Head of IT

Brett Group; Chartham; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction materials company in the United Kingdom is seeking a strategic Group Head of Information Services to oversee the IT infrastructure and lead digital transformation initiatives. The role requires extensive experience in IT leadership, cybersecurity, and governance. Responsibilities include managing IT budgets, establishing policies, and mentoring a team of IT professionals. A competitive salary and significant benefits are offered, including generous leave and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary + incentive schemes

Generous pension scheme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Life assurance

Career development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Employee assistance programme

Enhanced parental leave

Cycle to work scheme

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive IT leadership experience at senior/executive level.
• Experience in enterprise IT management and digital transformation.
• Strong knowledge of IT governance frameworks and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic direction and management of IT infrastructure.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Establish IT policies in line with regulatory requirements.

Skills

IT leadership

Cybersecurity

Digital transformation

Project management

Vendor negotiation

IT governance frameworks (ITIL)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Information Systems

Tools

ERP systems

CRM systems

Cloud platforms

Job description

We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Group Head of Information Services to be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, development and management of our information systems and technology infrastructure. Reporting into the Group Finance Director, this pivotal role leads the delivery of robust, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure and support services across the Brett Group. They will work closely with their senior stakeholder group to understand business needs providing a solutions-based approach to the delivery of initiatives. The postholder will oversee critical areas including cyber security, cloud platforms, infrastructure, collaboration technologies, and end-user computing. They are expected to contribute to enhancing operational effectiveness and institutional resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with the organisation's overall objectives.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives and projects to enhance operational efficiency, innovation to drive growth and profitability.

Technology Oversight

• Design, implement and manage the full lifecycle of IT systems including infrastructure, applications, networks, and cybersecurity to ensure the most suitable and affordable solutions are proposed and implemented.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve business processes.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of enterprise IT systems.
• Remain up to date with emerging technologies and trends assessing the value to Brett.
• Ensure IT users of applications and technology are supported cost‑effectively and to the needs of the business.

Governance & Compliance

• Establish IT policies, standards, and procedures in line with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Lead efforts to ensure compliance with data protection laws.
• Oversee risk management, disaster recovery planning and assist in BCP.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a team of multidisciplined IT professionals, motivating them and fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop IT talent and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop, maintain and manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
• Work with business leaders and key stakeholders to understand their needs and develop priorities for new initiatives and manage a programme of projects to deliver them.
• Be a role model leading by example to manage significant business change related to technology implementations.
• Report regularly on the progress of a large programme of information systems initiatives and projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Information Systems, or a related field.
• Progressive experience in IT leadership roles, including at least 5 years at a senior/executive level with overall budgetary responsibility, including managing external providers.
• Proven experience in enterprise IT management, systems integration, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
• Strong knowledge of IT governance frameworks (e.g. ITIL) and compliance standards.
• Excellent experience in managing IT operations across multiple sites or business units is highly desirable.
• Successful experience in Project management, vendor negotiation and change management.
• Expertise in enterprise systems (e.g., ERP, CRM, cloud platforms), networks and mobile technologies.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of the heavy building materials, logistics and construction industry.
• Experience of the IFS ERP system.

Benefits

• A competitive salary + incentive schemes.
• Generous pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Life assurance.
• Career and professional development opportunities.
• Free onsite parking.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee discounts.
• Plus more!