Interim Head of IT

We are recruiting an Interim Head of IT to provide hands-on leadership, stabilise IT operations, and drive improvements across infrastructure, business systems, data, cyber security, and emerging technologies for our client. The role balances strategic oversight with practical delivery, managing internal teams and external partners to ensure secure, resilient, and future-ready technology that supports the organisation's immediate and long-term priorities.

Client Details

• Based near the Stockport region, our client is renowned for its outstanding collaboration with a range of partners to drive innovation and deliver impactful outcomes.
• The business focuses on developing efficient, forward-looking approaches to support growth, performance, and leadership in its field.
• With a focus of innovation at its centre, they are now seeking a forward-thinking Head of IT to join on an interim basis to both drive strategic evolution and operational efficiency.

Description

• As the Interim Head of IT, you will lead the organisation's technology function, ensuring systems, services, and data are secure, resilient, and fit for immediate business needs. This role balances strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, focusing on stability, risk management, and practical improvement.
• You'll oversee infrastructure, specialist and enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and data, while managing key third-party IT partners. Working closely with senior stakeholders and leading the internal IT team, you'll drive clear outcomes at pace and strengthen technology capability across the organisation.
• The role will work on a part-time basis, offering expert leadership 2-3 days per week, to an organisation that is seeking to undergo an exciting period of transformation.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will cover:

• Leadership: Lead the IT function with a hands-on, delivery mindset, developing internal capability and managing external partners to ensure reliable, high-quality services. Act as the senior IT voice with leadership, shaping priorities and contributing to organisational planning.
• IT Service Management: Stabilise and improve day-to-day IT services, owning the service desk model, embedding KPIs, and ensuring effective change, communication, and transition for new or updated systems.
• Infrastructure: Oversee resilient, secure infrastructure across office, laboratory, and cloud environments, including specialist and scientific systems, with strong focus on availability and disaster recovery.
• Cyber Security: Take ownership of cyber security, risk, and compliance, covering data protection, incident response, vulnerability management, business continuity, and security awareness.
• Business Systems & Data Management: Lead the lifecycle and optimisation of core business systems and data, working with stakeholders to improve processes, governance, data quality, and integration.
• AI & Automation: Shape and deliver a practical approach to AI, automation, and advanced analytics, enabling responsible adoption, secure access, and measurable efficiency gains.
• Vendor Management: Manage IT suppliers, contracts, licensing, and budgets, ensuring strong commercial control, performance management, and value for money.

Profile

As the successful candidate for the Interim Head of IT position, you will be experienced in the following areas:

Essential experience

• Senior leadership experience across IT, digital, or data in complex environments.
• Strong working knowledge of infrastructure, cloud, cyber security, and enterprise systems.
• Proven ability to manage and get results from outsourced technology partners.
• Clear communicator, able to translate technical issues for non-technical audiences.
• Highly organised, delivery-focused, and comfortable making decisions at pace.

Desirable experience

• Experience in scientific, research, or laboratory-based settings.
• Exposure to data governance, enterprise data platforms, AI, or automation.
• Background working in regulated or security-sensitive organisations.

Job Offer

• Daily rate of £450 to £550 (Outside IR35).
• Initial 3 months (Likely Extension).
• Part-time role, working 2-3 days per week.
• Opportunity to lead a key department as the 'number 1', and drive significant transformation.