At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK IT function, manage a budget, and shape technology strategy.
- Company: Market-leading business part of a well-established European group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in role, and support from a knowledgeable team.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and visibility across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving automation and optimising SAP processes.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT leadership and strong SAP knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: (multi-site)
Type: Permanent Full-time
Salary: £50-£60k
IT Budget: £1m
Internal Infrastructure: Predominantly cloud
Core Platform: SAP + bespoke portals
A market-leading business, part of a well-established European group, is seeking a credible, commercially-minded Head of IT to lead its UK technology function and shape the path forward on automation, SAP optimisation, and group-level engagement.
The Opportunity
This is a newly elevated role, created as the business recognises the need for a technology leader with genuine gravitas; someone who can set strategy, challenge suppliers with confidence, and represent the UK IT function credibly within a wider European governance structure. You will inherit a capable team and an established cloud-based infrastructure, and take ownership of an IT function that interacts closely with Group IT in Germany. The business pays for Group IT services and needs a leader who can maximise what it gets in return, influencing global initiatives, navigating governance effectively, and securing a stronger seat at the table. There is no formal technology roadmap yet. You will be expected to build one rooted in practical guidance from Group, but shaped by your own expertise in systems alignment, productivity, and intelligent automation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the UK IT function, managing a small team and an internal budget of approximately £1m
- Build and own the technology roadmap, with a clear focus on automation, SAP optimisation, and cost reduction through systems alignment
- Identify and deliver SAP improvements, challenging what the business does today, where costs are incurred, and where productivity gains are possible
- Engage confidently with third-party software developers, portal and API suppliers, and automation vendors, pushing back where needed
- Manage the relationship with Group IT in Europe, navigating governance, securing approval for UK initiatives, and maximising the value of central services
- Drive a shift toward leveraging Group IT more fully, reducing duplicated internal effort and realigning headcount accordingly
- Oversee bespoke development work across portals, APIs, and workflow automations
- Be visible across multiple UK sites, with regular travel as the role requires
About You
- Proven experience leading an IT function at Head of IT, IT Director, or equivalent level
- Technically credible, able to hold your own in conversations with developers, architects, and Group-level IT leadership
- Strong SAP knowledge with experience identifying process improvements and driving system efficiencies
- Commercially minded; you understand the cost base, challenge suppliers effectively, and can build a business case
- Experience working within a group or subsidiary structure, ideally with European or international governance
- Comfortable operating in an environment without a fully-formed roadmap; you can create structure where there is ambiguity
- A confident communicator who can represent the IT function professionally at all levels, internally and externally
- Experience with automation programmes and an appetite to push the business forward in this area
What’s on Offer
A senior, highly visible role in a business that is ready to invest in IT leadership. You will have genuine autonomy to shape the agenda, the support of a knowledgeable existing team, and the platform to build a strategy from the ground up. The business is based in Warwickshire, with additional sites requiring regular visits.
IT Department Head. Job in Mansfield Woodhouse LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
As a market-leading business within a well-established European group, we offer an exceptional opportunity for the Head of IT to lead our UK technology function from our Mansfield Woodhouse location. Our work culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing you with the autonomy to shape the IT strategy while being supported by a capable team. With a focus on employee growth and development, we encourage you to drive automation and SAP optimisation, ensuring that your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Department Head. Job in Mansfield Woodhouse LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT field, especially those who might know about opportunities at companies like LilyLifestyle. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its tech stack. Knowing their cloud infrastructure and SAP systems will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Keep an eye on our website and apply directly. Sometimes, roles are filled before they even hit the job boards, so being proactive can give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past, especially in areas like automation and system optimisation. Confidence is key!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Department Head. Job in Mansfield Woodhouse LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in leading IT functions, especially with SAP and automation. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of IT role. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved systems in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We’re looking for someone with gravitas who can lead a team confidently. In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style and how you’ve successfully managed teams and projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your SAP knowledge and any relevant cloud technologies. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've optimised systems or led automation projects in the past. This will show that you’re not just a leader, but also technically credible.
✨Prepare for Strategic Conversations
Think about how you would approach building a technology roadmap from scratch. Be prepared to share your vision for aligning IT with business goals, and how you would challenge suppliers effectively. This shows you can think strategically and are ready to take ownership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since you'll be managing a team, it’s important to convey your leadership style. Share examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, especially in environments with ambiguity. This will help them see you as a credible leader who can inspire confidence.
✨Engage with Group Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with how group structures work, especially in a European context. Be ready to discuss how you would navigate governance and maximise value from central services. This demonstrates your understanding of the bigger picture and your ability to operate within a larger framework.
