Head Of It

Job Description

As Head of IT you will need a strong technical background and possess the ability to think strategically, with a forward looking and pro-active approach to IT. Management and motivation of your team are equally important.

The ideal candidate will be experienced in defining and developing strategy, maintaining business resilience, and creating and implementing IT policies and systems.

This is a hybrid role with 3 days in the office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the entire IT environment, to ensure the technology, systems and tools used are integrated, streamlined and secure to meet our current and future scientific research and operational needs.
• Be responsible for the quality of day-to-day infrastructure and network operations.
• Develop, evaluate, define and implement the IT strategy and operational plans which support the company vision, mission and objectives.
• Lead and develop a small, diverse team of Windows, Linux, and DevOps professionals Specialists.
• Liaising with key stakeholders, lead and drive service improvement through planning and execution.
• Lead the procurement of the infrastructure architecture, including design, migration, integration and installation.
• Develop and mature IT service management principles, including governance, policies, processes, procedures, and standards.
• Act as most senior escalation point for IT operations issues and major incidents.
• Manage the IT Group’s operational budget (c. £400k) and additional project budgets.
• Act as owner and relationship holder for Tier 1 system IT suppliers within the organisation.
• Develop and maintain IT operational KPIs along with associated quality thresholds.
• Contribute to wider strategic discussions and documents across the organisation.
• Enhance and maintain the business resilience from an IT perspective, including such areas as security and business continuity, liaising with external managed service providers.

Essential Experience / Qualifications and Attributes Required:

• Proven experience in managing multiple IT systems in areas such as program and project management, infrastructure services management, IT strategy/policy and IT architecture.
• Proven experience and strong technical background in leading systems integration from designing, developing, integrating, and upgrading multiple IT systems.
• Proven track record of delivering IT change initiatives on time and on budget.
• Leadership skills with both practical and short/long term strategic vision.
• Knowledge of Windows and Linux technologies
• Degree in a computing qualification or equivalent experience essential.
• IT skills/experience to include some (not all) of the following:
  • Strategies for Microsoft and Linux Operating Systems.
  • Virtualisation Platform knowledge: ESXI/Other platforms such as Hyper-V or Azure Stack HCI.
  • Networking technologies: VLAN, MLAG/VLT, VRRP, Switch config.
  • VPN Technologies: Knowledge of Palo Alto would be an advantage.
  • Cloud Technologies: Microsoft 365/Backup.
  • Security Software Layers: EDR/Email/Firewall/Patching.
  • Topology understanding of High-Performance Compute.
  • Storage technologies: Directly Attached/Software Defined.
• Leadership and management of a team of IT professionals.
• Excellent communication skills, including negotiation skills.