Head of IT (AI / CRM / PHP)

Adria Solutions; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth UK business in Manchester is looking for an experienced Head of IT to lead a comprehensive technology transformation. This role involves a hands-on approach in managing the evolution of infrastructure, driving AI and automation initiatives, and ensuring cybersecurity integrity. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge in PHP, MySQL, AI tools, and will have proven experience in a senior IT leadership role. This is a pivotal role to enhance performance and scalability across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership as Head of IT, CTO, or senior technical leader in tech-driven businesses.
• Deep knowledge of PHP 8+, MySQL 8, Apache 2.4, Redis.
• Experience with AI/ML tools, cloud infrastructure (preferably AWS).
• Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the rollout of AI/ML features including voice AI and predictive tools.
• Own enterprise cybersecurity strategy, audits, and incident response.
• Integrate platforms into a centralised data ecosystem.
• Design and implement disaster recovery plans.

Skills

Leadership

PHP 8+

MySQL 8

AI / ML tools

Cybersecurity best practices

Cloud infrastructure (AWS)

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Redis

Apache 2.4

Job description

Head of IT – Lead a Full-Stack Transformation

Are you ready to lead the modernisation and AI-driven transformation of an entire technology ecosystem?

My client, a high-growth UK business, is looking for an experienced and hands-on Head of IT to take full ownership of their technology evolution - from infrastructure to innovation, CRM performance to AI integration.

This is a pivotal leadership role that combines technical depth, strategic oversight, and operational excellence. Based on-site in Manchester, you'll drive tangible change, scalability, and innovation across the organisation.

Why This Role Matters

The company’s in-house CRM is mission-critical — handling everything from leads and payments to communications and workflow automation. With strong foundations in place (PHP 8+, MySQL 8, Redis, AWS), the next step is transformation :

• AI / ML-powered automation
• Cybersecurity hardening
• Platform integration and performance optimisation

The successful candidate will help position the business for scale, operational efficiency, and a potential future exit.

What You’ll Be Doing

AI / Automation & CRM Modernisation

Lead rollout of 30+ AI / ML features including voice AI, automation, and predictive tools

Overhaul the legacy CRM’s UI / UX into a modern, high-performance platform

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

Own enterprise cybersecurity strategy, audits, and incident response

Design post-attack processes and lead quarterly vulnerability assessments

Infrastructure & Performance

Optimise PHP / MySQL stack for speed, uptime, and stability

Resolve CRM bottlenecks and implement diagnostic monitoring tools

Systems Integration & Data Strategy

Integrate platforms like SpeechIQ and HR tools into a centralised data ecosystem

Enable cross-platform data sharing to drive automation and insight

Disaster Recovery & Continuity

Design and implement a DRP, ensure reliable backups and test failover scenarios

Leadership & Delivery

Manage the IT, development, infrastructure, and AI functions

Run agile projects, prioritise initiatives, and communicate clearly across teams

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Proven leadership as Head of IT, CTO, or senior technical leader in tech-driven or scaling businesses

Deep knowledge of :

PHP 8+, MySQL 8, Apache 2.4, Redis

AI / ML tools (speech / NLP, automation, prediction engines)

Cloud infrastructure (preferably AWS)

Cybersecurity best practices, disaster recovery, and penetration testing

Demonstrated success in modernising platforms, leading performance turnarounds, and delivering new systems

Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and business alignment

Success Will Be Measured By

• Delivery of AI roadmap and automation efficiency gains
• Noticeable improvement in platform speed, uptime, and stability
• Zero breaches or vulnerabilities post-security audits
• Seamless integration of tools into unified systems
• Successful implementation and testing of a disaster recovery plan
• Positive user feedback on platform improvements