IT Integration Leader – Mergers, Acquisition & Divestments £100-140,000 per annum & Excellent Benefits Reports To: CIO / VP of IT Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (Cambridge HQ) Position Summary: Our Aerospace & Defence client are seeking a seasoned IT Integration / Transformation Leader to oversee and execute the end-to-end technology integration of a recently acquired company. This critical leadership role will ensure seamless alignment of systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and compliance frameworks while minimizing disruption to business operations. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in IT integration, M&A, and defence industry requirements including CMMC, NIST, and ITAR compliance. Key Responsibilities: Integration Strategy: Develop and execute a detailed IT integration plan aligned with corporate objectives, risk profiles, and defence sector requirements. Conduct comprehensive IT due diligence and gap assessments across both entities. Define key milestones, KPIs, and risk mitigation strategies for the integration process. Technology & Infrastructure Assess, consolidate, and align IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, communication systems, and security frameworks between organizations. Oversee migration, consolidation, or harmonization of infrastructure (networks, data centres, cloud services, etc.). Integrate enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, HRIS, etc.) while ensuring minimal disruption to business continuity. Cybersecurity & Compliance: Ensure all IT environments comply with defence industry standards (e.g., ITAR, CMMC, NIST, ISO 27001) and internal security policies throughout the integration process. Collaborate with InfoSec teams to assess and implement necessary security controls during integration. Stakeholder Collaboration & Vendor Management Serve as the primary IT liaison to executive stakeholders, providing regular updates on integration status and risks. Partner with cross-functional leaders (Engineering, Operations, HR, Finance) to align IT efforts with broader business integration. Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers supporting integration workstreams. Work closely with all parties to drive integration activities with minimal disruption. Change Management: Lead organizational change initiatives, including communication strategies, user training, and cultural alignment across IT teams to ensure organizational buy-in and user adoption. Risk Management: Identify, monitor, and mitigate technology risks related to the integration while safeguarding sensitive defence-related data and operations. Performance Tracking: Establish KPIs to measure the success of the integration program, reporting progress regularly to the CIO and executive leadership. Team Leadership: Lead cross-functional IT teams, including internal staff and external consultants, to execute integration projects on time and within budget. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (Master’s preferred). 10 years of progressive IT leadership experience, with a strong background in M&A integration. Proven experience in defence or government contracting environments with working knowledge of CMMC, NIST, DFARS, and ITAR. Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-system integrations. Strong project management skills with PMP or similar certification preferred. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Active or eligible for a U.S. Security Clearance is highly preferred. Why Join? Be a key architect in shaping the future of a growing, mission-driven enterprise. Work in a dynamic, high-impact environment blending innovation and national security. Enjoy competitive compensation, professional growth opportunities, and a strong culture of collaboration.