Head of IT

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of IT (Operations) to oversee our client’s day-to-day delivery, stability, and performance of the firm’s technology function.

The role is office based only.

This is a hands-on, operational leadership role, focused on ensuring IT services, internal development, and management information systems run reliably, securely, and efficiently to support the business.

They are a specialist in the provision of debt resolution and legal services relating to Civil and Commercial litigation, debt recovery, property, and High Court Enforcement disputes. We focus on providing a contemporary low touch, bespoke service in our specialist field of debt recovery and litigation for the Group.

Key Responsibilities

• IT Operations & Service Management

Own the day-to-day operation of IT services across the business

Ensure systems, infrastructure, networks, and end-user technology are stable, secure, and fit for purpose

Oversee incident management, problem resolution, and service continuity

Maintain effective onboarding and offboarding processes

Ensure appropriate business continuity, backup, and disaster recovery arrangements are in place

• Team Leadership & Oversight

Provide line management and operational oversight for:

• IT Services Manager
• Lead Developer
• BI / MI Analytics Manager

Set clear priorities, workloads, and delivery expectations

Ensure teams are aligned to operational business needs together with a clear view of long-term roadmap delivery

Support performance management, development, and recruitment where required

• Development Oversight (Operational)

Oversee the internal development team from a delivery and governance perspective, not hands-on coding

Ensure:

• Development work is prioritised appropriately
• Releases are controlled and well-managed
• Systems are supported post-deployment
• Act as the operational link between development and business users
• Ensure technical debt, fixes, and enhancements are managed pragmatically
• MI & Reporting Oversight

Oversee the MI / BI function to ensure:

• Reporting is accurate, timely, and trusted
• Dashboards and datasets support operational decision-making
• Data quality issues are identified and resolved
• Act as escalation point for MI delivery or resourcing issues
• Systems, Security & Compliance
• Ensure IT systems comply with internal policies and relevant regulatory requirements (e.g. GDPR, access controls)
• Maintain appropriate user access, audit trails, and security controls
• Work with external suppliers and internal stakeholders on security, risk, and compliance matters
• Ensure documentation, procedures, and change controls are maintained
• Supplier & Vendor Management
• Manage third-party IT suppliers, software vendors, and support partners
• Control licensing, renewals, and operational costs
• Ensure suppliers meet agreed service levels
• Stakeholder Support
• Act as the primary IT escalation point for senior management
• Work closely with Operations, Legal, Client Services, and Finance to resolve technology issues
• Translate operational business needs into clear IT actions

Experience and Education

Essential:

• Strong background in IT operations and service delivery
• Proven experience managing IT, development, or data teams – we would prefer 5-10 years’ experience working in IT, with 3-5 years of management or leadership experience
• Experience supporting business-critical systems in a regulated or operational environment
• Comfortable acting as an escalation point and decision-maker

Desirable:

• Experience overseeing internal development teams
• Familiarity with MI / BI reporting environments
• Experience managing third-party IT suppliers

Education:

A bachelor's or Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, infrastructure management or a related technical field would be preferred, but we will consider candidates with significant experience in lieu of a formal qualification.

Certifications:

Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CISSP) can be beneficial.

Benefits you will receive:

• Monday – Friday schedule (36.5 hours per week, early finish on Fridays – no weekend or evening work)
• Early finish Fridays
• Dress Down Fridays
• 30 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Newly refurbished offices
• Free Mersey Gateway bridge pass
• Free parking
• Free tea and coffee facilities
• Free monthly lunch
• Employer contributed pension (applicable after qualifying period)
• Full training provided
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Rapidly expanding multi-functional operation