Head of IT

St Elizabeth's College; Much Hadham; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

St Elizabeth's College in Hertfordshire is seeking a Head of IT to shape a bold digital transformation across a 60-acre campus, leading a strategic IT roadmap and direct line management of the IT Manager.

This full-time, permanent role focuses on modernising infrastructure, data integration, AI and assistive technology to support education, care and services; an Investors in People employer with DBS requirement.

Qualifications

• Experience leading IT strategy in a multi-site charity or complex organisation.
• Proven track record managing IT teams and senior staff.
• Ability to develop and oversee ICT budgets with financial accountability.
• Credibility to influence senior leaders and external partners.
• History delivering technology projects that improve services.

Responsibilities

• Lead our long-term IT strategy and digital transformation roadmap.
• Provide line management to the IT Manager and oversee day-to-day operations.
• Develop, manage and monitor the ICT budget in partnership with the IT Manager.
• Champion AI, automation, and assistive tech to improve care and education.
• Drive system integration for real-time data insights and better user experience.
• Advise CEO, Board and SLT on opportunities and risks in tech trends.
• Build relationships with technology providers and sector networks.
• Collaborate across teams to embed technologies with tangible impact.

Skills

IT strategy

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Head of IT

Salary: £75,000 - £85,000

Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire - 60-acre campus

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Shape the future. Drive innovation. Transform lives.

At St Elizabeth's, technology isn't just about systems and servers - it's a vital enabler of the life-changing work we do every day.

Set within 60 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside, we are a unique and values-led charity, supporting children and adults with epilepsy, learning disabilities, and other complex needs through specialist education, residential care, and health services.

Now, under a bold and ambitious five-year strategy, we are investing in our future - modernising, growing, and embracing innovation. We are looking for an exceptional Head of IT to lead this transformation, shaping a technology roadmap that supports our services today while building for tomorrow.

This is a strategic leadership role, not an operational "keep the lights on" post. You'll work at the heart of our organisation, ensuring our digital infrastructure, systems, and innovation keep pace with - and enable - our mission, while providing direct line management to our IT Manager and working closely with them on both operational delivery and ICT budget management.

Your Impact

• Lead our long-term IT strategy - ensuring our technology supports organisational growth, service development, and digital inclusion for everyone we support.
• Provide direct line management to the IT Manager, ensuring day-to-day operations align with strategic goals.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the ICT budget in partnership with the IT Manager, ensuring cost-effective and future-proof investment decisions.
• Champion AI, automation, and assistive technology to transform care, education, and operational delivery.
• Oversee a comprehensive modernisation programme ensuring operational systems digitally interface efficiently, sharing data across all service and support areas.
• Drive integration of systems to enable real-time data insights, streamlined processes, and improved user experience.
• Advise the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team on opportunities, risks, and technology trends, ensuring decisions align with organisational goals and sector best practice.
• Build strong relationships with technology providers and sector networks to bring innovation and best practice into the organisation.
• Collaborate across teams to embed technologies that make a tangible difference to the lives of our children, young people, and adults.

About You

You'll be a visionary IT leader who can see the bigger picture - and bring it to life. You'll combine strong technical knowledge with strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and the ability to inspire confidence in technology across a diverse organisation.

You will have:

• Experience leading IT strategy in a complex, multi-site organisation.
• Proven experience managing IT teams, including direct line management of senior IT staff.
• The ability to develop and oversee ICT budgets, ensuring financial accountability and value for money.
• The credibility to influence senior leaders, Board members, and external partners.
• A track record of delivering impactful technology projects that enhance service delivery.
• A passion for using technology to improve people's lives - particularly in education, care, or charity settings.

Why Join Us?

• A pivotal leadership role in a forward-thinking, purpose-driven charity.
• The opportunity to design and deliver a full digital transformation.
• A collaborative, supportive culture where innovation is encouraged and valued.
• A beautiful working environment with on-site facilities.
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience and qualifications.

Safeguarding & Inclusion

St Elizabeth's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

We are proud to be an Investors in People and Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact us at [e-mail].

Registered Charity: 1176777

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