At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT strategy and drive digital transformation in a purpose-driven charity.
- Company: St Elizabeth's, a unique charity supporting individuals with complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, beautiful campus, and a supportive, innovative culture.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by using technology to transform lives and services.
- Qualifications: Proven IT leadership experience and a passion for improving lives through technology.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Head of IT
Salary
£75,000 - £85,000
Location
Much Hadham, Hertfordshire - 60-acre campus
Contract
Full-time, permanent
Shape the future. Drive innovation. Transform lives.
At St Elizabeth's, technology isn't just about systems and servers - it's a vital enabler of the life-changing work we do every day.
Set within 60 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside, we are a unique and values-led charity, supporting children and adults with epilepsy, learning disabilities, and other complex needs through specialist education, residential care, and health services.
Now, under a bold and ambitious five-year strategy, we are investing in our future - modernising, growing, and embracing innovation.
We are looking for an exceptional Head of IT to lead this transformation, shaping a technology roadmap that supports our services today while building for tomorrow.
This is a strategic leadership role, not an operational "keep the lights on" post.
You'll work at the heart of our organisation, ensuring our digital infrastructure, systems, and innovation keep pace with - and enable - our mission, while providing direct line management to our IT Manager and working closely with them on both operational delivery and ICT budget management.
- Your Impact
- Lead our long-term IT strategy - ensuring our technology supports organisational growth, service development, and digital inclusion for everyone we support.
- Provide direct line management to the IT Manager, ensuring day-to-day operations align with strategic goals.
- Develop, manage, and monitor the ICT budget in partnership with the IT Manager, ensuring cost-effective and future-proof investment decisions.
- Champion AI, automation, and assistive technology to transform care, education, and operational delivery.
- Oversee a comprehensive modernisation programme ensuring operational systems digitally interface efficiently, sharing data across all service and support areas.
- Drive integration of systems to enable real-time data insights, streamlined processes, and improved user experience.
- Advise the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team on opportunities, risks, and technology trends, ensuring decisions align with organisational goals and sector best practice.
- Build strong relationships with technology providers and sector networks to bring innovation and best practice into the organisation.
- Collaborate across teams to embed technologies that make a tangible difference to the lives of our children, young people, and adults.
About You
You'll be a visionary IT leader who can see the bigger picture - and bring it to life.
You'll combine strong technical knowledge with strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and the ability to inspire confidence in technology across a diverse organisation.
You will have
- Experience leading IT strategy in a complex, multi-site organisation.
- Proven experience managing IT teams, including direct line management of senior IT staff.
- The ability to develop and oversee ICT budgets, ensuring financial accountability and value for money.
- The credibility to influence senior leaders, Board members, and external partners.
- A track record of delivering impactful technology projects that enhance service delivery.
- A passion for using technology to improve people's lives - particularly in education, care, or charity settings.
Why Join Us?
- A pivotal leadership role in a forward-thinking, purpose-driven charity.
- The opportunity to design and deliver a full digital transformation.
- A collaborative, supportive culture where innovation is encouraged and valued.
- A beautiful working environment with on-site facilities.
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience and qualifications.
- Safeguarding & Inclusion
St Elizabeth's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
We are proud to be an Investors in People and Disability Confident Employer.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact us at
Registered Charity
- #INDMGR
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of IT in Much Hadham employer: St Elizabeth's College
At St Elizabeth's, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with diverse needs. Nestled in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, our charity offers a supportive work culture that values compassion and leadership, alongside competitive benefits such as a £5,000 joining bonus, generous holiday allowance, and opportunities for professional growth. Join our team and be part of a legacy that has been delivering outstanding care and support for over 120 years.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT in Much Hadham
✨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 St Elizabeth's College 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 St Elizabeth's College 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 St Elizabeth's College!
✨Direct Apply to St Elizabeth's College
Let's not forget to apply directly through the St Elizabeth's College 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 Much Hadham
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 St Elizabeth's College.
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 St Elizabeth's College. 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 St Elizabeth's College
✨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.