Head of IT (Fractional Role)

Are you a dynamic IT leader seeking a flexible yet impactful opportunity? We're searching for a Fractional Head of IT to join our forward-thinking organisation on a factional basis (circa 3 days per week) . This is your chance to influence and transform the IT landscape while collaborating with onshore and offshore resources and managing vendor services.

The Head of IT role will be to develop an IT strategy founded on security and resilience of our systems and processes aimed at driving IT, including AI, to accelerate the progress of the Group’s operating businesses. The role will be accountable for the delivery of all IT services to the business, utilising onshore/ offshore resources and managing vendor services. Operational services are based on Microsoft 365 and other SaaS products. New business focussed investment projects involving digital technologies will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. The budgets for any such projects which are operational will be owned by the relevant business unit but supported by IT. Budgetary responsibility for the scope of all non-operational IT services will include the agreement of the annual spend with finance, as well as the monthly monitoring of spend against the plan.

The candidate will have proven inter-personal skills especially operating at a senior level. An early requirement will be the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy for the business. The Head of IT will possess enough AI knowledge to specify the requirements and manage the delivery of the AI strategy using internal and/ or external resources.

Strategic Planning: Develop and implement the IT strategy to support the organization's goals, ensuring scalability and adaptability to evolving business needs. This will include Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Team Leadership: Strong interpersonal skills, especially at a senior level, lead, mentor, and manage the IT function, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Infrastructure Management: Oversee the maintenance and enhancement of IT systems, networks, and applications to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Budget Management: Prepare and manage the IT budget, understanding the difference between OPEX activities and CAPEX projects

Security and Compliance: Ensure that all IT operations adhere to cyber essentials plus, GDPR, implementing robust security measures to protect data and systems.

Vendor Management: Establish and maintain relationships with external IT vendors and service providers, negotiating best in class commercial contracts and ensuring service level agreements are met.

Project Oversight: Assure IT projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely delivery within scope and budget

The candidate is required to be educated to UK degree level in Information Technology, Computer Science or similar. Higher and other relevant qualifications will be helpful but not essential.

Extensive IT Experience: A minimum of EIGHT years in IT roles, with progressive responsibility, currently operating at a “Head of” level in their current organisation.

Leadership Roles: Demonstrated experience in leadership positions, such as IT Manager or Director, showcasing the ability to communicate strategically with leaders, manage teams and oversee Microsoft 365 based operations. Ability to contribute to senior and executive level business discussions.

Behavioural Competencies

Service Delivery Organisation: Demonstrate leadership in a SDO context, leading a portfolio of defined services and associated Service Level Agreements.

• Integrity: Being honest and ethical in all dealings, which builds trust within the team and with stakeholders.
• Resilience: The ability to stay calm and composed under pressure, and to bounce back from setbacks.
• Empathy: Understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of team members and stakeholders.
• Curiosity: A natural inclination to learn and explore new technologies and methodologies.
• Visionary Thinking: The ability to see the big picture and anticipate future trends and challenges.
• Decisiveness: Making informed decisions quickly and confidently.
• Adaptability: Being flexible and open to change, which is crucial in the fast-evolving field of IT.
• Patience: Taking the time to understand complex issues and to mentor team members effectively.
• Confidence: Believing in one's abilities and decisions, which inspires confidence in others.