Head of IT Services

About the role

The Head of IT Services is responsible for the management of all IT services for the Motability Foundation and delivery of our digital, data and technology strategy. Working in a single site environment, with a focus on Microsoft technologies, you will ensure that our business continues to operate successfully day-to-day and continues to evolve to meet future challenges.  

Role Accountabilities

Network and Systems

·       Oversee and direct the development of infrastructure of IT applications, networks, security and telecoms.

·       Ensure we have a robust IT business continuity plan that forms part of the overall business continuity strategy.

·       Oversee and direct the procurement of IT hardware, software and maintenance in line with company policy.

·       Ensure that all other IT policies and procedures comply with statutory and regulatory requirements, are regularly reviewed and the required audits are in place to ensure compliance.

·       Oversee all data exchange procedures with Scheme Partners and Government Agencies.

·       Ensure compliance with all hardware and software licensing requirements.

·       Responsible for the management of hardware and software updates ensuring that all systems remain within support and meet the on-going requirements of the business.

·       Ensuring that system and data security is continuously tested for new IT viruses, be alert to new security risks and have plans in place to deal with them.

IT Strategy

·       Design and implement an IT roadmap for all hardware and software in line with the overall Motability Foundation digital, data and technology strategy.  

·       Provide technical and professional support to the Executives in their longer-term review of IT investment strategy based on future business needs and processes.

·       Provide leadership with regards to emerging IT opportunities and threats, providing recommendations to executives as and when required.

·       Maintain our structured project development methodology to ensure that only relevant and supported projects are initiated.

·       Ensure the successful delivery of approved IT projects against agreed timelines, deliverables, and budgets.

Partnering with the Business

·       Act as a partner to the business in identifying and delivering digital, data and technology solutions to support business aims.

·       Work with Senior Management, Scheme Partners and Suppliers to propose, agree and deliver an IT service to defined Service Level Agreements.

·       Continuously seek feedback from the business on the service provided by IT and develop action plans to put in place improvements.

Leading the Team

·       Manage, develop, and motivate the thriving internal IT team of 12.

·       Monitor performance against service level targets ensuring constructive and rapid solutions to problems.

·       Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees; maintaining a safe and secure work environment; developing personal growth opportunities.

·       Empower employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. Delegate responsibility and expect accountability and regular feedback.

·       Role model our values of being collaborative, respectful and evolving.

Managing our Costs

·       Responsible for IT budget of c. £1.7million.

·       Provide regular and ad-hoc reports to present to the Executive Team.

·       Analyse problems, research solutions and present to the Executive Team.

·       Raise and approve regular and ad-hoc IT purchase orders.

What will make you great in this role?

You will have excellent communication skills and a naturally collaborative approach to identifying problems, bringing together solutions, and creating a plan to deliver the changes to make a real difference to the system users. Your ‘can do’ attitude will be balanced with a pragmatic approach to problem solving and the ability manage a range of stakeholder expectations.

You will be passionate about IT adding value to the business and delivering support to our busy teams. Your ability to translate technical issues into meaningful plans will greatly help colleagues who will look to you to learn about new concepts and technologies.

Your experience

Must haves:

·       Significant IT experience which includes a strong knowledge of Microsoft technologies (M365) and Networking (Lan/Wan Cisco technologies).

·       Experience in IT infrastructure planning and development and managing significant capital projects and budgets.

·       Possesses good knowledge of different software systems, client/service architectures and various compatibility requirements.

·       Experience of managing suppliers and supplier relationships.

·       Able to communicate and influence clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.

·       Ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.

·       Maintain a broad and long-term perspective of IT developments to influence forward planning.

·       Take ownership of and analyse problems, implementing practical solutions.

·       Maintain organisational effectiveness and efficiency by defining, delivering and supporting strategic plans for implementing information technologies.

·       Experience working within a not for profit environment.

Nice to haves:

·       IT degree level (IT) or equivalent.

·       MCSE/MCP certification.

·       ITIL Foundation.

·       Experience with Virtualization technologies.

·       Experience of BCP/DR planning, implementation and testing.

·       Experience of Cloud Computing/SaaS.

·       GDPR awareness.

Reporting lines and relationships

Reports to: Executive Committee.

Key relationships: Motability Foundation Executive Committee, Board of Governors, Heads of Departments and Managers.

Direct reports: Team of 12 across Service Desk, IT Operations, Systems and Data and Security.

Extra Information

The role is based at our offices in Harlow, Essex which is easily commutable from London (30 minutes from Liverpool Street or 18 minutes from Tottenham Hale). We offer both blended and flexible working arrangements which can be discussed as part of the application process. It is expected that the role will be required in the office 2-3 days per week.