Head of Information Technology

Kaizen Talent Solutions; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaizen Talent Solutions is seeking a Head of Information Technology for a fast-growing UK group. You will own the IT strategy, multi-site infrastructure, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance, balancing strategic delivery with hands-on leadership.

Reporting to executive leadership, you will translate priorities into business outcomes, lead a lean internal team, and act as the faces of IT across sites. A hands-on leader with strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in multi-site IT operations in a regulated setting.
• Strong Microsoft stack expertise (M365, Azure, AD/Entra ID).
• Experience reducing dependency on external MSPs.
• Solid vendor management and ITIL service management knowledge.
• Excellent communication, decisive judgement, and hands-on ownership.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Operating Model: transition to an internal IT team; design a pragmatic roadmap for cloud adoption and systems integration (ERP/LIMS).
• Operations & Change Control: oversee multi-site infrastructure, networks, and end-user computing with change control and high availability.
• Compliance & Data Integrity: ensure ISO 17025, GxP, and data integrity through validation and audit readiness.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: lead and mentor the IT team; manage vendor contracts and budgets across sites.

Skills

IT leadership

Multi-site ops

Microsoft stack

Vendor management

ITIL knowledge

Tools

M365/Azure

Active Directory/Entra ID

Windows Server

Networking basics

Job description

Step in as the definitive IT leader for a fast-growing, PE-backed UK group providing mission-critical technical assurance. Following a consolidation phase, we are moving away from outsourced MSP dependency to build a self-sufficient, high-performing internal IT function.

Reporting to executive leadership, as Head of Information Technology you will own the IT strategy, multi-site infrastructure, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. Balancing high-level roadmap delivery with hands-on operational leadership, you will act as the visible face of IT—translating technical priorities into clear business outcomes and leading a lean internal team.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & Operating Model: Complete the transition to an internal IT team; design and execute a pragmatic roadmap covering cloud adoption (M365/Azure), infrastructure modernisation, and system integration (ERP/LIMS).
• Operations & Change Control: Oversee multi-site infrastructure, networks, and end-user computing; enforce disciplined change management, high availability, and proactive incident resolution.
• Compliance & Data Integrity: Ensure IT systems support strict quality and regulatory standards (such as ISO 17025, GxP, and data integrity principles), overseeing Computer System Validation and audit readiness.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Be visibly present across sites, communicating technical priorities clearly to colleagues at all levels; manage vendor contracts, budgets, and mentor our Group IT Support Engineer.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership track record managing multi-site IT operations in a regulated environment (scientific, manufacturing, or quality-driven).
• Strong technical grounding across Microsoft ecosystems (M365, Azure, Active Directory/Entra ID, Windows Server, and networking).
• Direct experience transitioning organisations away from heavy third-party MSP reliance.
• Commercial acumen, strong vendor management, and working knowledge of ITIL service management.
• Exceptional communication skills, sound judgement, a hands-on ownership mindset, and a full UK driving licence.

Security & Vetting

Due to the sensitive nature of operations, applicants must be permanently resident in the UK for at least the past 5 years and hold or be able to pass enhanced background screening (BPSS/DBS and UK security vetting such as NPPV/SC clearance).