Head of IT

Are you an experienced, hands-on IT leader looking for a role where you can build a function from the ground up while keeping critical systems running?

Our client is a newly established organisation within the rail and logistics sector, operating at significant national scale. This role offers a rare opportunity to take ownership of IT during a business separation, ensuring continuity while shaping a modern, SaaS-led technology environment.

Head of IT Birmingham (Hybrid) Up to £80,000 per annum + Bonus + Benefits

In this role, you will be accountable for the stability, security, and performance of all IT and Operational Technology environments. You'll build and lead a team of circa 8, while ensuring 24/7 operational continuity across a complex, multi-site estate.

We're looking for someone pragmatic, structured, and delivery-focused Head of IT who can hit the ground running, take ownership of a time-critical transition, and bring clarity, control, and resilience to the IT function., Lead the transition and knowledge migration from the existing IT team to ensure no loss of critical system understanding

• Build, lead, and develop a new IT operations team (around 8 people)
• Ensure 24/7 availability and reliability of IT and OT systems supporting business operations
• Oversee infrastructure including networks, cloud platforms, servers, and end-user environments
• Implement and maintain structured incident, problem, and change management processes
• Lead root cause analysis and drive preventative improvements
• Own disaster recovery and business continuity planning, ensuring resilience across all systems
• Maintain strong cybersecurity controls, including patching, vulnerability management, and access control
• Manage third-party vendors, SLAs, and IT operational budgets
• Drive a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvementSkills and Experience

• Proven experience leading IT operations in a multi-site or operational environment
• Strong technical background across infrastructure, cloud, and cybersecurity
• Experience supporting or working alongside Operational Technology (OT) environments
• Demonstrable ownership of system uptime, service performance, and incident management
• Experience building or developing IT teams
• Strong vendor management and budget oversight experience
• Calm, structured approach with the ability to perform under pressure
• Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders

Desirable:

• Experience within regulated or safety-critical industries (e.g. rail, transport, energy, utilities, manufacturing)
• Experience in business separation, carve-out, or greenfield environments
• Exposure to SaaS-led transformations or modernisation programmes