Head of IT

Can you lead an IT function that supports real lives, not just business needs?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the digital backbone of a national children`s health and wellbeing charity. As our Head of IT, you`ll lead our technology strategy. Not just keeping the lights on, but driving meaningful change across the organisation. You`ll oversee daily IT operations, guide our outsourced provider, and make sure our systems are secure, reliable, and ready for the future.

You`ll be a trusted advisor and visible leader, helping teams across Compass make the most of platforms like Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Power BI. From digital transformation to everyday troubleshooting, your influence will be felt at every level. You`ll be empowering staff, improving services, and enabling better outcomes.

You`ll manage our small in-house IT function and ensure our Managed Service Provider delivers consistently on quality, service, and value. You`ll also lead on projects, compliance, training, and change, with plenty of room to innovate and make your mark.

If you believe technology should feel empowering, not exhausting. And if you want to use your skills where they matter most. This is your chance to lead with purpose and create lasting impact.

Help shape an IT function that quietly powers everything we do. Supporting frontline teams, central staff, and the vital work they deliver every day.

You`re a confident, experienced IT leader who`s ready to take ownership of a critical function. You know how to set direction, solve problems, and bring people with you and you care about making systems work better for the people who rely on them.

You`ll need:

• Bachelor`s degree in Computer Science, IT or a related field

• At least 5 years` experience in senior IT management

• Proven ability to develop and lead IT strategy and transformation

• Strong background in managing enterprise-level IT infrastructure, including cloud and cybersecurity

• Familiarity with frameworks like ITIL, Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001

• Experience managing business-critical applications

• Excellent leadership skills, including line management and oversight of third-party providers

• Ability to translate complex technical issues for non-specialists

• Confidence in stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution

• A strategic mindset with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement

• Ability to travel between sites when required

• Willingness to provide occasional out-of-hours support

• A clear commitment to Compass values and safeguarding standards

It`s even better if you bring certifications such as ITIL, experience with Microsoft Azure, 365, SharePoint or Power BI, or a Prince2 qualification. These will help you hit the ground running, but they`re not essential.

 This is your chance to turn IT into a source of strength for teams making a real difference.

Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.

At Compass we positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, gender identity, race, faith, disability, age or sexual orientation and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy.

This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.

Benefits

We offer a great range of benefits including:

• 27 days’ holiday + bank holidays, rising to 32 days over time
• Life assurance at 2 x basic salary
• Competitive contributory pension scheme
• Family-friendly policies
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and OH service
• Enhanced sick pay
• Excellent learning & development opportunities and career progression
• Annual performance / salary review

Join us in making a lasting impact and take your career to the next level!