Head of IT

Birchall Blackburn Law; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Birchall Blackburn Law is seeking an experienced Head of IT to lead our technology function in Manchester or Preston. You will shape and execute the IT strategy, drive digital transformation, and ensure robust cybersecurity and governance to support our growing legal services team.

You will manage IT operations, lead internal teams and external partners, and oversee budgets, procurement, and risk management to deliver reliable, cutting-edge technology for clients and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Proven senior IT leadership experience in regulated environments or professional services.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity.
• Experience leading teams, managing outsourced providers, and delivering large-scale technology projects.
• Stakeholder management and ability to communicate at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the IT strategy and technology roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Lead IT operations, infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, and business continuity planning.
• Manage internal IT teams and third-party technology partners.
• Drive digital transformation, automation, and AI initiatives to improve efficiency.
• Oversee IT projects, system upgrades, and technology investments.
• Ensure high-quality IT support and governance, data protection, and compliance.

Job description

Head of IT, Manchester or Preston (job ref: 2IT)

September 16, 2026

Head of IT, Manchester or Preston (job ref: 2IT)

Are you an experienced IT leader ready to drive technology, innovation, and digital transformation within a fast-paced professional services environment?

We are seeking a strategic and commercially minded Head of IT to lead our technology function, ensuring our systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital services support the needs of a growing legal and professional services organisation.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will be responsible for developing and delivering the IT strategy, leading operational excellence, strengthening cybersecurity, and identifying opportunities to leverage AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve efficiency, client service, and business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the organisation’s IT strategy and technology roadmap.
• Lead IT operations, infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity, and business continuity planning.
• Manage and develop the internal IT team and third-party technology partners.
• Drive digital transformation, process improvement, automation, and AI initiatives.
• Oversee IT projects, system upgrades, software implementations, and technology investments.
• Ensure high-quality, responsive IT support across the business.
• Manage IT budgets, contracts, supplier relationships, and technology procurement.
• Maintain robust governance, compliance, data protection, and information security standards.
• Act as the senior technology advisor to leadership, providing insight into emerging technologies, risks, and opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior IT leadership role, ideally within legal, professional services, financial services, or other regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and IT service delivery.
• Experience leading technical teams and managing outsourced providers.
• Demonstrable success delivering technology projects, digital transformation, and business change programmes.
• Experience managing technology budgets, supplier contracts, and strategic IT investments.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the business.
• Experience implementing automation, AI, or technology solutions that improve operational efficiency and client service.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the technology strategy of an established legal firm with strong desires to grow. You’ll play a key role in driving innovation, improving operational performance, strengthening cybersecurity, and ensuring technology continues to support exceptional service delivery for both clients and colleagues.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)

Please note, this vacancy may be closed at any time if sufficient applications have been received.
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