Head of IT and Digital Services

Position: Head of IT and Digital ServicesLocation: ManchesterEmployment Type: Full-Time Package: £70K - £80K DOE plus benefits

We’re looking for an ambitious, hands-on IT professional who’s ready to take the next step in their career. This is the perfect opportunity for someone who’s been working in IT — perhaps in infrastructure, development, systems, or automation — and is now ready to move into a hybrid role that combines doing with leading. You’ll be stepping into your first formal management position, with the chance to shape a small, skilled team while continuing to contribute directly to the delivery of projects, services, and automation.

Overview:

• Lead and support three teams (IT, Software Development, InfoSec) 
• Continue to work hands-on, especially in areas like automation, systems improvement, and service delivery
• Improve internal IT services and drive efficiency through technology
• Identify opportunities to automate manual business processes and help the business do more with less
• Develop your leadership skills on the job, growing into full management responsibilities over time

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a strong background in IT delivery (e.g. systems, dev, automation, support)
• Wants to lead by example, not just manage from a distance
• Enjoys solving real business problems with practical, efficient solutions
• Sees the potential in building high-performing teams and services from the ground up

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Proven experience in a senior IT or technical role (e.g. infrastructure, dev, automation)
• Strong technical capability with hands-on experience in systems support or solution delivery
• Experience working with internal IT systems, development projects, or business automation
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g. Azure, AWS) and modern IT practices
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead by example
• Clear problem-solving mindset with a practical, delivery-oriented approach

Desirable:

• Previous team leadership, mentoring, or line management experience (formal or informal)
• Experience leading small cross-functional teams or technical delivery groups
• Exposure to business process mapping, systems integration, or low-code automation
• Understanding of BI/reporting tools and their implementation
• Knowledge of information security principles and internal compliance frameworks (e.g. ISO27001)
• Exposure to software development environments or tools

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a growing internal tech function, deliver real improvements across the business, and develop your own career at the same time.

If you're practical, driven, and excited to make a difference, this role is for you.