Head of IT

Head of IT required to join an established UK organisation in West Lothian at an exciting stage of its technology journey. This is a strategic technology leadership role responsible for shaping the future technology roadmap, leading digital transformation, strengthening information security and, most importantly, understanding what the business needs from technology for the future. The Organisation This is a well-established UK organisation with a long history and a strong reputation within its sector.

Over the years, the business has grown significantly, evolving from its traditional roots into a broader, multi-site organisation. Despite its heritage, the organisation has always been forward-thinking and understands the importance of technology in supporting its future. As the business continues to develop, there is a clear focus on ensuring its technology, systems and processes evolve alongside it. The organisation is now at an important point in that journey.

A number of its core business systems have historically been bespoke, and they're actively moving towards more scalable, modern and commercially supported platforms. They've recently implemented Microsoft Business Central, are beginning to introduce Salesforce and have further core systems that will need to be reviewed, replaced and rationalised. This creates a genuinely exciting opportunity for technology to have a meaningful impact across the organisation.

Rather than simply maintaining existing systems, there's an appetite to challenge how things are currently done, identify what the business actually needs from technology for the future and build a more connected, effective and secure technology landscape.

The Role This is a strategic technology leadership position with responsibility across technology strategy, digital transformation, information security, infrastructure and IT service delivery. You'll work closely with the IT Director and wider senior leadership team to understand the future direction of the business and determine what technology needs to look like to support it. You'll have significant scope to shape the direction of technology across the organisation.

With a small IT team, this isn't a role focused on managing a large technology function; it's about providing direction, bringing ideas and influencing the wider business to deliver meaningful change. A key part of the role will be leading the continued modernisation of the application landscape. You'll help define which systems the business needs for the future, lead the replacement of legacy and bespoke applications and ensure platforms such as Business Central and Salesforce are being used effectively.

Alongside this, you'll have responsibility for the wider Microsoft technology environment and IT infrastructure, including Azure, Microsoft 365, servers, networks, communications, devices, backup and recovery and IT service delivery. You'll ensure the technology estate remains secure, resilient and fit for purpose while continuing to evolve alongside the business. Information security will also be a major part of the role. You'll own the organisation's cyber security programme, ensuring appropriate governance, controls, security tooling and resilience are in place, while maintaining the relevant accreditations and standards.

AI and emerging technology will form part of the forward-looking strategy too. The organisation is interested in understanding where these technologies can add genuine value, and you'll have the opportunity to identify opportunities around automation, process improvement and AI adoption while ensuring appropriate governance and security are in place. This is a role for someone who wants to make their mark.

You'll be expected to challenge existing thinking, bring new ideas and provide a clear sense of direction, with the opportunity to influence senior stakeholders and shape how technology supports the organisation's next phase. What They're Looking For  Proven experience developing technology strategies and roadmaps aligned to wider business objectives  A strong track record of delivering digital transformation and technology change programmes  Strong understanding of information and cyber security, ideally including Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001 or NIST  Strong Microsoft technology experience across Azure, Microsoft 365 and wider IT infrastructure  Experience overseeing servers, networks, end-user technology, communications, backup/recovery and IT service delivery  Strong senior stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate technology strategy, risk and investment at Board level  

Experience with ERP or CRM platforms;
Microsoft Dynamics/Business Central experience would be advantageous  An understanding of AI strategy, governance and the opportunities emerging technologies can create  Strong leadership skills, with the ability to provide direction and develop a small technology team  A genuine interest in technology and a desire to…