Head of Information Technology - Hybrid

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

Job summary

Kaizen Talent Solutions seeks an experienced Head of Information Technology to own the IT strategy, multi-site infrastructure, and regulatory compliance for a fast-growing UK group. You will balance strategic roadmaps with hands-on leadership, acting as the visible IT face across sites.

The role requires transitioning from an outsourced MSP to a self-sufficient internal IT function, strong vendor management, and excellent communication across all levels of the business.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in multi-site IT operations within regulated environments.
• Strong Microsoft ecosystem expertise (M365, Azure, AD, Windows Server, networking).
• Experience transitioning from MSP reliance to in-house IT.
• Excellent stakeholder communication and project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design and own IT strategy for a fast-growing group across multiple sites.
• Oversee infrastructure, networks, security, and operations with proactive incident resolution.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025, GxP, and data integrity; lead CS validators and audits.
• Lead and mentor the Group IT Support Engineer and manage vendor contracts and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-site IT operations

Regulated environment

Vendor management

Tools

Microsoft 365

Azure

Active Directory/Entra ID

Windows Server

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)