Head of IT and Information Security

This role is critical to the ongoing success of the firm, ensuring our technology, systems, security and internal services enable our consultants and clients to operate effectively, securely and efficiently. The successful candidate will be joining the business at a pivotal stage in our growth, where IT and information security will play a key role in enabling the firm to scale headcount, clients and services over the next few years.

The successful candidate will lead operational IT, service delivery, Microsoft 365 environment, security, and core business applications, while proactively developing the IT function to support company growth, new hires, and evolving client and security requirements. This role requires a commercially aware, proactive and improvement-focused technology leader who can balance operational stability with innovation, automation and continuous improvement.

What responsibilities will I have?

IT Leadership & Strategy

• Own and be accountable for the firm's IT function and take responsibility for shaping the function to be efficient, responsive, and able to scale in line with business strategy and growth trajectory
• Develop and deliver the IT roadmap aligned with company growth plans
• Ensure IT systems support business operations, delivery teams and remote working
• A commercial mindset to identify additional revenue streams from our clients who require IT support that may include website support, CRM development and MS O365 and sharepoint set up
• Identify opportunities for automation, efficiency and technology improvements
• Manage IT budget, suppliers and technology procurement
• Provide IT leadership to SLT and report activity monthly at internal Operations meeting

IT Operations & Service Delivery

• Manage day-to-day IT operations and oversee service desk function
• Lead and manage a small IT team (2 IT Support Officers) to ensure reliable and secure operation of:
• Microsoft 365 (Office 365) / Teams / Sharepoint
• Identity and access management
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Core business and ERP-related applications
• Provide client facing support services as required
• Maintain all IT policies, procedures and documentation
• Ensure SLAs and service standards are met
• Manage third-party IT and hosting suppliers

Information Security & Compliance

• Own the firm's information security strategy and controls
• Lead annual Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus certification
• Support and develop policies and practices aligned to ISO 27001 and ensure annual certification is retained

Systems & Applications

• Own core business systems and internal applications
• Manage integrations and system improvements
• Support ERP consulting teams with internal tooling and environments where needed

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Provide steer and input to the exploitation of AI and related technologies to improve business operations and outcomes
• Drive automation and process improvement across the business
• Keep up to date with IT best practice and latest tools and technologies where beneficial to the firm

Do you have experience in SharePoint?, * You may have a degree in any of the following disciplines; Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Business Information Systems

• You should ideally hold the ITIL certification and may also have certifications relating to information systems security
• Previous experience leading IT within an ambitious and growing SME or professional services firm to include setting IT strategy for the function, managing budgets, leading small IT teams, managing third-party providers, and ensuring IT services support business growth, operational delivery and client requirements
• Strong hands-on and strategic experience administering and developing a Microsoft 365 cloud environment, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, OneDrive, Intune device management, and Entra ID (Azure AD) identity and access management
• Experience managing IT operations in a service-led environment, including ownership of service desk processes, ticketing systems, SLAs, incident management, problem management, change management and service improvement
• Experience implementing or managing annual Cyber Essentials Plus certifications
• Previous experience in achieving ISO 27001 certification and regular audits including development of information security policies, risk registers, asset registers, incident management procedures, access control policies, and business continuity and disaster recovery planning

What personal attributes are important to demonstrate?

• A proactive self-starter who takes full ownership and accountability of the IT function and identifies risks, inefficiencies and opportunities while working at pace to meet the demands of an evolving business
• Must be hands-on and comfortable operating at both leadership and operational levels. Willing to get involved in technical issues, systems administration, troubleshooting, implementations and improvements where required, while also setting direction, standards and strategy for the IT function.
• Focused on building an IT function that is scalable, efficient and future fit for a growing professional services firm
• Highly organised with a sense of urgency in managing multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, while maintaining IT service standards
• A growth mindset in taking responsibility for resolving issues and driving improvements across systems, security and processes

Pulled from the full job description

• Referral programme
• Annual leave
• Sick pay
• Bereavement leave
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Additional leave, * A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion to work in a collaborative and supportive environment that respects and values all team members in their contributions.
• A positive work / life balance and paid Volunteer Days so we can give back
• Buy up to 10 days of annual leave plus a Christmas Office shutdown for all employees
• A sense of belonging, a shared vision and values that highlights our purpose and mission
• A passion for people and keeping our team and our clients at the heart of our business
• Autonomy, opportunity for growth and ongoing Professional Development
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives - Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Program and a commitment to providing physical and mental health support where needed.

Full job spec on request. You must be eligible to work in the UK on a permanent basis and be able to travel to the Sheffield office for 3 days each week., * Additional leave

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Free flu jabs
• Life insurance
• Paid volunteer time
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Work from home