IT Manager

At Keystone, we rely on modern, secure and scalable IT services to support our business and teams across Europe. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a hands‑on Head of IT to own our IT strategy, security posture and service delivery, while remaining close to the underlying technology. The ideal candidate combines strong technical experience in Microsoft 365 and SaaS environments with leadership capability and is comfortable balancing strategic ownership with hands‑on technical responsibility.

The role will play a key part in simplifying, standardising and improving IT services following recent growth, with a focus on pragmatism, security, and operational effectiveness rather than large‑scale transformation. Our organisation operates in a hybrid model, with flexible activity‑based hubs in multiple European locations and a remote workforce elsewhere.

This is a player–coach role. While the Head of IT will provide clear leadership, governance and direction, they will also act as the primary technical authority for Microsoft 365, identity and device management, working closely with an external MSP and internal first‑line support.

The role will be based from our Sheffield or Stockholm hub and will require some travel between other Keystone locations in Europe.

• Lead a small internal IT team across multiple locations, providing direction, coaching and technical oversight, while leveraging an external MSP for day‑to‑day operational support. Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture, ensuring team members align with the strategic IT vision.

• Define and maintain a clear IT strategy and roadmap focused on stability, security, scalability and user experience within a SaaS‑first environment. Collaborate with executive leadership to align IT centralisation efforts with overall business objectives.

• Own the architecture, standards and guardrails for Microsoft 365, identity, device management and core SaaS platforms, ensuring consistency, security and maintainability.
• Act as the internal technical authority for Microsoft 365, including Entra , Intune, security configuration and governance.
• Implement best practices for data security, system scalability, and performance optimisation.

• Own the relationship with the managed service provider, including scope definition, performance management and escalation.
• Ensure a clear division of responsibilities between internal IT, MSP and third parties.
• Maintain oversight of day‑to‑day IT operations without being drawn into routine ticket resolution.

• Develop and implement change management strategies to minimise disruptions and ensure a smooth transition for end‑users.
• Oversee and prioritise IT projects and improvements, ensuring they are well scoped, delivered effectively, and aligned with business priorities.
• Establish project timelines, milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of initiatives.

• Agree and manage an IT services budget across cloud, hardware, software, telecoms and infosec categories.
• Take ownership of Microsoft licensing strategy and optimisation, ensuring cost‑effective use of M365 and SaaS platforms.
• Evaluate and negotiate contracts with external vendors and service providers.
• Ensure vendor relationships are optimised to meet the organisation's goals and standards.

• Own the organisation’s IT security posture and risk management in collaboration with the MSP.
• Define and maintain security standards, policies and baseline configurations.
• Act as the primary point of accountability for information security and audit readiness.

• Establish monitoring mechanisms to track the performance and effectiveness of IT services.
• Prepare regular reports for executive leadership, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Strong experience in a senior 2nd line, systems engineering or technical lead role,…