This is an exciting time to join as we are embarking on an ambitious Digital, Data and Technology (DDT) Programme to enable the organisation to reach its ambitious goal of raising £120m by 2033. This is a significant time for Technology in the organisation, the Technology Operating Model, Cyber Security initiatives, User Experience (e.g. AI, Microsoft tooling) and the Technology architecture (move from en-prem to SaaS and Azure) are all receiving significant investment and change.
The successful person will be a visible and approachable leader who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on IT operational management. You’ll be comfortable working closely with senior stakeholders, leading technical teams, and ensuring a consistently high level of service across the organisation. In addition, this is a time of change so leading and driving forward change evolving IT into a modern scalable service function. This role will have 3 direct reports (with teams) with responsibility for Operations & Infrastructure, Cyber & Information Security and End User Systems Management.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management
Contributing as a key part of the Digital, Data & Technology leadership team
Acting as the key IT contact for senior business stakeholders
Building strong relationships with suppliers (including procurement)
Managing budgets, resources, and IT governance requirements
Digital and Technology change
Driving forward SaaS and cloud infrastructure migration
Evolving IT into a modern scalable service function using self‑service and automation
Improving the end user experience from IT provided tools including with AI (safe adoption, productivity enablement, guardrails and policy)
Cyber and Information Security
Acting as the senior operational owner for cyber and information security, with accountability for policy, standards, controls and incident readiness
Leading security operations including threat/vulnerability management, incident response, and risk assessment
Embedding security by design across cloud (Azure), SaaS, and end‑user technologies
Technology Operations
Leading, mentoring, and developing an IT support and infrastructure team
Overseeing infrastructure (cloud and en‑prem), networks, hardware, and end‑user technology services
Ensuring high levels of system availability, reliability, and user satisfaction
Managing support for devices, connectivity, printers, collaboration tools, and business systems
Managing and improving support processes, SLAs, and operational performance metrics
Driving service excellence and managing escalated technical issues when needed
Strong experience across modern end‑user and enterprise technologies, including:
Microsoft Azure (Virtual Machines, Azure SQL, networking and other cloud infrastructure)
Expertise in hybrid or cloud native environments
Security tools and services covering identity & access management, endpoint and cloud protection, SIEM/XDR, vulnerability management, and email/domain security
End‑user tooling, including emerging AI‑enabled productivity tools
Knowledge, skills and experience needed:
Proven experience in a Head of IT, Service Management / Service Delivery leadership role
Experience leading digital transformation or cloud modernisation programmes
Experience in owning cyber and information security with accountability for policy, standards, controls and incident readiness
Technically credible — able to hold your own in conversations with developers, architects, and IT leadership
Experience driving continuous service improvement (CSI) and operational excellence
Track record of delivering service innovation and automation in a growing organisation
A confident communicator who can represent the IT function professionally at all levels, internally and externally
Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage incidents and complex service challenges
Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive information
Strong people management experience, including leading, developing and motivating high‑performing teams
Experience influencing decision‑making at senior leadership and executive level
Strong leadership capability, balancing hands‑on delivery with short‑ and long‑term strategic vision
Outstanding communicator, with strong influencing, negotiation, and decision‑making skills
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, accessible language
Strong focus on ownership, accountability, and results delivery, with a proactive “can‑do” attitude
Strategic and analytical thinker, able to see the bigger picture and set direction
High levels of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards
Curious and adaptable, with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement
Willingness to be hands‑on when needed, leading by example within the team
Ways of working:
As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office:
Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us at recruitment@alzheimersresearchuk.org.
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