Head of IT

Head of IT

Role Overview

The Head of IT will lead the operational delivery of IT services, ensuring robust infrastructure, secure systems, and efficient technology support for all business functions.
This is a highly hands-on leadership role with responsibility for the day-to-day management of IT operations, core enterprise systems, and service delivery. The role will also contribute strategic input and support budget planning, while maintaining a strong focus on reliability, scalability, security, and continuous improvement across the IT landscape.

Key Responsibilities

IT Operations & Service Delivery

• Lead and manage the IT team to deliver high-quality, responsive support and services across the organisation.
• Oversee daily IT operations, including infrastructure, networking, and enterprise applications.
• Ensure availability, performance, and reliability of critical systems, including ERP platforms and the Microsoft 365 suite.
• Maintain, monitor, and optimise both on-premise and cloud-based infrastructure.

Infrastructure, Security & Continuity

• Manage network security, Firewalls, VPNs, and connectivity across global sites.
• Implement, test, and monitor backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans.
• Enforce cybersecurity best practices and proactively monitor for threats and vulnerabilities.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and relevant industry and regulatory standards.

Systems & Applications

• Oversee administration and optimisation of Microsoft 365 services (Teams, SharePoint, Exchange, etc.).
• Support ERP systems and integrations with other business-critical applications.
• Drive continuous improvement in system performance, usability, and operational efficiency.

Leadership, Governance & Commercial Support

• Provide strong people leadership, coaching, and development opportunities for IT team members.
• Support the CIO in managing vendor relationships, third-party service providers, and technology contracts.
• Assist in IT budget planning, cost control, and optimisation initiatives.
• Act as a trusted partner to business stakeholders, aligning IT services with operational needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in IT operations leadership, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.
• Essential experience within FMCG, ideally in a manufacturing and/or global supply chain environment.
• Strong technical background in infrastructure, networking, and systems management.
• Hands-on experience administering Microsoft 365 and ERP platforms (eg SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Solid understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, and compliance requirements.

Skills & Competencies

• Hands-on technical leader with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to prioritise and manage multiple operational demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong people management, coaching, and team-building capabilities.
• Pragmatic, delivery-focused, and comfortable operating in a mission-critical environment.