IT Director

Planet Recruitment; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional services firm in London is seeking an IT Director to lead its technology operations and strategy. The role involves overseeing IT infrastructure, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring high standards of governance and performance. Candidates should have proven experience in a similar position, strong technical knowledge of MS Azure, and excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary of £100k - £120k and a hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven experience in IT operations, infrastructure management, and vendor oversight.
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Firm's technology operations and projects.
• Oversee cloud-based infrastructure ensuring performance and reliability.
• Manage relationships with external IT support providers.
• Develop and execute an IT strategy that aligns with business goals.

Skills

Proven experience as an IT Director or Head of IT in a professional services firm

Strong technical knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Azure

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of cybersecurity principles

Job description

Job Role: IT Director

Location: Marylebone, London, W1

Hybrid: 3 days in Office

Salary: 100k - 120k plus benefits

Firm Overview

Our client long-established firm of Chartered Accountants. They deliver services to the highest standards, combining deep technical expertise with a forward-thinking outlook. They pride themselves on building enduring relationships with their clients, many of whom are ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families offering bespoke advice that spans generations. Their team is known for its intelligence, ingenuity, and exacting attention to detail. They are trusted advisers, providing not only technical excellence but also constructive challenge and strategic insight when needed. Their services span compliance and advisory work, with specialist expertise across sectors including family offices, real estate, financial services, entertainment and charities. They also support family offices and offer tailored private client services.

Role Overview

The IT Director will lead the Firm's technology operations and projects, ensuring that our IT infrastructure supports the firm's commitment to excellence and client service. They will collaborate with the partners in setting the firm's Tech strategy to ensure this aligns with the wider business aims. This is a pivotal role that combines hands-on leadership with strategic input, requiring a deep understanding of enterprise-grade IT systems within a cost-conscious, professional services environment. The successful candidate will report directly to the Partners and oversee one in-house IT engineer/manager. They will also manage relationships with external IT support providers and vendors. The IT Director will be responsible for ensuring that our systems are secure, scalable, and aligned with the Firm's high standards of governance and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Infrastructure & Operations
• Oversee the Firm's cloud-based infrastructure (AVD on Microsoft Azure), ensuring performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Oversee the Firm's line of business applications (including the Microsoft suite, Teams, CCH Central, Virtual Cabinet, Caseware, Alphatax)
• Manage hardware and software lifecycles, including procurement, deployment, and retirement.
• Ensure robust update control, patch management, and system monitoring.

• Governance & Security
• Implement and maintain strong IT governance frameworks, including risk management and compliance.
• Lead cybersecurity strategy, including threat detection, incident response, and staff awareness training.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations.

• Vendor & License Management
• Manage relationships with external IT support providers and software vendors.
• Negotiate contracts, monitor SLAs, and ensure cost-effective service delivery.
• Maintain accurate records of software licenses and ensure compliance.

• Strategic Leadership
• In conjunction with the partners, develop and execute an IT strategy that aligns with the Firm's business goals and client service ethos.
• Advise Partners on emerging technologies and implement impactful solutions, including AI, automation, and data analytics.
• Conduct horizon scanning to identify innovations that enhance operational efficiency and client experience.

• Project Management
• Lead IT projects including system upgrades, software implementations, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define requirements and deliver tailored solutions.

• Training & Communication
• Promote IT literacy across the Firm through structured training and informal support.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively to non-technical audiences.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving.

• Team Leadership
• Supervise and mentor the in-house IT engineer/manager, providing guidance and performance management.
• Build a collaborative, service-oriented IT function that reflects the Firm's values.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as an IT Director or Head of IT in a professional services firm.
• Strong technical knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure, AVD and best-in-breed accounting and tax solutions.
• Demonstrated success in IT operations, infrastructure management, and vendor oversight.
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable

• Experience with AI and RPA tools and their application in professional services.
• Familiarity with our line-of-business applications.
• Project management certification or equivalent experience.
• Exposure to ISO 27001 or similar standards.

INDIT

Planet Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. Planet Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer. By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Planet Recruitment. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explains how we will use your information.

Only candidates with the relevant skills and experience will be contacted after application; if you do not hear back from us within 7 days you have unfortunately been unsuccessful in your application.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the position.