Head of IT
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Morgan Hunt is proud to be working exclusively with the Communications Workers Union (CWU) to recruit a highly experienced Head of IT. This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the union's technology strategy during a period of major digital transformation.
You will lead the IT function end-to-end - spanning operations, cyber security, cloud services, membership systems, and the delivery of a multi-year digital transformation agenda. This is a rare opportunity to hold a strategic role within a values-led, membership-focused organisation at the forefront of national advocacy and workplace change.
The Role
As Head of IT, you will serve as the CWU's senior technology leader, accountable for:
- Setting and delivering a multi-year IT & Digital Transformation Strategy
- Ensuring robust cyber security, data protection and regulatory compliance (UK GDPR)
- Managing a Microsoft-centric cloud estate (M365, Entra/Active Directory, Azure)
- Overseeing CRM systems, websites, data platforms, and enterprise applications
- Leading IT operations, infrastructure, end-user devices, telephony, and conferencing
- Managing IT suppliers, contracts, and a budget of approx. £417k
- Managing and developing a team of 4 IT professionals
- Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leadership and key stakeholders
- Providing strategic insight, horizon scanning, and technology innovation expertise
You will also play a central role in progressing the union's two-to-three-year Digital Transformation Programme, ensuring technology adoption, service quality, resilience, and modernisation remain at the heart of CWU operations.
About the CWU
- A national membership organisation representing workers across communications and related sectors
- A values-driven organisation with strong commitments to data protection, member service, and operational resilience
- Operating a hybrid cloud infrastructure with increasing reliance on Microsoft 365 and cloud platforms
- Undergoing ongoing transformation following several years of significant national activity and organisational change
Requirements
- 5-10+ years' senior IT leadership (Head of IT / IT Manager / IT Director or equivalent)
- Proven delivery of IT strategies and transformation programmes
- Strong cyber security and information governance expertise in complex or regulated environments
- Hands-on Microsoft expertise - M365, Azure, Entra/Active Directory
- Experience managing teams, budgets, suppliers, and multi-vendor environments
- Excellent communication skills with confidence engaging at senior levels
- Right to work in the UK (no sponsorship available)
Highly Desirable
- Experience in membership bodies, unions, public/third sector, or similarly complex organisations
- Experience centralising or modernising devolved IT
- Exposure to Dynamics 365, Power Platform, or Power BI
- Experience working with constrained budgets
- Understanding of DNS, SPF, DMARC, DKIM