Head of IT, OT & Digital

Location: Didcot, Oxfordshire
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Head of IT, OT & Digital – Technology Strategy, Digital Transformation, Operational Technology, Cyber Security

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of IT, OT & Digital to join our client, a highly successful international engineering and manufacturing organisation based in Didcot, Oxfordshire.

This is a senior technology leadership role with responsibility for shaping and delivering the organisation's IT, Operational Technology (OT) and digital strategy. You will lead technology operations, cyber security, data and information management, digital transformation and automation, while ensuring technology investment supports wider commercial and operational objectives.

Sitting within the senior leadership structure, you will act as a trusted technology adviser to executive stakeholders and provide leadership across IT infrastructure, OT systems, cloud technology, enterprise applications, cyber security, data, AI, automation and digital transformation.

This opportunity would suit an established Head of IT, Head of Technology, IT Director, Head of Digital Transformation or senior IT/OT leader looking to take ownership of a broad technology function within a complex, technology-driven environment.

The Role

As Head of IT, OT & Digital, you will define the technology roadmap and lead the delivery of secure, scalable and resilient systems across corporate IT and operational/manufacturing environments.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering the organisation's IT, OT and digital transformation strategy

• Leading, developing and inspiring IT, Operational Technology and digital teams

• Acting as the senior technology adviser to executive and senior leadership stakeholders

• Creating technology roadmaps aligned with business growth, operational efficiency and strategic objectives

• Leading major digital transformation, automation and business change programmes

• Identifying opportunities to improve productivity through digital technology, AI and process automation

• Driving the adoption of Generative AI, Microsoft Copilot and emerging technologies

• Establishing appropriate AI governance, controls and adoption frameworks

• Improving workflows, processes and operational performance through technology

• Overseeing IT infrastructure, cloud services, networking, applications, end-user computing and service desk operations

• Managing Operational Technology infrastructure, networks, integrations, applications and production technology

• Improving the reliability, availability and performance of business-critical IT and OT systems

• Developing and maintaining robust cyber security strategies, governance and risk management frameworks

• Managing cyber security incidents, awareness programmes and technology-related risk

• Ensuring compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and information security requirements

• Leading data governance, information management, data quality, analytics and business intelligence initiatives

• Ensuring appropriate data protection and GDPR controls are maintained

• Managing business continuity and disaster recovery planning across IT and OT environments

• Managing technology budgets, investment portfolios and cost optimisation initiatives

• Leading procurement, supplier selection and technology contract negotiations

• Managing strategic technology partners, managed service providers and third-party suppliers

• Monitoring service levels, technology performance and continuous improvement initiatives

About You

Our client is looking for an accomplished technology leader with broad experience spanning IT operations, Operational Technology, digital transformation and cyber security.

You are likely to have:

• Significant experience within a senior IT leadership, technology leadership or digital leadership position

• Proven experience leading both IT and Operational Technology (OT) environments

• Experience developing and delivering enterprise technology and digital strategies

• A strong track record of delivering digital transformation and business change programmes

• Experience leading automation, process improvement and technology-enabled productivity initiatives

• Strong knowledge of cyber security, information security, risk management and governance

• Experience managing enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud platforms, applications and networking

• Knowledge of Microsoft Azure, AWS or comparable cloud technologies

• Strong knowledge of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem

• Exposure to AI, Generative AI, Microsoft Copilot or intelligent automation technologies

• Experience with data governance, analytics, reporting and Business Intelligence

• Knowledge of ITIL and IT Service Management (ITSM) principles

• Experience managing enterprise applications, systems integration and digital platforms

• Knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery

• Experience managing significant technology budgets and investment programmes

• Strong supplier, vendor and commercial management experience

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including working with executive leadership teams

Leadership Skills

The successful Head of IT, OT & Digital will combine strategic thinking with strong operational delivery. You will be comfortable leading teams through significant technology and organisational change while maintaining reliable day-to-day technology services.

You will demonstrate:

• Strong strategic and commercial thinking

• Excellent leadership and people management skills

• First-class communication and influencing abilities

• Programme and project leadership experience

• Strong financial and budget management skills

• Confident decision-making and problem-solving

• Change management and organisational transformation expertise

• A collaborative, customer-focused approach

• The ability to translate complex technology into clear commercial outcomes

Qualifications

A degree or equivalent professional experience within Information Technology, Digital Technology, Computer Science, Business Information Systems or a related discipline would be advantageous.

Why Apply?

This is a high-impact opportunity to take ownership of a broad IT, OT and Digital function within an established international organisation.

You will have the opportunity to shape technology strategy, modernise systems and infrastructure, strengthen cyber resilience and lead transformational programmes across cloud, data, automation, AI, Operational Technology and digital services.

If you are an experienced Head of IT, Head of Technology, IT Director, Head of Digital, Digital Transformation Director or IT/OT leader looking for your next senior leadership opportunity in Didcot, Oxfordshire, apply today for further information. Contact Sam for more information.