Head of IT; AI​/CRM​/PHP

Position: Head of IT (AI / CRM / PHP)

Head of IT – Lead a Full-Stack Transformation

Are you ready to lead the modernisation and AI-driven transformation of an entire technology ecosystem?

My client, a high-growth UK business, is looking for an experienced and hands-on Head of IT to take full ownership of their technology evolution - from infrastructure to innovation, CRM performance to AI integration.

This is a pivotal leadership role that combines technical depth, strategic oversight, and operational excellence. Based on-site in Manchester, you'll drive tangible change, scalability, and innovation across the organisation.

Why This Role Matters

The company’s in-house CRM is mission-critical — handling everything from leads and payments to communications and workflow automation. With strong foundations in place (PHP 8+, MySQL 8, Redis, AWS), the next step is transformation :

• AI / ML-powered automation
• Cybersecurity hardening
• Platform integration and performance optimisation

The successful candidate will help position the business for scale, operational efficiency, and a potential future exit.

What You’ll Be Doing AI / Automation & CRM Modernisation

Lead rollout of 30+ AI / ML features including voice AI, automation, and predictive tools

Overhaul the legacy CRM’s UI / UX into a modern, high-performance platform

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

Own enterprise cybersecurity strategy, audits, and incident response

Design post-attack processes and lead quarterly vulnerability assessments

Infrastructure & Performance

Optimise PHP / MySQL stack for speed, uptime, and stability

Resolve CRM bottlenecks and implement diagnostic monitoring tools

Systems Integration & Data Strategy

Integrate platforms like Speech

IQ and HR tools into a centralised data ecosystem

Enable cross-platform data sharing to drive automation and insight

Disaster Recovery & Continuity

Design and implement a DRP, ensure reliable backups and test failover scenarios

Leadership & Delivery

Manage the IT, development, infrastructure, and AI functions

Run agile projects, prioritise initiatives, and communicate clearly across teams

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Proven leadership as Head of IT, CTO, or senior technical leader in tech-driven or scaling businesses

Deep knowledge of :

PHP 8+, MySQL 8, Apache 2.4, Redis

AI / ML tools (speech / NLP, automation, prediction engines)

Cloud infrastructure (preferably AWS)

Cybersecurity best practices, disaster recovery, and penetration testing

Demonstrated success in modernising platforms, leading performance turnarounds, and delivering new systems

Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and business alignment

Success Will Be Measured By

• Delivery of AI roadmap and automation efficiency gains
• Noticeable improvement in platform speed, uptime, and stability
• Zero breaches or vulnerabilities post-security audits
• Seamless integration of tools into unified systems
• Successful implementation and testing of a disaster recovery plan
• Positive user feedback on platform improvements

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