Head of Information Technology

A leading, multi-site organisation is seeking a Head of Information Technology to shape and deliver the digital future of its operations. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to drive transformative change across a complex, geographically dispersed organisation.

As Head of IT, you will be at the forefront of delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency, support frontline teams, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of those in care. You will join an inclusive, supportive environment where your expertise in strategy, leadership, and technical excellence will be valued and rewarded. With a strong focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, and respect, this organisation provides a unique platform for you to make a meaningful difference while enjoying flexible working arrangements, generous benefits, and the chance to lead a talented team through an exciting period of digital evolution.

Play a central role in shaping and executing a forward-thinking IT strategy that underpins essential services across England, Wales, and Scotland.

What you'll do:

As Head of Information Technology you will play an instrumental role in guiding the digital journey of this organisation. Your day-to-day activities will involve collaborating closely with senior leaders to align technology initiatives with strategic objectives while ensuring operational continuity across more than 180 sites. You will empower your team to deliver exceptional support services balancing innovation with reliability and oversee major projects including cloud infrastructure enhancements and bespoke application development. By nurturing talent within your department and fostering strong relationships with external partners, you will help create an agile IT function capable of responding swiftly to changing demands. Your ability to anticipate industry trends and champion best practices will be crucial in maintaining high standards of security and compliance while driving efficiencies that benefit both staff and service users. Success in this role means not only delivering robust technical solutions but also cultivating a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared achievement.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with organisational goals, ensuring technology enables operational excellence across all locations.
• Partner collaboratively with internal stakeholders to design, implement, and optimise user-friendly systems that meet evolving business needs.
• Lead the IT department by providing clear direction, regular feedback, appraisals, and ongoing development opportunities for team members.
• Oversee the management of outsourced IT providers and third-party suppliers to ensure high-quality service delivery within budgetary constraints.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for digitisation, cost savings, and process enhancements throughout the business.
• Ensure robust information security practices are maintained including expansion of ISO27001 certification and manage risk effectively across all systems.
• Monitor market trends to identify new tools or technologies that could add value or improve efficiency within the organisation.
• Champion the execution of key projects such as cloud migration, modern workplace rollouts including Windows 11 deployment, mobile device management upgrades, and next-generation application development.
• Establish effective governance processes within the IT team such as regular meetings, one-to-ones, appraisals to foster accountability and shared success.
• Act as an ambassador for organisational values by promoting openness, professionalism, engagement, consistency, and continual improvement throughout your team.

What you bring:

To excel as Head of Information Technology you will bring substantial experience from senior roles where you have shaped digital strategies that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and service quality. Your background should include hands-on leadership of diverse teams guiding them through complex projects while fostering an environment built on trust and mutual support. You are adept at navigating both technical challenges such as cloud migrations or cybersecurity threats and organisational dynamics including stakeholder engagement or supplier negotiations. Your approach combines analytical rigour with empathy ensuring solutions are tailored to real-world needs while upholding the highest standards of integrity. A passion for continuous learning keeps you abreast of emerging technologies which you translate into actionable plans that benefit colleagues across multiple locations. Above all else your interpersonal skills enable you to build lasting partnerships inside and outside the organisation making you a dependable advisor during times of change.

• Demonstrated experience operating at a senior level within IT ideally with over ten years' progressive responsibility including leadership roles.
• Proven track record in developing and executing successful IT strategies that drive transformation within complex organisations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cloud platforms such as Azure alongside hybrid infrastructure environments supporting mission-critical applications.
• Expertise in managing IT operations using recognised frameworks such as ITIL ensuring high availability and responsive support services.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles including risk management and experience maintaining relevant certifications such as ISO27001.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams through periods of change skilled at mentoring staff and building collaborative cultures focused on growth.
• Experience managing budgets effectively while negotiating contracts with third-party suppliers to achieve value for money.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills able to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences at all levels.
• Strategic thinker who can balance long-term vision with practical delivery identifying opportunities for digitisation that enhance business performance.
• Desirable: Experience working within geographically dispersed organisations or sectors with unique operational drivers; relevant degree Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity; ITIL 4 certification; additional technical accreditations in cloud or information security.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to safety, respect, fairness, and continuous improvement values that permeate every aspect of its operations. Serving communities across England, Wales, and Scotland, this is not just a job it is a role with purpose embraced by every member of staff from frontline teams to executive leadership. The company fosters an atmosphere defined by warmth and inclusivity where each individual is treated with dignity. Employees enjoy access to flexible working arrangements designed around work life balance as well as comprehensive benefits including health cover for themselves and their partners, enhanced pension contributions, annual bonus scheme, car allowance, death in service protection, generous paid leave, plus ongoing training opportunities tailored to personal growth ambitions. With strong backing from established parent companies this is an environment where your expertise is valued and where your efforts contribute to meaningful outcomes.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates