Head Of Information Technology

Role Overview

This position provides strategic vision and hands-on leadership for all information technology functions that underpin the organisation’s research and administrative operations. Day-to-day, the role crafts and executes IT strategy, governs policies and security, manages a diverse technical team, oversees service delivery and project execution, and ensures the infrastructure powering high-performance computing and research data platforms runs reliably. The work directly enables the programme to meet its mission by keeping systems secure, compliant, and aligned with evolving digital needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the IT strategic plan and align it with organisational goals, then translate that plan into policies, standards, and operational procedures.
• Lead and develop the IT department across service delivery, software development, infrastructure, project management, and risk/security areas; set objectives, conduct performance reviews, and support team growth.
• Oversee daily IT operations to ensure efficient, high-quality service, with particular attention to scientific computing, HPC environments, and research data platforms.
• Direct the organisation’s digital transformation efforts, including cloud adoption, automation initiatives, and responsible use of AI, while identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Manage IT project portfolios—from planning through implementation—ensuring they stay on scope, on time, and within budget, while communicating risks to senior leadership.
• Develop and maintain the cybersecurity strategy, policies, and controls; oversee threat identification, incident response, access management, and security awareness across the programme.
• Create and test business continuity and disaster recovery plans to guarantee resilience of critical systems and data, including backup, restoration, and failover procedures.
• Prepare and monitor the IT budget, handle procurement decisions, negotiate vendor contracts and service-level agreements, and track expenditure to achieve value for money.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Professional certifications such as ITIL, PRINCE2 or PMP, COBIT, CISSP, or CISM; active membership in a recognised ICT professional body.
• At least 12 years of progressive IT experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior management or director-level role.
• Demonstrated expertise in IT strategy development, digital transformation, service management, governance, and cybersecurity risk management.
• Proven ability to oversee IT infrastructure, enterprise systems, project and programme management, and financial processes including budgeting, procurement, and vendor oversight.
• Strong strategic leadership and decision-making skills, with the capacity to motivate cross-functional teams and delegate effectively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities; able to engage with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• High integrity and professionalism, coupled with analytical thinking and the composure to manage pressure, system incidents, and complex organisational demands.