Head of IT

Salary: £70,000 - 80,000 per year

Requirements

• We are looking for a proven senior IT leader with responsibility across IT Operations, Development, Testing and Information Security.
• We need a strong technical background across infrastructure, cloud platforms, networking, virtualisation, business systems and enterprise technology environments.
• We require previous software development experience, ideally within Microsoft technology environments such as .NET, Azure and modern application platforms.
• We are seeking experience creating and delivering technology strategies, roadmaps and transformation initiatives.
• We need a strong understanding of cyber security, risk management, governance and compliance in regulated environments.
• Experience supporting government, public sector, education or similarly regulated industries would be highly advantageous.
• We value knowledge of IT frameworks and methodologies including ITIL, Agile, SDLC, ITSM and project delivery best practices.
• We require strong commercial awareness, including experience managing budgets, suppliers, forecasting and technology investments.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills are essential, including the ability to influence and build trusted relationships at executive level.
• We are looking for a collaborative leader with a proven track record of coaching, developing and empowering high-performing teams.
• We need someone comfortable balancing strategic planning with hands‑on operational oversight where required.
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach with strong prioritisation skills in a changing business environment is important.

Responsibilities

• We lead and develop multi-disciplinary IT teams across Operations, Service Desk, Software Development and Testing.
• We create and deliver our IT strategy, roadmap and technology vision in line with wider business objectives.
• We manage IT budgets, resource planning, vendor relationships and technology investments.
• We build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the business, including executive leadership teams.
• We oversee the delivery, availability, performance and security of cloud and on‑premise technology environments, with a strong focus on Azure.
• We drive continuous improvement across IT service management, operational processes and support functions using ITIL best practices.
• We provide strategic oversight of software development and testing activities, ensuring delivery aligns with business priorities.
• We lead cyber security, risk management and compliance initiatives, including support for ISO standards, data protection requirements and business continuity planning.
• We review existing infrastructure, systems and processes, identifying opportunities for modernisation, efficiency and improved resilience.
• We manage technology projects from planning through to successful delivery, ensuring stakeholder engagement and business alignment throughout.
• We champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement across the technology function.

Technologies

• Azure
• Cloud
• Support
• ITIL
• ITSM
• Security
• ASP.NET

More

We are a well-established, employee‑owned organisation providing specialist services to government bodies, educational institutions, professional organisations and employers across the UK and internationally. We operate in a highly regulated environment where technology is critical to delivering secure, reliable services. This is a permanent Head of IT role based in Cheltenham with a hybrid working model of two days onsite per week, offering a salary of £70,000 to £80,000. The role provides the opportunity to shape our technology strategy, modernise legacy systems and drive business‑wide improvements within a collaborative and purpose‑driven organisation. We also offer a strong benefits package including generous annual leave, hybrid working, pension contributions, life assurance, private healthcare options, wellbeing support, enhanced family leave, learning and development funding, volunteering time, social events and other lifestyle perks.

last updated 25 week of 2026