Head of IT

context recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

context recruitment is seeking a Head of IT in London. The role requires leading the enterprise IT strategy across applications, infrastructure and service management in a hybrid London environment.

You will guide strategic technology decisions, drive modernisation and digital transformation while ensuring security, resilience and alignment with business goals. You will report to the Group IT Director and lead a team, manage key partners, and shape technology across IS/IT estates, including

Qualifications

• Senior IT leadership experience across operations, infrastructure and applications.
• Proven ability to manage outsourced IT services and vendor relationships.
• Track record delivering large-scale digital transformation programmes.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions and business integrations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the operational IT strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Ensure reliable, secure and scalable IT services across the organisation.

Skills

IT leadership

Vendor management

Cloud technologies

Digital transformation

M&A integration

Tools

ITIL

Job description

Head of IT

London - hybrid, £100,000

Our client is seeking an accomplished Head of IT to lead the delivery of enterprise‑wide technology services across a dynamic and growing international organisation.

Reporting to the Group IT Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across IT applications, infrastructure and service management, ensuring technology services are secure, resilient and aligned with business objectives. This is a high‑impact leadership role that combines operational excellence with digital transformation and M&A integration.

Working alongside senior technology leaders responsible for Cyber Security and IT Programme Delivery, you will play a key role in shaping the organisation's technology landscape while leading a talented internal team and managing strategic technology partners.

This is an ideal role for a commercially minded IT leader who enjoys balancing operational delivery with strategic change. You will lead the day‑to‑day IT function while driving continuous improvement, modernisation and innovation across the technology estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the operational IT strategy in line with wider business objectives
• Ensure reliable, secure and scalable IT services across the organisation
• Lead major incident, problem and service management activities
• Oversee enterprise applications, infrastructure, cloud platforms and end‑user technologies
• Drive continual service improvement through measurable KPIs and SLAs
• Manage IT operational budgets, supplier relationships and commercial contracts
• Lead technology due diligence and integration activities for mergers and acquisitions
• Support digital transformation programmes including automation, AI adoption and modern workplace initiatives
• Ensure compliance with governance, regulatory and security standards including ISO 27001, ISO 42001, Cyber Essentials Plus and GDPR
• Develop, mentor and inspire a high‑performing technology team

Requirements

• Significant experience leading IT Operations, Infrastructure, Applications and Service Management
• Strong experience managing outsourced IT service providers and vendor relationships
• A proven background delivering large‑scale digital transformation programmes
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions and business integrations
• Excellent knowledge of cloud technologies, enterprise applications and modern workplace platforms
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing multimillion‑pound IT budgets
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at executive level
• A solid understanding of IT governance, service management and operational best practice
• Professional certifications such as ITIL, PRINCE2, TOGAF, MSP or equivalent
• Experience within engineering, infrastructure, construction or project‑based organisations would be advantageous, as would knowledge of Microsoft Azure, AI technologies and automation platforms.