Head of IT Solutions

hays-gcj-v4-pd-online; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established not-for-profit organisation in Sunderland is seeking a Head of IT Solutions to join their dynamic IT Leadership Team. This pivotal role includes developing a multi-year IT strategy, overseeing technology transformation, and providing leadership across cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will drive innovation, manage risk, and engage stakeholders effectively, contributing to the overall success of the organisation.

Benefits

31 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Early finish on Fridays

Flexible working

Health Cash Plan with cashback for medical services

Access to private healthcare

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering complex software and integration programmes.
• Strong leadership experience in software development, systems integration, or enterprise applications.
• Deep technical expertise in modern application architecture and cloud-native design.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a multi-year IT Solutions Strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
• Lead the transformation of the technology landscape using modern software engineering practices.
• Champion agile, lean, and user-centred methodologies to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Thinking

Collaboration

Innovation

Job description

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Our client, a well-established not-for-profit organisation based in Sunderland, is seeking a Head of IT Solutions to join their dynamic IT Leadership Team.

Your new role

36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (with a 12:30pm finish every Friday)

• Develop and deliver a multi-year IT Solutions Strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
• Lead the transformation of the technology landscape using modern software engineering practices (API-first, service-oriented architecture, DevOps).
• Oversee the implementation and support of business-critical systems, ensuring performance, scalability, and security.
• Champion agile, lean, and user-centred methodologies to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership to cross-functional teams including Solutions Development, Systems Management, and Database Administration.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to maximise the value of IT investments.
• Ensure robustness, risk management, and compliance across all systems change initiatives.
• Manage the transition of systems from project to live service, ensuring smooth implementation and support.
• Maintain cybersecurity standards through regular patching and system maintenance.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning for the Solutions function.

What you'll need to succeed

• Proven experience delivering complex software and integration programmes.
• Strong leadership experience in software development, systems integration, or enterprise applications.
• Deep technical expertise in modern application architecture and cloud-native design.
• A track record of leading high-performing teams and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and supplier management skills.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate business needs into scalable technology solutions.
• Experience with agile, DevOps, and secure-by-design methodologies.
• A collaborative, pragmatic, and people-focused approach.

What you'll get in return

• 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.
• Early finish on Fridays
• Flexible and hybrid working.
• Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover.
• Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan.