At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT strategy, data governance, and cyber security initiatives to drive organisational success.
- Company: Dynamic tech company focused on innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, wellness benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of IT while making a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years experience in IT leadership with strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Key Responsibilities
- Data Strategy, Architecture & Interconnected Systems
- Define and own the organisation’s data strategy, ensuring data is accurate, accessible, secure, and aligned with business objectives.
- Oversee the architecture and integration of interconnected systems to ensure seamless data flow across platforms.
- Establish data governance standards, including data ownership, classification, retention, and lifecycle management.
- Ensure data integrity, reporting capability, and appropriate access controls across all systems.
- Lead initiatives to improve data visibility, automation, and interoperability between core business systems.
- Cyber Security & Risk Management
- Own the organisation’s cyber security strategy, ensuring a proactive and risk-based approach to threat management.
- Oversee cyber monitoring and response capabilities, including MDR services and tools such as Microsoft Defender.
- Ensure appropriate endpoint, network, and identity protection measures are implemented and maintained.
- Lead workplace cyber security awareness and training programmes to promote a strong security culture.
- Manage vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and remediation planning.
- Develop and maintain incident response and cyber crisis management plans.
- Compliance, GDPR & ISO Accreditation
- Ensure compliance with General Data Protection Regulation and other relevant data protection regulations.
- Act as IT lead for data protection, working closely with legal or DPO functions where applicable.
- Maintain and oversee ISO certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001.
- Develop, implement, and monitor IT and security policies to ensure regulatory and audit readiness.
- Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely remediation of findings.
- IT Service Delivery & Workplace Technology
- Ensure IT services are fit for purpose, scalable, and aligned with organisational needs.
- Oversee help desk, system administration, networking, hardware, and software licensing functions.
- Ensure effective management of workplace infrastructure, including end-user devices and collaboration platforms.
- Maintain hardware lifecycle management and software asset compliance.
- Ensure robust backup, business continuity, and disaster recovery capabilities are in place and tested regularly.
- IT Governance & Operational Management
- Establish and maintain effective IT governance frameworks, processes, and controls.
- Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost efficiency and strategic allocation of resources.
- Lead vendor management activities, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and service reviews.
- Evaluate and determine “build vs buy” decisions for systems and services.
- Develop and maintain IT policies, standards, and operating procedures.
- Report on IT performance, risk, and security posture to senior leadership and board-level stakeholders.
- Leadership & Department Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance objectives within the IT function.
- Align IT strategy with wider organisational strategy and operational goals.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team on technology risk, investment, and innovation.
- Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and execute a multi-year IT and digital roadmap aligned to organisational priorities.
- Identify opportunities for automation, efficiency gains, and technology-enabled transformation.
- Stay current with emerging technologies, cyber threats, and regulatory developments.
- Drive continuous improvement across data, governance, and security domains.
About you
- Experience – 8+ years’ experience, with a technical background and proven experience leading teams.
- Soft Skills – Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer-oriented mindset.
- Problem-Solving – Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
- Education – Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Strategic Mindset – Ability to understand and consider the broader business context and long-term implications of technical decisions.
- Ownership & Innovation – Willingness to take ownership, innovate, and proactively seek opportunities to drive impact beyond immediate tasks.
- Strong focus on delivering solutions that align with business goals and address real-world challenges effectively.
- Demonstrate enthusiasm, resilience, and a can-do approach to tackling challenges and driving success.
Benefits
- Competitive basic salary
- 25 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
- Access to wellbeing and mental health benefits such as the Calm app, personal medical insurance, critical illness cover and dental insurance
- Pension contribution
- Access to our car benefit scheme
- Access to our online learning platform to continue to develop and grow your career with us.
Location
The business is currently based in our offices in Southwark. The position is full time and office based.
Equal Opportunity
Believ is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our people. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. If you don’t meet every requirement but are excited by the role, we’d still love to hear from you.
Head of IT employer: Virgin Media Business Ireland
Believ is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous leave, and access to comprehensive health benefits, employees are supported in both their personal and career development. Located in the vibrant area of Southwark, the company fosters an inclusive environment where innovation and collaboration thrive, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the IT sector.
Contact Details:
Virgin Media Business Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the role you want. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or examples of your work, bring them along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise in data strategy and cyber security, and it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for IT leadership roles and practice your answers. Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around governance and risk management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in data strategy and cyber security. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As the Head of IT, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored teams or driven initiatives that improved performance and accountability.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate clarity as much as you do!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media Business Ireland
✨Know Your Data Strategy
Make sure you understand the organisation’s data strategy inside out. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure data accuracy, accessibility, and security while aligning with business objectives. Bring examples of how you've successfully implemented similar strategies in the past.
✨Cyber Security Savvy
Brush up on your knowledge of cyber security strategies and risk management. Be prepared to talk about your experience with threat management and tools like Microsoft Defender. Highlight any initiatives you've led to promote a strong security culture within your previous teams.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of IT, leadership is key. Think of specific instances where you've mentored or developed your team. Discuss how you align IT strategy with organisational goals and how you act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Familiarise yourself with GDPR and ISO accreditation processes. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would maintain regulatory readiness in this position. This shows you're not just technically savvy but also aware of the legal landscape.
