Job Description:

Job Title: Head of IT
Location: Worcestershire across 3 sites (predominantly office‑based with flexibility for remote working of 1 day per week)
Reports To: Partner, Head of Finance and Operations
Department: Operational Support
Direct Reports: 1 × 1st Line IT Support Technician
 
Role Purpose
The Head of IT has full accountability for the firm's information technology environment, ensuring it is secure, resilient, scalable and aligned to the firm's strategic and regulatory objectives.
 
The role will also be responsible for driving the thoughtful and appropriate adoption of AI and automation, ensuring these technologies are used safely, ethically and pragmatically to enhance efficiency, decision making and client service.
 
This is a senior leadership role with clear ownership of the end‑to‑end IT estate, including infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, data and third‑party services. The role is responsible not only for operational stability, but for shaping and delivering the firm's technology roadmap so that technology actively supports business growth, efficiency and risk management.
 
Working closely with senior leadership, the Head of IT will plan, prioritise and deliver technology initiatives using robust project management disciplines, ensuring change is well‑governed, outcomes‑focused and delivered with minimal disruption to the business.
 
Core Accountabilities

• The overall performance, security and resilience of the firm's IT estate
• Ownership and continuous evolution of the business technology stack
• Delivery of IT and digital change programmes through effective project management
• Alignment of technology decisions with business strategy, regulatory obligations and operational risk
• IT governance, supplier performance, investment decisions and technology‑related risk
• Driving the responsible use of AI and automation to support efficiency, insight and business growth 

Key Responsibilities Technology Ownership & Infrastructure

• Own and manage the firm's IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, cloud services, servers, storage, backup and disaster recovery
• Ensure systems are secure, reliable, well‑maintained and capable of scaling with business growth
• Proactively identify and address performance issues, capacity constraints and technical debt
• Oversee and coordinate external IT service providers where required

Cybersecurity & Data Protection

• Hold overall accountability for the firm's cybersecurity posture
• Define, implement and enforce security policies, standards and controls
• Monitor systems and risks, responding appropriately to threats and incidents
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, data protection legislation and industry best practice
• Act as senior owner for IT‑related incidents, risk management and remediation

Business Applications & Technology Stack

• Own the selection, implementation, integration and optimisation of core business systems
• Ensure applications are stable, well integrated and aligned to business processes
• Manage vendor relationships to maximise value, performance and reliability
• Ensure users are informed of relevant system changes and improvements

IT Strategy, Projects & Change Delivery

• Define and maintain a clear IT strategy and multi‑year technology roadmap
• Translate strategic objectives into clearly scoped, prioritised and well‑governed IT projects
• Lead and deliver IT and digital change initiatives using appropriate project management methodologies
• Manage project plans, risks, dependencies, budgets and stakeholder communication
• Ensure technology change is delivered on time, within scope and aligned to business outcomes

Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

• Own and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements
• Ensure backups are robust, current and regularly tested
• Periodically test recovery processes and implement improvements

Vendor, MSP & Contract Management

• Own the relationship and performance of the outsourced IT Managed Service Provider
• Manage all third‑party technology suppliers and service contracts
• Negotiate and review contracts and SLAs to ensure value, resilience and scalability
• Ensure contracts are renewed, replaced or exited in a controlled and timely manner

Budget, Governance & Compliance

• Own the IT budget, cost forecasting and investment planning
• Ensure technology spend delivers clear business value
• Establish and maintain IT policies, procedures and governance frameworks
• Prepare for and manage IT audits and regulatory reviews

Team Leadership & User Enablement

• Line manage and develop the 1st Line IT Support Technician
• Ensure users receive effective, timely and professional IT support
• Develop and deliver IT training to improve adoption and capability
• Maintain clear documentation, procedures and user guidance 

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior IT leadership role (IT Manager, IT Lead or Head of IT)
• Experience in accountancy, finance or professional services strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud platforms and business systems
• Demonstrable experience of cybersecurity, data protection and risk management
• Proven track record of delivering IT projects and managing technology change
• Strong vendor, contract and Managed Service Provider management experience
• Strong experience of building stakeholder relationships with Senior executives & C Suite.
• Proven line management, leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and Team Player skills
• Strong decision‑making, prioritisation and problem‑solving abilities

Qualifications

• Relevant certifications (e.g. Microsoft, ITIL, CompTIA, CISSP or similar) desirable

Personal Attributes

• Clear ownership mindset with strong accountability
• Strategic thinker with a practical, delivery‑focused approach
• Confident decision‑maker able to balance risk, cost and business need
• Proactive, organised and comfortable managing competing priorities
• Able to operate both strategically and hands‑on when required

Working Conditions

• Full‑time role, predominantly office‑based with some remote flexibility
• Occasional out‑of‑hours work for maintenance or critical incidents

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Private Medical Health insurance 
• Life Assurance
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Electric Car scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Flexible Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Enhanced Family Pay - maternity, paternity, parental, and compassionate leave
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential helpline as well as online support

If you wish to be considered for the role, please contact Joanne Harris on (phone number removed) or email me on (url removed)