Migration & Technology Transformation

• Lead major technology migrations and transformation projects, including cloud, infrastructure, systems, applications and data.
• Develop appropriate migration plans, business cases, budgets, testing strategies and implementation plans to minimise disruption.
• Modernise legacy technology and establish a scalable architecture capable of supporting future business growth.
• Ensure technology projects are delivered effectively, with clear ownership, communication, risk management and measurable outcomes.

Cybersecurity & IT Risk

• Own the company's IT security strategy and establish controls appropriate to the organisation's size, risk profile and regulatory requirements.
• Strengthen identity and access management, MFA, endpoint protection, patching, vulnerability management, email security and network security.
• Establish effective processes for security incidents, privileged access, third-party risks, security awareness and ongoing risk assessment.
• Work with external security specialists where appropriate and maintain an ongoing programme of security improvement.

IT Policies & Governance

• Create and maintain the company's IT policies and procedures, including information security, acceptable use, access control, remote working and device management.
• Establish formal processes for onboarding, offboarding, access management, software approval, IT changes and security incidents.
• Develop appropriate IT governance, reporting and performance measures for the Executive Leadership Team.
• Ensure IT practices support relevant data protection, contractual, regulatory and industry requirements.

Backup, Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Establish a robust backup strategy covering critical systems, data and infrastructure, with appropriate retention and recovery arrangements.
• Develop and maintain an IT Disaster Recovery Plan, including defined recovery priorities, RTOs and RPOs.
• Regularly test backup and recovery processes and ensure identified weaknesses are addressed.
• Support the wider business with Business Continuity Planning and technology resilience.

AI, Automation & Innovation

• Develop the company's approach to AI and automation, identifying practical opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency and business processes.
• Evaluate AI platforms and technologies and establish appropriate governance around security, confidentiality, data protection and responsible use.
• Support adoption of technologies such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and other enterprise AI solutions where appropriate.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive processes and keep the leadership team informed of relevant emerging technologies.

Budget & Supplier Management

• Own the IT budget, technology investment plan and ongoing technology expenditure, ensuring value for money.
• Manage IT suppliers, MSPs, software vendors, consultants and technology partners, including contracts, performance and service levels.
• Review technology licensing and supplier arrangements to identify opportunities for consolidation, optimisation and cost control.
• Develop clear business cases for significant technology investments and communicate costs, benefits, risks and priorities to senior leadership.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in a Head of IT, IT Director, Senior IT Manager or equivalent leadership role, ideally within a medium-sized business.
• Strong experience across infrastructure, cloud, Microsoft 365, business systems, cybersecurity, IT operations and technology transformation.
• Demonstrable experience of building, restructuring or transforming an IT function, including managing internal teams and external technology providers.
• Experience delivering migrations, managing IT budgets and suppliers, developing IT policies, and implementing security, backup and disaster recovery frameworks.

Desirable Experience

• Experience implementing AI, automation or digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience with ERP, CRM and other core business systems and their integration.
• Experience supporting acquisitions, integrations or significant business growth.
• Knowledge of ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus, ITIL or similar frameworks.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic and hands-on, able to establish the long-term vision while dealing with operational priorities.
• Strong communicator who can translate complex technical issues into clear business risks and opportunities.
• Commercially minded, pragmatic and comfortable managing budgets, suppliers and competing priorities.
• A strong leader who enjoys building teams, introducing structure and creating a proactive, business-focused IT culture.

What Success Looks Like

• A clearly structured and professionally managed IT function with the right internal team and external partners.
• Secure, reliable and scalable infrastructure with appropriate systems, policies, governance and support processes.
• A clear technology roadmap covering infrastructure, systems, migrations, cybersecurity, AI and automation.
• IT established as a strategic business partner, delivering measurable value while protecting the organisation's systems, data and operations.

Benefits

• Casual dress
• On-site parking
• Bright Exchange
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular social events including summer & end of year parties.
• Spontaneous employee well-being treats
• A day off for your birthday
• Vouchers at Christmas to shop with F&F
• Staff Purchases
• NEST Pension
• Private medical insurance with Vitality health with various benefits including discounts on a gym membership.