 5+ years of experience in IT security, IT management, or a hybrid technical role with strong security responsibilities
- Proven experience implementing and managing security solutions for cloud‑based applications and services
- Strong documentation and process driven mindset
- Excellent communication skills, able to translate technical concepts for non‑technical audiences
- Ability to take ownership, drive tasks to completion, and know when to elevate or seek additional support
- Strong analytical and problem solving abilities
- Comfortable working hands‑on in a fast‑paced, growing organisation
Proficiency in:
- Network security
- System administration
- Identity & Access Management (IAM)
- Security monitoring and alerting
- Incident response, threat detection, and forensic investigation
- Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, AWS Associate/Professional, or equivalent
- Experience contributing to or implementing ISO 27001 frameworks
- Familiarity with Cyber Essentials Plus requirements
What SkyBound Offers:
- Competitive salary and benefits
- The chance to work on genuinely innovative drone technology
- Ownership of features from concept to delivery
- A modern tech stack with room to explore VR, AR and IoT
- A small, ambitious team where your work has immediate impact
- A remote first culture with monthly meet ups in Southampton
- A collaborative and supportive environment
- Real opportunities for growth and progression
Ready to shape the future with us? Apply now and take the next step in your career.
Head of IT, Security & Enablement in Southampton employer: Skybound
Contact Detail:
Skybound Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT, Security & Enablement in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. Building connections can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its tech stack. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help solve them. This shows you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in making an impact at SkyBound.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! You might face technical questions or scenarios during interviews. Brush up on your knowledge of IT security and operational excellence to demonstrate your hands-on capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at SkyBound.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT, Security & Enablement in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of IT, Security & Enablement role. Highlight your hands-on experience in IT security and management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about shaping IT and security foundations in a high-growth tech environment like SkyBound. Show us how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex IT challenges in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical abilities and hands-on approach to problem-solving, especially in fast-paced settings.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at SkyBound!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skybound
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your IT security knowledge, especially around cloud-based applications and services. Be ready to discuss specific security solutions you've implemented in the past and how they can apply to SkyBound's needs.
✨Show Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about being hands-on, so be prepared to share examples of when you've jumped into technical challenges. Highlight your experience with IT operations, SaaS administration, and device management, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences, so practice explaining your past projects in simple terms. This will show that you can bridge the gap between technical teams and leadership effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
SkyBound values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with software and data teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve supported them without overstepping, ensuring that innovation continues while maintaining compliance.