Head of IT / Software Development

Head of IT / Software Development - Manchester

Our client is a well-established organisation with a long history of delivering valuable products and services to customers across the UK. They are now looking for an experienced, forward-thinking Head of IT / Development to lead their technology function from their Manchester City Centre HQ.

This is a high-impact role combining hands on technical leadership, software development oversight, and strategic direction. You'll work closely with the board of directors to define and execute a modern digital, infrastructure and development roadmap-while also bringing development fully in house and overseeing a small IT team of two.

The organisation operates over 100 remote sites, giving you the opportunity to modernise nationwide systems, improve omnichannel capability and ensure the entire technology estate is secure, scalable and future ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's IT, digital and development strategy with a balanced mix of hands on technical work and senior leadership.
• Oversee and mentor a small IT team of two, supporting their development and establishing best practice processes.
• Bring software development fully in house, managing and growing the internal C# development capability.
• Provide senior IT support across HQ and 100+ UK branches, taking ownership of complex technical issues.
• Present technical strategies and progress directly to the board, aligning technology with wider business objectives.
• Manage cloud infrastructure, VMware estates, security, scaling and system performance across the organisation.
• Collaborate with business units and stakeholders to deliver effective, commercially focused technical solutions.
• Coordinate with external suppliers, outsourced developers, MSPs and technology partners.
• Maintain, monitor and upgrade the overall IT estate to ensure reliability, security and long term stability.
• Lead IT and digital transformation projects from planning to delivery, ensuring clear communication to stakeholders.
• Support budget management and identify opportunities for cost optimisation.
• Identify and mitigate technology related risks across the business.

Technical Skills Required

• 3-5+ years' experience in a senior IT support or IT leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of VMware ESXi and cloud technologies.
• Experience working with external suppliers and managed service providers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft technologies (Exchange, Active Directory, Office).
• Firewall configuration and maintenance skills.
• Hands on development experience beneficial, ideally with C# environments.

Beneficial Knowledge

• SQL Server and T SQL
• Veeam backup solutions
• Cortex XDR
• Omnissa Horizon
• IIS and web technologies
• VLANs, DNS and wider networking principles

Ideal Candidate

• A confident communicator able to engage effectively with both the board and non technical colleagues.
• A natural mentor who enjoys supporting junior team members.
• Strong problem solver with the ability to take ownership and see issues through to resolution.
• Proactive, innovative and passionate about improving business performance through technology.
• Comfortable balancing operational IT, development oversight, and strategic leadership.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Flexible working options - mainly onsite with some flexibility
• Opportunity to lead significant digital and development transformation in a stable, growing organisation