Head of IT

Salary: £75,000 - £85,000
Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire – 60-acre campus
Contract: Full-time, permanent
 
Shape the future. Drive innovation. Transform lives.
 
At St Elizabeth’s, technology isn’t just about systems and servers — it’s a vital enabler of the life-changing work we do every day.
 
Set within 60 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside, we are a unique and values-led charity, supporting children and adults with epilepsy, learning disabilities, and other complex needs through specialist education, residential care, and health services.
 
Now, under a bold and ambitious five-year strategy, we are investing in our future — modernising, growing, and embracing innovation. We are looking for an exceptional Head of IT to lead this transformation, shaping a technology roadmap that supports our services today while building for tomorrow.
 
This is a strategic leadership role, not an operational “keep the lights on” post. You’ll work at the heart of our organisation, ensuring our digital infrastructure, systems, and innovation keep pace with — and enable — our mission, while providing direct line management to our IT Manager and working closely with them on both operational delivery and ICT budget management.
 
Your Impact
 
As our Head of IT, you will:

Lead our long-term IT strategy — ensuring our technology supports organisational growth, service development, and digital inclusion for everyone we support.
Provide direct line management to the IT Manager, ensuring day-to-day operations align with strategic goals.
Develop, manage, and monitor the ICT budget in partnership with the IT Manager, ensuring cost-effective and future-proof investment decisions.
Champion AI, automation, and assistive technology to transform care, education, and operational delivery.
Oversee a comprehensive modernisation programme ensuring operational systems digitally interface efficiently, sharing data across all service and support areas.
Drive integration of systems to enable real-time data insights, streamlined processes, and improved user experience.
Advise the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team on opportunities, risks, and technology trends, ensuring decisions align with organisational goals and sector best practice.
Build strong relationships with technology providers and sector networks to bring innovation and best practice into the organisation.
Collaborate across teams to embed technologies that make a tangible difference to the lives of our children, young people, and adults.
 
About You
 
You’ll be a visionary IT leader who can see the bigger picture — and bring it to life. You’ll combine strong technical knowledge with strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and the ability to inspire confidence in technology across a diverse organisation.
 
You will have:

Experience leading IT strategy in a complex, multi-site organisation.
Proven experience managing IT teams, including direct line management of senior IT staff.
The ability to develop and oversee ICT budgets, ensuring financial accountability and value for money.
The credibility to influence senior leaders, Board members, and external partners.
A track record of delivering impactful technology projects that enhance service delivery.
A passion for using technology to improve people’s lives — particularly in education, care, or charity settings.
 
Why Join Us?

A pivotal leadership role in a forward-thinking, purpose-driven charity.
The opportunity to design and deliver a full digital transformation.
A collaborative, supportive culture where innovation is encouraged and valued.
A beautiful working environment with on-site facilities.
Competitive salary, dependent on experience and qualifications.
 
If you’re ready to lead with vision, embrace innovation, and create technology solutions that transform lives, we’d love to hear from you.
 
How to Apply
 
Please apply today by completing an application form and uploading your CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis — we recommend applying early, as we may close the advert once enough strong applications are received.
 
Please note: We are not located on a public transport route, so having access to transport is helpful.
 
Safeguarding & Inclusion
 
St Elizabeth’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
 
We are proud to be an Investors in People and Disability Confident Employer.
 
Registered Charity: (phone number removed)
 
Apply today and be part of shaping the future of St Elizabeth’s.
 
#INDMGR
 
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