Job Description
Are you an experienced, hands-on IT leader looking for a role where you can build a function from the ground up while keeping critical systems running?
Our client is a newly established organisation within the rail and logistics sector, operating at significant national scale. This role offers a rare opportunity to take ownership of IT during a business separation, ensuring continuity while shaping a modern, SaaS-led technology environment.
Head of IT Birmingham (Hybrid) Up to £80,000 per annum + Bonus + Benefits
In this role, you will be accountable for the stability, security, and performance of all IT and Operational Technology environments. You'll build and lead a team of circa 8, while ensuring 24/7 operational continuity across a complex, multi-site estate.
We're looking for someone pragmatic, structured, and delivery-focused Head of IT who can hit the ground running, take ownership of a time-critical transition, and bring clarity, control, and resilience to the IT function.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the transition and knowledge migration from the existing IT team to ensure no loss of critical system understanding * Build, lead, and develop a new IT operations team (around 8 people) * Ensure 24/7 availability and reliability of IT and OT systems supporting business operations * Oversee infrastructure including networks, cloud platforms, servers, and end-user environments * Implement and maintain structured incident, problem, and change management processes * Lead root cause analysis and drive preventative improvements * Own disaster recovery and business continuity planning, ensuring resilience across all systems * Maintain strong cybersecurity controls, including patching, vulnerability management, and access control * Manage third-party vendors, SLAs, and IT operational budgets * Drive a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement
Skills and Experience
Essential:* Proven experience leading IT operations in a multi-site or operational environment * Strong technical background across infrastructure, cloud, and cybersecurity * Experience supporting or working alongside Operational Technology (OT) environments * Demonstrable ownership of system uptime, service performance, and incident management * Experience building or developing IT teams * Strong vendor management and budget oversight experience * Calm, structured approach with the ability to perform under pressure * Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders
Desirable:* Experience within regulated or safety-critical industries (e.g. rail, transport, energy, utilities, manufacturing) * Experience in business separation, carve-out, or greenfield environments * Exposure to SaaS-led transformations or modernisation programmes
If this Head of IT opportunity sounds of interest, please contact Nick Trussler at or call on .
Spectrum IT Recruitment (South) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.