Head of IT

• Location: Northampton
• Hybrid role
• Permanent role

Our client is a UK wide operational company seeking a Head of IT. You will lead the technology strategy, cyber security, digital transformation and IT operations. Technology is expected to play a central role in the next phase of growth through enhanced cyber resilience, greater use of data and AI, and the delivery of technology-enabled business transformation.

The role is responsible for establishing consistent governance, security and technology standards across both IT and Operational Technology (OT), ensuring secure, resilient and scalable platforms that support the safe and efficient operation of the Group's assets. The Head of IT will develop a high-performing team that enables operational excellence, supports growth and creates long-term business value.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Governance

• Develop and deliver a technology strategy spanning both IT and OT environments, aligned to the Group's growth ambitions and business objectives.
• Establish common governance, architecture and technology standards.
• Lead technology aspects of acquisitions, integrations and major business initiatives.
• Provide reporting and insight on technology strategy, cyber security and risk.

Cyber Security & Operational Resilience

• Lead the Group's cyber security strategy.
• Implement effective security controls, monitoring, incident response & assurance processes.
• Ensure robust business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements.
• Promote a strong security culture through awareness, training and accountability.

Data, AI & Digital Transformation

• Lead the adoption of AI, automation and digital technologies to improve productivity and decision-making.
• Develop the Group's approach to data governance, analytics and information management.
• Drive process simplification, automation and continuous improvement across the business.

Technology Projects & Change Delivery

• Lead the delivery of the Group's technology roadmap and transformation programme.
• Prioritise and govern technology investments and change initiatives.
• Ensure technology solutions deliver measurable business benefits.
• Drive alignment and standardisation across IT and OT platforms, tools and processes.

Leadership, People & Culture

• Lead, develop and inspire a small, high-performing technology team responsible for operations, project delivery and transformation.
• Build capability in cyber security, AI, data and digital technologies.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous learning.

Technology Operations & Supplier Management

• Ensure the secure and reliable operation of the Group's IT environment.
• Manage key technology suppliers and service partners.
• Own IT operational and capital expenditure budgets, ensuring value from technology investments.

Key stakeholder relationships (Internal /External)

Internal

• Executive Committee
• Board and Audit Committee
• Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
• Operational and Functional leadership teams
• IT team and technology project stakeholders across the Group

External

• Strategic technology partners and managed service providers
• Cyber security, technology assurance and audit providers
• Software, cloud and infrastructure vendors
• Professional advisers supporting acquisitions, integrations and transformation initiatives

Skills & Experience

• Experienced technology leader with a proven track record of developing and delivering technology strategies.
• Demonstrable experience leading cyber security, technology risk management and resilience programmes within complex operational environments.
• Strong understanding of IT and operational technology (OT) environments, with experience establishing common governance, security and risk management frameworks.
• Proven experience delivering technology-enabled transformation, including the adoption of AI, automation, data and digital solutions to improve business performance.
• Experience leading technology projects and change programmes, including technology integration associated with acquisitions and business growth initiatives.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including ownership of technology budgets, supplier management and investment appraisal.
• Experience building, developing and leading high-performing teams, creating a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage effectively from operational teams through to Executive Committee and Board level.
• Experience managing strategic technology partners, managed service providers and third-party suppliers.
• Knowledge of technology governance, information security, cloud platforms, business applications and modern workplace technologies.
• Experience within infrastructure, utilities, energy or other operationally critical environments would be advantageous.
• Experience working within a private equity-backed business would be advantageous.

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• ITIL, PRINCE2, MSP or equivalent technology/project delivery qualifications.
• Cyber security certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, CISMP) desirable.
• Microsoft, Azure or cloud-related certifications desirable.