Head of Information Technology

Company Overview

Founded in 2015 and based in Milton Keynes, England, we rank among the UK's leading Amazon sellers. We collaborate with prominent global brands and license partners, offering a wide range of licensed products from well-known brands such as Marvel, Disney, Pokémon, Harry Potter, notable football clubs, KPop Demon Hunters, Minecraft, and others, serving millions of customers across the globe.

Our growth extends beyond Amazon through an omnichannel approach that includes platforms like TikTok Shop, SHEIN, Temu, Debenhams, and leading marketplaces throughout Europe, North America, Mexico, and the UAE.

Role Overview

We are looking for a seasoned and business-focused Head of IT to initiate and lead our brand-new IT department. This expansive leadership position encompasses IT strategy formulation, infrastructure management, systems administration, cybersecurity, migrations, policy development, AI integration, vendor management, and operational oversight.

The ideal candidate will be both visionary and practical, able to define technological direction while handling vital operational and technical challenges personally.

Main Responsibilities

• Formulate and own a comprehensive IT strategy and a 12-24 month technology roadmap aligned with the company's overall goals.
• Build the IT structure from inception including team setup, processes, governance, and resource planning.
• Lead and expand the internal IT team while managing relationships with managed service providers (MSPs), consultants, and specialized technology partners.
• Serve as the senior technology executive collaborating with the Executive Leadership Team to identify technological opportunities, assess risks, and prioritize initiatives.
• Oversee IT infrastructure such as networks, connectivity, cloud services, servers, Microsoft 365, devices, telephony, and collaboration tools.
• Implement dependable, secure, and scalable IT operations covering monitoring, maintenance, support, asset control, and software licensing.
• Establish technical standards and ensure thorough documentation and maintenance of systems.
• Develop a professional IT service model encompassing service desk, incident management, change management, and user support.
• Manage company business systems and applications to ensure alignment with current and future business needs.
• Assess current technology assets to identify redundancies, legacy systems, technical debt, inefficiencies, and integration opportunities.
• Create a clear roadmap for applications and systems including recommendations for replacement, consolidation, or further investment.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to enhance processes using technology, automation, and improved system integration.
• Lead large-scale technology migration and transformation projects covering cloud solutions, infrastructure, systems, applications, and data.
• Design migration strategies including business cases, budgets, testing, and implementation plans minimizing operational disruption.
• Modernize legacy technology frameworks to establish scalable architectures supporting future company expansion.
• Ensure project delivery effectiveness via clear ownership, communication, risk management, and outcome tracking.
• Direct IT security strategy implementation with controls appropriate for company scale, risk profile, and compliance requirements.
• Enhance identity and access management, multi-factor authentication, endpoint security, patching, vulnerability management, email and network security.
• Develop robust procedures for security incidents, privileged access, third-party risk management, security awareness, and continuous risk evaluation.
• Coordinate with external security experts as needed and maintain ongoing security enhancement programs.
• Create and uphold IT policies and procedures relating to information security, acceptable use, access control, remote work, and device governance.
• Implement formalized processes for staff onboarding/offboarding, access permissions, software approvals, change controls, and security incident response.
• Establish governance frameworks with reporting and performance metrics for the Executive Leadership Team.
• Ensure adherence to data protection regulations, contractual obligations, and relevant industry standards within IT practices.
• Develop a comprehensive backup strategy for critical systems and data with appropriate retention and restore protocols.
• Maintain and regularly test an IT Disaster Recovery Plan with defined priorities and recovery objectives.
• Address any weaknesses discovered from backup and recovery tests promptly.
• Support organizational business continuity planning and promote technology resilience.
• Drive the company’s AI and automation initiatives, identifying pragmatic applications to enhance productivity and workflows.
• Evaluate AI platforms and ensure responsible governance concerning security, confidentiality, and data privacy.
• Support adoption of AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and similar enterprise AI systems where applicable.
• Spot opportunities to automate routine tasks and advise leadership on emerging technological developments.
• Manage IT budget, investment strategies, and operational expenditures with a focus on cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee relationships and contracts with IT suppliers, MSPs, software vendors, consultants, and technology partners, monitoring performance and service quality.
• Review software licensing and supplier agreements to optimize costs and consolidate resources where feasible.
• Prepare detailed business cases for significant technology investments communicating financials, benefits, risks, and priorities to senior executives.

Candidate Profile

• Proven leadership experience as Head of IT, IT Director, Senior IT Manager, or a comparable role, preferably within mid-sized companies.
• Extensive knowledge of infrastructure, cloud computing, Microsoft 365, business applications, cybersecurity, IT operations, and tech transformations.
• Hands-on expertise in forming, reorganizing, and leading IT departments, including internal staffing and external technology partnerships.
• Track record of successfully delivering system migrations, managing IT budget and vendors, drafting IT policies, and implementing security and disaster recovery measures.

Desired Experience

• Hands-on experience with AI, automation, or digital transformation projects.
• Familiarity with ERP, CRM, and other enterprise systems along with their integration capabilities.
• Background in supporting mergers, acquisitions, or expansive business growth initiatives.
• Knowledge of relevant standards and certifications like ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials/Plus, ITIL, or equivalent frameworks.

Personal Attributes

• Capable of balancing strategic vision with day-to-day operational leadership.
• Effective communicator skilled in translating technical complexities into understandable business implications.
• Commercially astute, pragmatic, and adept at managing competing priorities and financial oversight.
• Strong leadership qualities focused on team building, organizational structure, and fostering a proactive IT culture aligned with business goals.

Success Metrics

• Development of a well-structured, professionally managed IT department with appropriate internal teams and external suppliers.
• Establishment of secure, reliable, and scalable infrastructure underpinned by solid systems, policies, governance, and support.
• Delivery of a transparent and actionable technology roadmap covering all critical domains including infrastructure, cybersecurity, migrations, AI, and automation.
• Recognition of IT as a strategic business partner adding measurable value while safeguarding systems, data, and operations.

Benefits

• Casual dress code
• Onsite parking facilities
• Work for a vibrant exchange company
• Employee Assistance Programmes for wellbeing
• Regular social events including seasonal parties
• Surprise wellbeing initiatives and perks
• Birthday leave allowance
• Christmas shopping vouchers within the group
• Employee purchase schemes
• NEST pension scheme participation
• Private medical insurance through Vitality, inclusive of gym discounts and wellness benefits