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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 improvement

Skills and Experience

Essential:
* 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

If this Head of IT opportunity sounds of interest, please contact Nick Trussler at NickTrussler@SpectrumIT.co.uk or call on 02380 765282.

Spectrum IT Recruitment (South) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.