At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT strategy, manage infrastructure, and drive digital transformation initiatives.
- Company: Sovereign AI, a cutting-edge AI infrastructure provider in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a high-performing team and influence technology governance.
- Why this job: Join a mission-critical team shaping the future of AI technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in IT or related field; experience in senior tech roles required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
About Sovereign AI: Sovereign AI is a UK-based AI infrastructure and solutions provider building the next generation of sovereign‑grade AI data centres across EMEA. Designed for resilience, security, and scale, Sovereign AI enables commercial and government customers to deploy advanced AI with confidence in environments where performance, reliability, and compliance are non‑negotiable. Focused on regulated and mission‑critical sectors specifically Government Defence, Sovereign AI is creating the trusted foundations for AI adoption at scale, combining robust infrastructure with disciplined governance to support long‑term innovation and national‑level capability.
The IT Director leads the planning, implementation, and management of an organisation’s information technology systems. This role ensures that IT infrastructure supports business goals, remains secure, and operates efficiently. Digital touchpoints are user‑centred and align with brand and business goals.
- IT Strategy & Technology Leadership
- Develop and execute the organisation’s IT strategy aligned to business objectives and growth plans
- Partner with executive leadership to advise on technology investment, innovation and operational scalability
- Drive digital transformation initiatives across systems, infrastructure and business operations
- Identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency and user experience
- Establish IT governance, standards and technology roadmaps across the organisation
- Infrastructure, Systems & IT Operations
- Oversee the organisation’s internal IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud environments, servers, devices and business‑critical systems
- Ensure high availability, resilience, performance and scalability across all IT platforms and services
- Manage IT support operations, ensuring timely resolution of technical issues and strong end‑user experience
- Oversee the administration and optimisation of collaboration, productivity and enterprise platforms
- Ensure appropriate backup, disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities are maintained
- Cybersecurity & Information Protection
- Develop and maintain cybersecurity policies, controls and operational procedures
- Protect systems, infrastructure and data against cyber threats, vulnerabilities and security breaches
- Oversee endpoint security, identity and access management, monitoring and incident response processes
- Ensure compliance with applicable data protection, cybersecurity and regulatory requirements, including GDPR and relevant industry standards
- Promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices across the organisation
- Technology Projects & Transformation
- Lead major IT projects, including system implementations, migrations, integrations and infrastructure upgrades
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and aligned to operational requirements
- Coordinate cross‑functional collaboration across Technology, Operations, Security and external vendors
- Manage risks, dependencies and change activities associated with technology programmes
- Support scalable technology architecture as the organisation expands internationally
- Vendor, Budget & Asset Management
- Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring effective cost control and value delivery
- Evaluate, negotiate and manage relationships with technology vendors, MSPs and service providers
- Oversee procurement and lifecycle management of hardware, software and technology services
- Ensure appropriate licensing, support agreements, and vendor performance management processes are in place
- Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Build, lead and develop a high‑performing IT function aligned to business growth
- Recruit, mentor and manage IT staff and external support resources
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Support professional development and capability growth within the technology team
- Operational Governance & Compliance
- Maintain operational IT policies, standards and documentation
- Ensure strong governance across systems, access, asset management and operational controls
- Support audit, compliance and regulatory activities relating to technology operations
- Ensure technology operations align with internal governance frameworks and business risk requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related discipline preferred
Relevant professional certifications desirable (e.g., ITIL, CISSP, Microsoft, AWS, Azure, Cybersecurity certifications)
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
Proven experience as an IT Director, Head of IT or senior technology leadership role
Exceptional operational knowledge of Apple devices, JAMF, Ubiquiti, Google Workspace
Strong experience managing cloud infrastructure, enterprise systems and operational IT environments
Experience operating within a fast‑paced scale‑up or start‑up environment is highly desirable
Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, IT governance and risk management
Experience leading technology transformation and infrastructure projects
Experience managing third‑party vendors, MSPs and outsourced IT services
Strong budgeting, procurement and commercial management capability
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Comfortable exploring and implementing AI and automation solutions within IT operations
Strong operational problem‑solving and decision‑making capability
Experience supporting geographically distributed teams and multi‑site operations desirable
IT Director Technology - Internal Systems & Operations · London · employer: Sovereign AI
Sovereign AI is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets infrastructure. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of AI technology across critical sectors. The company fosters a collaborative culture, providing unique opportunities to work with senior stakeholders and partners, ensuring that every employee plays a vital role in driving national-level capabilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Director Technology - Internal Systems & Operations · London ·
✨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 Sovereign AI 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 Sovereign AI 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 Sovereign AI!
✨Direct Apply to Sovereign AI
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Sovereign AI 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 IT Director Technology - Internal Systems & Operations · London ·
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 Sovereign AI.
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 Sovereign AI. 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 Sovereign AI
✨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.
