Head of IT

Key Responsibilities

Data Strategy, Architecture & Interconnected Systems

• Define and own the organisation’s data strategy, ensuring data is accurate, accessible, secure, and aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee the architecture and integration of interconnected systems to ensure seamless data flow across platforms.
• Establish data governance standards, including data ownership, classification, retention, and lifecycle management.
• Ensure data integrity, reporting capability, and appropriate access controls across all systems.
• Lead initiatives to improve data visibility, automation, and interoperability between core business systems.

Cyber Security & Risk Management

• Own the organisation’s cyber security strategy, ensuring a proactive and risk-based approach to threat management.
• Oversee cyber monitoring and response capabilities, including MDR services and tools such as Microsoft Defender.
• Ensure appropriate endpoint, network, and identity protection measures are implemented and maintained.
• Lead workplace cyber security awareness and training programmes to promote a strong security culture.
• Manage vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and remediation planning.
• Develop and maintain incident response and cyber crisis management plans.

Compliance, GDPR & ISO Accreditation

• Ensure compliance with General Data Protection Regulation and other relevant data protection regulations.
• Act as IT lead for data protection, working closely with legal or DPO functions where applicable.
• Maintain and oversee ISO certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001.
• Develop, implement, and monitor IT and security policies to ensure regulatory and audit readiness.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely remediation of findings.

IT Service Delivery & Workplace Technology

• Ensure IT services are fit for purpose, scalable, and aligned with organisational needs.
• Oversee help desk, system administration, networking, hardware, and software licensing functions.
• Ensure effective management of workplace infrastructure, including end‑user devices and collaboration platforms.
• Maintain hardware lifecycle management and software asset compliance.
• Ensure robust backup, business continuity, and disaster recovery capabilities are in place and tested regularly.

IT Governance & Operational Management

• Establish and maintain effective IT governance frameworks, processes, and controls.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost efficiency and strategic allocation of resources.
• Lead vendor management activities, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and service reviews.
• Evaluate and determine “build vs buy” decisions for systems and services.
• Develop and maintain IT policies, standards, and operating procedures.
• Report on IT performance, risk, and security posture to senior leadership and board‑level stakeholders.

Leadership & Department Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance objectives within the IT function.
• Align IT strategy with wider organisational strategy and operational goals.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team on technology risk, investment, and innovation.

Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and execute a multi‑year IT and digital roadmap aligned to organisational priorities.
• Identify opportunities for automation, efficiency gains, and technology‑enabled transformation.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, cyber threats, and regulatory developments.
• Drive continuous improvement across data, governance, and security domains.

About you

• Experience – 8+ years’ experience, with a technical background and proven experience leading teams.
• Soft Skills – Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a customer‑oriented mindset.
• Problem‑Solving – Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
• Education – Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strategic Mindset – Ability to understand and consider the broader business context and long‑term implications of technical decisions.
• Ownership & Innovation – Willingness to take ownership, innovate, and proactively seek opportunities to drive impact beyond immediate tasks.
• Strong focus on delivering solutions that align with business goals and address real‑world challenges effectively.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, resilience, and a can‑do approach to tackling challenges and driving success.

Benefits

• Competitive basic salary
• 25 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to wellbeing and mental health benefits such as the Calm app, personal medical insurance, critical illness cover and dental insurance
• Pension contribution
• Access to our car benefit scheme
• Access to our online learning platform to continue to develop and grow your career with us.

Location

The business is currently based in our offices in Southwark. The position is full time and office based.

Equal Opportunity

Believ is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our people. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. If you don’t meet every requirement but are excited by the role, we’d still love to hear from you.

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