Job Title: Head of IT
Location: Worcestershire across 3 sites (predominantly office‑based with flexibility for remote working of 1 day per week)
Reports To: Partner, Head of Finance and Operations
Department: Operational Support
Direct Reports: 1 × 1st Line IT Support Technician
Role Purpose
The Head of IT has full accountability for the firm's information technology environment, ensuring it is secure, resilient, scalable and aligned to the firm's strategic and regulatory objectives.
The role will also be responsible for driving the thoughtful and appropriate adoption of AI and automation, ensuring these technologies are used safely, ethically and pragmatically to enhance efficiency, decision making and client service.
This is a senior leadership role with clear ownership of the end‑to‑end IT estate, including infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, data and third‑party services. The role is responsible not only for operational stability, but for shaping and delivering the firm's technology roadmap so that technology actively supports business growth, efficiency and risk management.
Working closely with senior leadership, the Head of IT will plan, prioritise and deliver technology initiatives using robust project management disciplines, ensuring change is well‑governed, outcomes‑focused and delivered with minimal disruption to the business.
Core Accountabilities
The overall performance, security and resilience of the firm's IT estate
Ownership and continuous evolution of the business technology stack
Delivery of IT and digital change programmes through effective project management
Alignment of technology decisions with business strategy, regulatory obligations and operational risk
IT governance, supplier performance, investment decisions and technology‑related risk
Driving the responsible use of AI and automation to support efficiency, insight and business growth Key Responsibilities Technology Ownership & Infrastructure
Own and manage the firm's IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, cloud services, servers, storage, backup and disaster recovery
Ensure systems are secure, reliable, well‑maintained and capable of scaling with business growth
Proactively identify and address performance issues, capacity constraints and technical debt
Oversee and coordinate external IT service providers where required Cybersecurity & Data Protection
Hold overall accountability for the firm's cybersecurity posture
Define, implement and enforce security policies, standards and controls
Monitor systems and risks, responding appropriately to threats and incidents
Ensure compliance with GDPR, data protection legislation and industry best practice
Act as senior owner for IT‑related incidents, risk management and remediation Business Applications & Technology Stack
Own the selection, implementation, integration and optimisation of core business systems
Ensure applications are stable, well integrated and aligned to business processes
Manage vendor relationships to maximise value, performance and reliability
Ensure users are informed of relevant system changes and improvements IT Strategy, Projects & Change Delivery
Define and maintain a clear IT strategy and multi‑year technology roadmap
Translate strategic objectives into clearly scoped, prioritised and well‑governed IT projects
Lead and deliver IT and digital change initiatives using appropriate project management methodologies
Manage project plans, risks, dependencies, budgets and stakeholder communication
Ensure technology change is delivered on time, within scope and aligned to business outcomes Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
Own and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements
Ensure backups are robust, current and regularly tested
Periodically test recovery processes and implement improvements Vendor, MSP & Contract Management
Own the relationship and performance of the outsourced IT Managed Service Provider
Manage all third‑party technology suppliers and service contracts
Negotiate and review contracts and SLAs to ensure value, resilience and scalability
Ensure contracts are renewed, replaced or exited in a controlled and timely manner Budget, Governance & Compliance
Own the IT budget, cost forecasting and investment planning
Ensure technology spend delivers clear business value
Establish and maintain IT policies, procedures and governance frameworks
Prepare for and manage IT audits and regulatory reviews Team Leadership & User Enablement
Line manage and develop the 1st Line IT Support Technician
Ensure users receive effective, timely and professional IT support
Develop and deliver IT training to improve adoption and capability
Maintain clear documentation, procedures and user guidance Key Skills & Experience
Proven experience in a senior IT leadership role (IT Manager, IT Lead or Head of IT)
Experience in accountancy, finance or professional services strongly preferred
Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud platforms and business systems
Demonstrable experience of cybersecurity, data protection and risk management
Proven track record of delivering IT projects and managing technology change
Strong vendor, contract and Managed Service Provider management experience
Strong experience of building stakeholder relationships with Senior executives & C Suite.
Proven line management, leadership and project management skills.
Excellent communication and Team Player skills
Strong decision‑making, prioritisation and problem‑solving abilities Qualifications
Relevant certifications (e.g. Microsoft, ITIL, CompTIA, CISSP or similar) desirable Personal Attributes
Clear ownership mindset with strong accountability
Strategic thinker with a practical, delivery‑focused approach
Confident decision‑maker able to balance risk, cost and business need
Proactive, organised and comfortable managing competing priorities
Able to operate both strategically and hands‑on when required Working Conditions
Full‑time role, predominantly office‑based with some remote flexibility
Occasional out‑of‑hours work for maintenance or critical incidents Benefits:
Competitive salary
25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
Private Medical Health insurance
Life Assurance
Group Personal Pension Plan
Electric Car scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Flexible Holiday Purchase Scheme
Enhanced Family Pay - maternity, paternity, parental, and compassionate leave
Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential helpline as well as online support If you wish to be considered for the role, please contact Joanne Harris on (phone number removed) or email me on (url removed)