> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/101129-it-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/101129-it-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # IT Lead - **Company:** Finova - **Location:** Salford, UK (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft Azure, Software as a Service, Collaborative Software, IT Management, Information Technology Operations, Productivity Software, Microsoft SharePoint, User Environment Management, IT General Controls (ITGC), Microsoft Power Automate, Office365, Microsoft InTune, Gsuite - **Published:** May 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=0f998cc7db57263e ## About the Role Do you have experience in SharePoint?, * Proven IT Leadership: Significant experience leading and developing internal IT teams (Service Desk and Infrastructure) within a regulated, enterprise, or fast-growing technology environment. * Transformation Track Record: A proven history of tackling inherited process bottlenecks-specifically modernizing the Joiners, Movers, Leavers (JML) lifecycle and reining in shadow IT/decentralized SaaS purchasing. * Ecosystem Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of the Microsoft/M365 ecosystem (Entra ID, Intune, Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, Azure) alongside a solid working knowledge of Google Workspace administration. * ITIL & Governance: Strong background in IT Service Management (ITSM), with the ability to embed practical, ITIL-aligned frameworks without introducing unnecessary bureaucracy. * Vendor & Budget Management: Experienced in negotiating with strategic vendors, overseeing SLAs, managing contract renewals, and balancing an operational budget. * Forward-Thinking Mindset: Familiarity with leveraging automation, self-service, and the controlled rollout of AI productivity tools (like Microsoft Copilot) to help an organization scale. ## Description Finova is seeking an experienced and hands-on Head of IT to lead and develop the internal IT function on a permanent basis. * Core Responsibility: Oversee the full breadth of internal IT across Finova, including end-user computing, identity/access, collaboration platforms, networking, internal systems, and daily employee tech experience. * Key Focus: Transform IT from a reactive function into a well-run, well-governed service. Energy is required for resolving critical process issues (e.g., centralizing decentralized application purchasing, modernizing the JML lifecycle). * Technical Ecosystem: Requires deep technical expertise across Microsoft Azure, M365, and Google Workspace. * Location: Hybrid role, based in Finova's Manchester office at least 3 days per week, with travel to other offices as required., You are a pragmatic, operationally minded IT leader who thrives on turning chaos into order. You don't just manage systems-you transform them, bringing governance to decentralized environments and turning reactive IT support into a highly efficient, trusted business service., * The "Fixer" Mentality: You are genuinely energized by diagnosing root causes, rebuilding broken processes end-to-end, and driving operational maturity. * Credible Communicator: You possess the stakeholder management skills necessary to engage confidently with department heads, HR, Finance, and the executive leadership team. * Collaborative Change Agent: You know how to centralize governance and introduce strict IT controls smoothly, earning the trust and buy-in of the business rather than creating friction. What will you be doing? Leadership & Oversight * Team Management: Lead and manage the internal IT team, ensuring continuity, performance, development, and morale. * Daily Operations: Provide oversight of IT operations, including the service desk, infrastructure, end-user computing, and collaboration platforms. * Employee Experience: Own the technology experience end-to-end-from onboarding hardware to daily support-ensuring staff have the tools and access needed. * Strategic Direction: Build an internal IT roadmap that supports business growth, scale, and operational maturity. Process, Governance, and Service Delivery * Process Remediation: Diagnose and resolve critical process issues, bringing structure, governance, and reporting to areas that have grown ad-hoc. * ITSM Practices: Define and operate ITIL-aligned service management practices (incident, problem, change, and request management) scaled appropriately for Finova. * JML Lifecycle: Rebuild the Joiners, Movers, Leavers (JML) process end-to-end across HR, IT, and the business for fast onboarding, clean transitions, and prompt access revocation. * Operational Visibility: Drive improvements in service desk metrics, asset inventory, and system health, reporting meaningfully to leadership. * Compliance: Develop and maintain IT policies, standards, and documentation to ensure consistent, auditable operations. Vendor & Stakeholder Management * Vendor Relations: Manage relationships with key IT vendors and service providers to ensure service levels, value for money, and strategic alignment. * Contract Oversight: Oversee external vendors, including SLAs, contract management, and renewals. * Business Liaison: Act as the senior IT point of contact, engaging credibly with department heads, finance, HR, and leadership on technology decisions. * Budgeting: Manage the IT budget, balancing operational stability with forward-looking investments. ## Related Videos - [Your Manager Doesn’t Come with a User Manual (But You Can Totally Write One)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1495-your-manager-doesn-t-come-with-a-user-manual-but-you-can-totally-write-one) - [The Intent Engineer: Closing the Gap Between Business & Engineering - Manuel Klein](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1855-the-intent-engineer-closing-the-gap-between-business-engineering-manuel-klein) - [Engineering/Manager Pendulum: Generating compound interest on your career](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100348-engineering-manager-pendulum-generating-compound-interest-on-your-career) - [Develop enterprise-ready applications for Microsoft Teams with Azure resources on modern web technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/187-develop-enterprise-ready-applications-for-microsoft-teams-with-azure-resources-on-modern-web-technologies) - [Unlocking the potential of Digital & IT at Vodafone](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/602-unlocking-the-potential-of-digital-it-at-vodafone) - [Decode Your People: Using PCM to Build High-Performance Teams](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100194-decode-your-people-using-pcm-to-build-high-performance-teams) ## Related Articles - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [Best Companies to work for in London: Top 25 Companies in 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/187-best-companies-to-work-for-in-london-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [IT Salaries in UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/288-it-salaries-in-uk) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)