Overview
The Head of IT is responsible for creating the Group’s IT strategy and its subsequent implementation. The postholder will have both deep IT understanding and knowledge combined with leadership, project management and stakeholder management skills. They will be comfortable working with ambiguity and fast-paced change, while also making a significant positive impact across the organisation. As a key member of our leadership team, you will play a vital role in shaping our technological landscape and ensuring that our IT services align with our business objectives.
About us
Apprentify Group Limited encompasses five trading brands including: Apprentify Limited, Netcom Training Limited, The Juice Academy, IODA and Flourish. The Group provides recruitment, training and development services to its wide range of clients ranging from global corporations and SMEs to public bodies and Combined Authorities. We are a fast-paced, high-growth organisation that’s going from strength to strength: we were recently ranked #1 LinkedIn Top Startup in Manchester.
We look for individuals who thrive with change, seize opportunity and aim for the best.
As an education provider, we take the wellbeing and safeguarding of our learners extremely seriously. The postholder will be required to undergo Safer Recruitment check prior to starting work, including an enhanced DBS check and reference check.
Main Responsibilities
* IT Strategy Development: Define and implement the IT strategy in alignment with the organisation’s objectives, ensuring it is adaptable to changing business needs.
* Leadership and Management: Lead and mentor the IT team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Directly manage the user support technician and manage the external MSP.
* Project Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet stakeholder expectations.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure IT services are aligned with business objectives.
* Software Rationalisation: Assess and manage a wide range of software packages, identifying opportunities for consolidation and optimisation to improve efficiency.
* Data Protection and Compliance: Act as Data Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with GDPR and implementing robust data security measures across the organisation.
* Operational Oversight: Ensure the effective operation of IT systems, security protocols, and user support processes, addressing any issues promptly.
* Change Management: Lead IT initiatives that facilitate organisational change, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption to operations.
Job Requirements
Essential
* Proven experience in IT leadership roles, preferably in a complex, multi-site organisation.
* Strong understanding of IT strategy development and implementation.
* Excellent project management skills with a track record of successful project delivery.
* Ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on fostering collaboration.
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders.
* Experience in software management and rationalisation.
Desirable
* Knowledge of GDPR and data protection regulations.
Success Measures
* IT operations and projects are delivered on time and within budget.
* Excellent user experience.
* All company data is secure and processed in line with applicable laws and best practice.
* Significant organisational impact through IT change programmes.
Other Details
This is a full-time position. The postholder will be required to work at our Wilmslow Head Office a minimum of four days per week and be willing to travel to our other offices (currently in Birmingham, London and Leeds) as required.
The postholder will be entitled to the following benefits:
* 25 days holiday per year, rising to 30 days per year based on length of service, plus the usual Bank Holidays
* 1 day’s paid leave for your Birthday
* 1 Charity Day per year – get a day’s paid leave to work for a good cause
* Option to buy additional holiday
* Generous workplace pension with 5% employer’s contribution
* Life assurance cover – 4 x annual salary
* Private Medical Insurance with AXA, including free access to private GP appointments, cashback on dental and optical bills and an Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to The Loop – our online platform with access to over 700 discounts and cashback deals
This document outlines the key aspects of the job. However, it is impossible to list every element of any job and things change over time. Therefore, the postholder is required to carry out any other reasonable instruction from their line manager.