Interim Head of Technology Shared Services

Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a strategic Head of IT Shared Services to lead IT operations and drive service excellence. The role includes managing IT support teams, overseeing a £1 million operational budget, and ensuring adherence to ITIL best practices. Ideal candidates will demonstrate experience in leading IT shared services, effective communication skills, and a proactive, customer-focused approach. This senior position aims to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading IT shared services.
• Strong background in ITIL frameworks and service management.
• Expertise in managing budgets exceeding £1 million.
• Experience in managing and developing IT teams.
• Excellent communication for influencing at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for shared IT services.
• Manage and develop IT support teams.
• Oversee ITIL-aligned processes and service management.
• Lead and manage an annual IT operational budget.
• Manage relationships with third-party suppliers.

Skills

Leadership in IT shared services

Strong background in ITIL frameworks

Budget management expertise

Excellent communication skills

Proactive customer-focused approach

Job description

Head of IT Shared Services

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Head of IT Shared Services to lead the delivery, performance, and continuous improvement of shared IT operations. This senior role oversees IT support teams, ensures service excellence aligned with ITIL best practice, and manages a portfolio of suppliers and contracts to achieve high-quality, cost-effective outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for shared IT services across the organisation, ensuring reliable, secure, and customer-focused service delivery.
• Manage and develop IT support teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continual service improvement.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of ITIL-aligned processes, including Incident, Problem, Change, and Service Level Management.
• Lead and manage an annual IT operational budget exceeding £1 million, ensuring effective forecasting, cost control, and value for money.
• Manage relationships with third-party suppliers, ensuring compliance with contractual agreements, service quality, and performance KPIs.
• Drive innovation and operational efficiencies through technology, automation, and process optimisation.
• Ensure policies, standards, and security requirements are met, working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience leading IT shared services.
• A strong background in ITIL frameworks and service management methodologies.
• Demonstrable expertise in managing budgets of £1m+
• Experience managing and developing IT teams and leading multi-vendor supplier environments.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels and drive organisational change.
• A proactive, customer-focused approach with a commitment to service excellence.