Shape the digital future of a national organisation supporting a thriving industry.
Are you a strategic IT leader who thrives on modernising systems, driving digital transformation, and supporting teams through meaningful change?
The HTA is currently undergoing a major period of digital transformation — improving our systems, data integration, and operational resilience to build a more agile, secure, and member-focused organisation.
We are looking for our first Head of IT – a new leadership role created to help us transform our IT systems and infrastructure and deliver a resilient, secure, and member-focused service. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who wants to make their mark, put in place a long-term IT strategy, and lead a dedicated team through a period of exciting growth and change.
If you're motivated by the opportunity to lead and deliver impactful change — and want to do so in a collaborative, mission-driven environment — we'd love to hear from you.
About the HTA
This is a hugely exciting time for the sector and for the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). Gardens and managed green spaces and landscapes have never been more important to the UK – for the economy, for the environment and for the nation's well-being.
The HTA has 1,350 members, including garden retailers, growers, landscapers, and suppliers to the garden industry. The HTA lobbies and campaigns for its members within the horticulture industry and has an excellent reputation. We provide our members with the opportunity to learn, innovate, and network with others in the industry.
We have an effective political lobbying team working to enable the best conditions for our members to flourish across the UK and our research and insights team provide impactful data to help our members run productive and resilient businesses.
We have been running the National Garden Gift scheme since 1962. These garden gift cards can be bought and redeemed at HTA Garden centre members sites throughout the UK and can also be purchased online and in some supermarket gift card malls. It is the biggest garden gift card scheme in the country – locking in around £40 million of consumer spend to horticulture and our members' businesses.
Our culture
Our culture is built on our core values of being Member Focused, Collaborative & Inclusive, Trusted, and Innovative.
We put our members at the heart of everything we do, ensuring their needs and aspirations guide our decisions and actions. We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where every team member's voice is valued, and diverse perspectives drive creativity and success. Trust is central to our relationships, both internally and externally, and we are committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all that we do. We embrace innovation, continuously seeking new ways to improve and push boundaries, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in delivering exceptional service and results.
If you're looking for a workplace where these values are lived every day, and where you can make a real impact, the HTA could be the perfect next move for you.
About the role
The Head of IT is full-time role and will be based at our main office in Chilton, Oxfordshire, with hybrid working available. You'll typically be required in the office 3-4 days per week for team collaboration.
You'll report to the Chief Finance Officer, who oversees the IT function at senior leadership level, and you'll be responsible for leading the IT strategy and overseeing the delivery of resilient and user-focused digital services across the HTA.
The IT function is small but committed, and your role will be to lead and support the team, help clarify priorities, and deliver high-impact projects that improve core systems and ways of working. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires a mix of strategic thinking and operational oversight.
Key responsibilities include:
· IT strategy & transformation: Lead the development and implementation of an IT strategy that supports business priorities and simplifies our system architecture.
· Service improvement: Oversee a high-performing IT service, improving system reliability, reducing complexity, and driving efficiency.
· Cyber security & risk: Own and develop IT risk frameworks and ensure robust controls, policies, and incident response plans are in place.
· System integration & data management: Support more streamlined and accurate use of core systems, including our CRM, finance platform, and the National Garden Gift Card scheme.
· Project delivery: Lead the execution of key IT projects, working closely with colleagues, external providers, and stakeholders across the organisation.
· Team leadership: Manage and support the IT Manager and wider team, fostering a culture of collaboration, service, and professional growth.
· Stakeholder engagement: Be a trusted advisor to the CFO, senior leadership team, and other teams on all IT-related matters, including procurement, licensing, budgeting, and vendor relationships.
What we offer
· A strategic leadership role in a values-driven, not-for-profit organisation
· A chance to design and deliver meaningful change across a vital business function
· Hybrid and flexible working
· Competitive salary and generous benefits package including 30 days holiday + Bank Holidays, pension, health cash plan, life assurance, employee discount scheme, employee assistance programme, salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work & Electric Vehicle), on-site parking and more
· Tailored induction and development support
· A collaborative culture where you can make a lasting impact
About you
We're looking for a confident, proactive, and collaborative IT leader who brings a clear vision and a hands-on approach to delivery. You'll have a proven track record of leading IT transformation in small to medium-sized organisations and be excited by the opportunity to build something new.
This role would suit someone who demonstrates the following:
· Substantial experience in a senior IT leadership role, ideally in a small/medium-sized business or not-for-profit environment
· Track record of leading IT transformation, simplifying infrastructure, and improving service delivery
· Strong understanding of system integration, data governance, and cyber security
· Experience managing both internal IT teams and external vendors/service providers
· A strategic thinker who can also get hands-on when needed
· Skilled communicator – able to engage technical and non-technical audiences alike
· Strong project management skills and experience in change delivery
· Positive, solution-focused mindset, aligned with HTA values
· Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for travel if required
How to apply
To apply for this role, please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
Closing date: 5pm Friday 3rd October 2025.
The HTA is committed to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into our culture and our talent processes. We believe in creating a workplace where our people are treated with dignity and respect, a workplace free of barriers or discrimination. We will make accommodations upon request for candidates wherever needed and practical throughout the hiring process.
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £70,000.00-£80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee discount
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site parking
* Sick pay
Application question(s):
* Do you have the right to work in the UK?
* Do you have substantial experience in a senior IT leadership role?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Didcot OX11 0RN