Your newpany
Our client has been breaking new ground in autonomous aviation since 2016. Their mission began with a focus on improving access to humanitarian aid in regions with limited infrastructure. That early work led to the development of ULTRA a cost-effective, long-range, heavy-lift unmanned cargo aircraft that’s supported by their proprietary autopilot and mission control software.
Currently, our client operates across the UK, Europe, North America, and soon Africa. Their partners include respected organisations such as the UK Ministry of Defence, Royal Mail, British Antarctic Survey, Aviation Sans Frontières, NORCE, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growingpany that’s pushing the boundaries of innovation in air logistics and making a real-world impact.
Your new role
We’re working with a fast-paced, growing technology business that’s looking for an experienced and forward-thinking IT professional to take ownership of their IT function. This is a hands-on leadership role that offers genuine scope to shape the strategy and grow with thepany as it scales.
This position is ideal for someone who understands what good IT looks like, has a pragmatic approach to delivery, and thrives in dynamic environments like SMEs. Strong emotional intelligence will be essential knowing how to drive excellence while adapting to the realities of a business that moves quickly.
Initial Priorities (first 90 days):
• Carry out a full review of existing IT infrastructure and processes
• Get to grips with the technical landscape, particularly systems that support autonomous platforms and drones
• Build out a roadmap for developing a robust, scalable IT environment that supports rapid growth
You’ll be responsible for planning, implementing and managing thepany’s core IT infrastructure. The remit spans systems, software, security, vendor relationships and outsourced support. This is a senior-level position that will have input at a strategic level, ensuring IT supports the broader goals of the business while maintaining operational effectiveness andpliance.
Key Measures of Success:
• Delivery of a forward-looking IT strategy and roadmap
• A strong and responsive IT user experience across the business
•pliance with relevant legal and accreditation standards
Main Responsibilities:
• Define and lead the IT strategy in line withpany objectives
• Oversee operational IT including networks, cybersecurity, business software and helpdesk support (via external provider)
• Lead critical IT projects such as ERP rollout, cloud migrations and improvements in data protection
• Manage IT budgets and procurement
• Ensurepliance with data security andernment IT protocols
• Identify and deploy new technologies that support scalability and efficiency
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to meet technology needs
• Manage key vendor relationships and outsourced services
• Monitor systems performance and address issues proactively
What you'll need to succeed
The ideal person will have built up a broad and evolving track record across IT, showing a clear ability to lead projects and take responsibility for delivering results. Prior exposure to working in structured environments such as blue-chip organisations, or similarly fast-paced industries, would be a strong advantage.
Experience overseeing a small team is helpful, but not essential. What’s more important is the ability to get the best out of others and support collaborative working. You should be confident managing third-party service providers and external stakeholders, particularly those involved in outsourced IT support and infrastructure.
Technically, our client is looking for someone who knows their way around networks, cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, ERP systems, cybersecurity, and broader IT infrastructure management. The ability to turn business requirements into practical, scalable technical solutions is key to success in this role.
Strongmunication and leadership skills are essential, along with a methodical and organised approach to project delivery. It would be useful if the candidate is familiar withpliance frameworks such as GDPR and ISO27001, and any knowledge of IT standards within the UK defence or security sector would be an added bonus.
(Please candidates need to be able to demonstrate their right to work legally within the UK, we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates should also be prepared to undergo and pass vetting and security clearances).