Head of IT in Manchester

Overview

Stone King is an ambitious and purpose-driven firm specialising in the Business & Social Enterprise, Charity, Education, Public Faith and Private Client sectors. Our collaborative culture and core values are intertwined with our ethos of doing the right thing by our clients, communities, and our people. Our passion for the sectors we work in and the purpose-driven work we do with our clients has resulted in SK being recognised as national leaders in our specialist fields across the country.

The opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced IT professional to join Stone King as Head of IT, taking responsibility for delivering robust, reliable IT operations while actively supporting the firm's digital transformation. The role is operational at its core, ensuring systems, infrastructure, and services run seamlessly, while contributing to the development of a forward-looking IT strategy. We are looking for a hands-on IT leader with strong operational credentials who is ready to broaden their remit and build strategic influence over time. The firm will provide structured support, enabling the Head of IT to grow as the business and technology landscape evolves. This role combines strategic input with hands-on leadership, optimising services, strengthening cybersecurity, and championing best practices to deliver exceptional value for our people, clients, and communities.

Responsibilities

• Help develop and implement the firm’s IT strategy in alignment with the firm’s strategy.
• Oversee day-to-day IT service delivery, ensuring reliability, security, and user satisfaction across all offices.
• Lead, coach, and develop the IT team, fostering a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement and high performance.
• Plan and manage the IT budget, tracking spend and forecasting needs to ensure value for money.
• Shape resourcing plans (roles, skills, succession) that support the firm’s growth and service ambitions.

Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with the IT Strategy Group to help implement the firm’s digital strategy and develop the evolving strategy going forward.
• Manage supplier relationships, ensuring robust service provision and value for money.
• Actively represent SK at industry networking events, fostering strategic relationships, keeping abreast of technology trends and identifying opportunities for practical innovation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Be visible and proactive across the firm, engaging with teams, understanding business needs, and championing technology adoption.
• Communicate IT plans, progress, and outcomes clearly to all stakeholders, including senior leadership.

Innovation & Change

• Working alongside others in the business help identify and deliver opportunities for process improvement, automation, and simplification.
• Support change management and user adoption initiatives, ensuring new tools and processes deliver tangible benefits.

Risk, Security & Compliance

• Maintain and enhance the firm’s cyber security posture, data governance, and compliance with relevant standards and policies.
• Ensure robust incident response, business continuity, and recovery practices.

Requirements

Essential

• Demonstrable track record for the delivery of major software and infrastructure projects in a complex professional environment.
• Excellent technical knowledge of Microsoft environments (server and deskside).
• Operational knowledge of mainstream legal software applications including MatterSphere, 3E, iManage, BigHand.
• A broad understanding of mainstream technology including cloud computing, data centre, networking, cyber-security, telephony and print.
• Experience of the management of IT budgets in excess of £1m per annum.
• Highly developed and practical sense of law firm technology requirements, including a genuine understanding of the technology requirements of a modern lawyer.
• Capacity to learn, to assimilate information quickly and to acquire new skills.

Desirable

• Experience in professional services environment or law firm.
• Experience building strategic relationships, staying informed on emerging technology trends, and opportunities for practical innovation.

Personal Attributes

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and confidence to challenge constructively and offer alternative approaches.
• Solutions focused approach with drive to improve processes and outcomes.
• Strong organisation skills, taking full ownership of tasks and ensuring delivery within agreed deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas and influence decision-making effectively.
• Adaptable approach in managing workload and supporting others.
• Ability to work collaboratively and team-first attitude.
• Provides line management and support while role modelling behaviours aligned with the firm’s core values.
• A strategic thinker, with strong operational, analytical, and managerial skills.

Location

Stone King operates from six locations across the UK and applications will be considered from throughout the UK. Candidates should be aware that the direct reports for this role are currently largely based in London and Bath. We support a hybrid working model, with no mandatory office attendance; however, most team members typically work on-site 2-3 days per week. Given the importance of this position, the successful candidate will be expected to maintain a visible presence across our offices on a regular basis.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Individual differences are embraced at Stone King, and we strive to create an environment in which people feel supported and able to be themselves. We are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment that supports the growth and development for all. We are proud to be signatories of the Mindful Business Charter, the Race Fairness Commitment, and the Age Friendly Employer Pledge, and we are a Disability Confident Employer. Stone King LLP is committed to offering an interview to any job applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role as defined by the job description and person specification. A full copy of the person specification and job description can be provided by contacting our Recruitment team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Profit Share Scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Life assurance (4 x salary).
• Pension scheme.
• 33 days holiday (in addition to statutory UK holidays).
• Additional day allocated for CSR activities per annum.

Closing date: 2 February 2026. Adverts normally close at midday on the closing date, however vacancies may close early if sufficient applications have been received. Therefore we would encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.