Head of IT – Lead a Full-Stack Transformation
Are you ready to lead the modernisation and AI-driven transformation of an entire technology ecosystem?
My client, a high-growth UK business, is looking for an experienced and hands-on Head of IT to take full ownership of their technology evolution - from infrastructure to innovation, CRM performance to AI integration.
This is a pivotal leadership role that combines technical depth, strategic oversight, and operational excellence. Based on-site in Manchester, you'll drive tangible change, scalability, and innovation across the organisation.
Why This Role Matters:
The company’s in-house CRM is mission-critical — handling everything from leads and payments to communications and workflow automation. With strong foundations in place (PHP 8+, MySQL 8, Redis, AWS), the next step is transformation:
1. AI/ML-powered automation
2. Cybersecurity hardening
3. Platform integration and performance optimisation
The successful candidate will help position the business for scale, operational efficiency, and a potential future exit.
What You’ll Be Doing:
AI/Automation & CRM Modernisation
4. Lead rollout of 30+ AI/ML features including voice AI, automation, and predictive tools
5. Overhaul the legacy CRM’s UI/UX into a modern, high-performance platform
Cybersecurity & Risk Management
6. Own enterprise cybersecurity strategy, audits, and incident response
7. Design post-attack processes and lead quarterly vulnerability assessments
Infrastructure & Performance
8. Optimise PHP/MySQL stack for speed, uptime, and stability
9. Resolve CRM bottlenecks and implement diagnostic monitoring tools
Systems Integration & Data Strategy
10. Integrate platforms like SpeechIQ and HR tools into a centralised data ecosystem
11. Enable cross-platform data sharing to drive automation and insight
Disaster Recovery & Continuity
12. Design and implement a DRP, ensure reliable backups and test failover scenarios
Leadership & Delivery
13. Manage the IT, development, infrastructure, and AI functions
14. Run agile projects, prioritise initiatives, and communicate clearly across teams
What You’ll Need to Succeed
15. Proven leadership as Head of IT, CTO, or senior technical leader in tech-driven or scaling businesses
16. Deep knowledge of:
PHP 8+, MySQL 8, Apache 2.4, Redis
AI/ML tools (speech/NLP, automation, prediction engines)
Cloud infrastructure (preferably AWS)
Cybersecurity best practices, disaster recovery, and penetration testing
17. Demonstrated success in modernising platforms, leading performance turnarounds, and delivering new systems
18. Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and business alignment
Success Will Be Measured By
19. Delivery of AI roadmap and automation efficiency gains
20. Noticeable improvement in platform speed, uptime, and stability
21. Zero breaches or vulnerabilities post-security audits
22. Seamless integration of tools into unified systems
23. Successful implementation and testing of a disaster recovery plan
24. Positive user feedback on platform improvements