Head Of IT - Job Description
Role Title: Head of IT - Office based
Location: Runcorn, Cheshire
Reports To: Managing Director DCB Legal
Salary Range: Up to £70,000 per annum (DOE)
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Head of IT (Operations) to oversee the day‑to‑day delivery, stability, and performance of the firm’s technology function. This is a hands‑on, operational leadership role, focused on ensuring IT services, internal development, and management information systems run reliably, securely, and efficiently to support the business. We are a specialist in the provision of debt resolution and legal services relating to Civil and Commercial litigation, debt recovery, property, and High Court Enforcement disputes. We focus on providing a contemporary low touch, bespoke service in our specialist field of debt recovery and litigation for the Group.
Key Responsibilities
IT Operations & Service Management
* Own the day‑to‑day operation of IT services across the business
* Ensure systems, infrastructure, networks, and end‑user technology are stable, secure, and fit for purpose
* Oversee incident management, problem resolution, and service continuity
* Maintain effective onboarding and offboarding processes
* Ensure appropriate business continuity, backup, and disaster recovery arrangements are in place
Team Leadership & Oversight
* Provide line management and operational oversight for:
o IT Services Manager
o Lead Developer
o BI / MI Analytics Manager
* Set clear priorities, workloads, and delivery expectations
* Ensure teams are aligned to operational business needs together with a clear view of long‑term roadmap delivery
* Support performance management, development, and recruitment where required
Development Oversight (Operational)
* Oversee the internal development team from a delivery and governance perspective, not hands‑on coding
* Ensure
o Development work is prioritised appropriately
o Releases are controlled and well‑managed
o Systems are supported post‑deployment
o Act as the operational link between development and business users
o Technical debt, fixes, and enhancements are managed pragmatically
* MI & Reporting Oversight
o Oversee the MI / BI function to ensure:
o Reporting is accurate, timely, and trusted
o Dashboards and datasets support operational decision‑making
o Data quality issues are identified and resolved
o Act as escalation point for MI delivery or resourcing issues
o Systems, Security & Compliance
+ Ensure IT systems comply with internal policies and relevant regulatory requirements (e.g. GDPR, access controls)
+ Maintain appropriate user access, audit trails, and security controls
+ Work with external suppliers and internal stakeholders on security, risk, and compliance matters
+ Ensure documentation, procedures, and change controls are maintained
o Supplier & Vendor Management
+ Manage third‑party IT suppliers, software vendors, and support partners
+ Control licensing, renewals, and operational costs
+ Ensure suppliers meet agreed service levels
o Stakeholder Support
+ Act as the primary IT escalation point for senior management
+ Work closely with Operations, Legal, Client Services, and Finance to resolve technology issues
+ Translate operational business needs into clear IT actions
Experience And Education
Essential
* Strong background in IT operations and service delivery
* Proven experience managing IT, development, or data teams – we would prefer 5‑10 years experience working in IT, with 3‑5 years of management or leadership experience
* Experience supporting business‑critical systems in a regulated or operational environment
* Comfortable acting as an escalation point and decision‑maker
Desirable
* Experience overseeing internal development teams
* Familiarity with MI / BI reporting environments
* Experience managing third‑party IT suppliers
Education: A bachelor's or Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, infrastructure management or a related technical field would be preferred, but we will consider candidates with significant experience in lieu of a formal qualification.
Certifications: Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CISSP) can be beneficial.
Benefits you will receive
* Monday – Friday schedule (36.5 hours per week – no weekend or evening work)
* Early finish Fridays
* Dress Down Fridays
* 30 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Newly refurbished offices
* Free Mersey Gateway bridge pass
* Free parking
* Free tea and coffee facilities
* Free monthly lunch
* Employer contributed pension (applicable after qualifying period)
* Full training provided
* Career development and progression opportunities
* Rapidly expanding multi‑functional operation
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