Robert Walters
Head of IT

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Head of Information Technology
Salary: Circa £75,000
Location: Trafford Park, Manchester (3 days onsite)
Keywords: IT Strategy, IT Leadership, Digital Transformation, Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Manufacturing, E-commerce, Cloud, AI, Team Development
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Information Technology to lead, shape and evolve the IT function for a growing manufacturer and retailer with international operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you'll have the opportunity to build and mature the technology function, ensuring IT becomes a true commercial enabler as the business continues its ambitious growth journey.
This is a broad leadership role that combines strategic direction with hands-on involvement where needed. You'll influence technology strategy, modernise infrastructure, strengthen cyber security, improve business systems and help introduce new technologies, including AI, while developing a high-performing IT team. If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely leave your mark and build an IT function that supports the next phase of business growth, this is an outstanding opportunity.
What you'll do
As Head of IT, you'll be responsible for defining and delivering the technology roadmap, ensuring systems, infrastructure and services support the wider business strategy. Working closely with senior leadership, you'll drive improvements across service delivery, security, data management and business systems while creating the foundations for a scalable, resilient IT function. You'll:
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Develop and deliver the IT strategy aligned to business objectives.
- Build and mature the IT function, establishing standards, governance and best practices.
- Lead, develop and mentor a multi-site IT team, creating resilience and reducing key-person dependency.
- Oversee IT operations, infrastructure, cloud services, networking and end-user technology.
- Own cyber security, risk management, compliance and data protection, supporting certifications including ISO 27001 and GDPR.
- Partner with the business to maximise value from ERP and other core business systems, improving data quality and reporting.
- Lead IT governance, prioritising technology initiatives and managing demand across the business.
- Manage key technology suppliers, contracts, SLAs, licensing and budgets to ensure excellent service and value.
- Identify opportunities to automate processes, improve efficiency and adopt emerging technologies, including AI.
What you'll bring
You'll be an experienced IT leader who enjoys balancing strategic planning with hands-on leadership. You'll have a proven track record of developing IT functions, leading technical teams and delivering technology that supports commercial growth. We're looking for someone with:


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Experience leading an IT function within a multi-site organisation.
- Strong technical knowledge across infrastructure, cloud technologies, networking and business systems.
- Experience developing IT strategy and driving technology transformation.
- A background in cyber security, risk management, GDPR and supporting security frameworks such as ISO 27001.
- Experience managing suppliers, MSPs, contracts, SLAs and IT budgets.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively from technical teams through to senior leadership.
- A collaborative leadership style with the willingness to be hands-on when required.
What's in it for you?
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of an evolving IT function and genuinely shape its future. You'll have the autonomy to influence technology decisions, build capability, modernise systems and help create an IT environment that enables long-term business success.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills