Head of Infrastructure and Information Security in London

Head of Infrastructure and Information Security is required by a well-established and successful organisation. You will take full ownership and accountability for the organisation's IT infrastructure, core systems and information security. This is a hands-on leadership role within a growing, mid-sized organisation. This role is critical to their ongoing success, ensuring their technology, systems, security and internal services enable their employees to operate effectively, securely and efficiently.

The successful candidate will lead operational IT, service delivery, Microsoft 365 environment, security, and core business applications, while proactively developing the IT function to support company growth, new hires and evolving client and security requirements. This role requires a commercially aware, proactive and improvement-focused technology leader who can balance operational stability with innovation, automation and continuous improvement.

What responsibilities will I have?

• IT Leadership & Strategy
  • Own and be accountable for the firm’s IT function and take responsibility for shaping the function to be efficient, responsive, and able to scale in line with business strategy and growth trajectory.
  • Develop and deliver the IT roadmap aligned with company growth plans.
  • Ensure IT systems support business operations, delivery teams and remote working.
  • Identify opportunities for automation, efficiency and technology improvements.
  • Manage IT budget, suppliers and technology procurement.
  • Provide IT leadership to SLT and report activity monthly at internal Operations meeting.
• IT Operations & Service Delivery
  • Manage day-to-day IT operations and oversee service desk function.
  • Lead and manage a small IT team of 6 to ensure reliable and secure operation of:
  • Microsoft 365 (Office 365) / Teams / SharePoint.
  • Identity and access management.
  • Backup and disaster recovery.
  • Core business and ERP-related applications.
• Provide client-facing support services as required.
• Maintain all IT policies, procedures and documentation.
• Ensure SLAs and service standards are met.
• Manage third-party IT and hosting suppliers.

What experience should I have for this role?

• You may have a degree in any of the following disciplines: Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Business Information Systems.
• You should ideally hold the ITIL certification and may also have certifications relating to information systems security.
• Previous experience leading IT within an ambitious and growing SME to include setting IT strategy for the function, managing budgets, leading small IT teams, managing third-party providers, and ensuring IT services support business growth, operational delivery and client requirements.
• Strong hands-on and strategic experience administering and developing a Microsoft 365 cloud environment, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, OneDrive, Intune device management, and Entra ID (Azure AD) identity and access management.
• Experience managing IT operations in a service-led environment, including ownership of service desk processes, ticketing systems, SLAs, incident management, problem management, change management and service improvement.
• Experience implementing or managing annual Cyber Essentials Plus certifications.
• Previous experience in achieving ISO 27001 certification and regular audits including development of information security policies, risk registers, asset registers, incident management procedures, access control policies, and business continuity and disaster recovery planning.

What personal attributes are important to demonstrate?

• A proactive self-starter who takes full ownership and accountability of the IT function and identifies risks, inefficiencies and opportunities while working at pace to meet the demands of an evolving business.
• Must be hands-on and comfortable operating at both leadership and operational levels. Willing to get involved in technical issues, systems administration, troubleshooting, implementations and improvements where required, while also setting direction, standards and strategy for the IT function.
• Focused on building an IT function that is scalable, efficient and future fit for a growing organisation.
• Highly organised with a sense of urgency in managing multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, whilst maintaining IT service standards.
• A growth mindset in taking responsibility for resolving issues and driving improvements across systems, security and processes.

6 month rolling contract £600-700 per day. Based in Kent. Hybrid working - 2 days per week on site.