Head of IT UK Police Force

iO Associates; England; On-site; GBP 79,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK Police force is seeking a Head of IT to lead their digital transformation and operational IT services. This role involves strategic leadership within the policing sector, overseeing critical IT operations, and ensuring compliance with national standards. The ideal candidate will have extensive senior IT leadership experience and strong knowledge of cloud technologies and cybersecurity. This position offers a salary range of £79,195 - £85,500, along with generous benefits including a pension and flexible working.

Benefits

Generous pension

Flexible working from home policy

More benefits to be discussed

Qualifications

• Significant experience in senior IT leadership roles, ideally in public sector or multi-site organisations.
• Strong knowledge in infrastructure, networking, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity.
• Ability to lead strategic change while maintaining operational stability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IT strategy aligned with organisational goals.
• Lead and manage IT team to foster collaboration and innovation.
• Oversee IT operations including networks, cloud services, and critical policing systems.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and ISO standards.
• Manage IT budgets and supplier relationships.
• Drive digital transformation projects including cloud migration.

Skills

Senior IT leadership experience

Knowledge of UK policing sector

Infrastructure and networking knowledge

Cloud technologies (Microsoft 365/Azure)

Cybersecurity expertise

Stakeholder engagement skills

IT governance and risk management

Job description

Head of IT - NPPV3 / Policing

Salary

£79,195 - £85,500

Benefits

generous pension, flexible WFH policy & more

About Us

We're working with a UK Police force who is looking for a Head of IT to join their team and therefore are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of IT with experience in the Law enforcement industry to own and lead their digital transformation programmes and BAU activities to ensure robust, secure, and innovative IT services that support operational excellence across the Force.

The Role

As Head of IT, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all IT services, including infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, and digital innovation within Policing specific technologies such as Command & Control rooms. Reporting to the Director of Digital & Data, you will shape and deliver the Force's technology roadmap, aligning with the National Policing Digital Strategy and local priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Force's IT strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and national standards.
• Lead and manage the IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee critical IT operations, including networks, cloud services, telephony, and mission‑critical policing systems.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, ISO standards, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Manage IT budgets, contracts, and supplier relationships to deliver value for money.
• Drive digital transformation projects, including cloud migration, automation, and data analytics.
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership and act as the Force's technology ambassador.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in senior IT leadership roles, ideally in public sector or multi‑site organisations.
• Experience working in the UK Policing Sector
• Strong knowledge of infrastructure, networking, cloud technologies (Microsoft 365/Azure), and cybersecurity.
• Experience in IT governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to lead strategic change while maintaining operational stability.

Desirable

• Familiarity with ISO271001 and NIST standards.
• Knowledge of Policing specfic technologies such as Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS) and Record Management System (RMS) such as NICHE RMS.