The OpportunityHay & Kilner, are a full-service law firm with state-of-the-art offices in the heart of Newcastle city centre and provide a comprehensive service across an extensive range of practice areas.As the firm continues to expand, they are seeking a strategically focussed Head of IT to lead on the development of IT services both internally to colleagues as well as externally with clients. In this new role, the person will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic roadmap for IT which will ensure that IT offers a customer focused and client friendly service.In this exceptional opportunity, the Head of IT will provide energy and enthusiasm to developing a dedicated team and focussing on delivering continuous improvement, in what is a pivotal role to the firm.This role will be based in their office in the centre of Newcastle, although hybrid options will also be considered. The RoleWorking closely with the Management Board as well engaging with other colleagues, the Head of IT will look to streamline and automate processes, improving their efficiency both for users internally and externally. Specifically you will be responsible for:

Developing the organisation’s IT vision and translating it into actionable goals
Directing the sourcing and implementation of new software and hardware
Formulating and implementing business continuity and disaster recovery plans
Coordinating IT activities to ensure the availability of network services and data
Identifying future challenges in the IT landscape and developing mitigation strategies
Overseeing departmental budgeting and forecasting within the organisation
Directing IT staff recruitment and directly supervising employees
Identifying security vulnerabilities and eliminating them with strategic solutions
Identifying and recommending new technology solutions
Working closely with the Management Board to have a positive impact on the business and be a key decision maker
Ensuring that the IT team delivers a robust, reliable and smart IT infrastructure
Developing and implementing department and supplier SLAs and provides regular performance reporting to Management Board
Providing expertise and advice at senior level on policy and strategy
Maintaining knowledge of current best practices and implementing solutions as appropriate
Analysing business requirement of all departments to determine its technology needs
Ensuring effective people management systems are in place, deliver training and progression opportunities and manage business succession needs

The PersonWith a proven track record within an IT senior management position, demonstrating both strategic insight as well as delivery experience, you will possess strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work with and influence at all levels. Having led teams across multiple IT disciplines, with experience in digital and cloud transformation, you will have:

An in depth knowledge of analysis, implementation and evaluation of IT systems and their specifications
Excellent project planning and management skills
An organised approach to role, planning strategy and outcomes for each FY
The ability to build a team, manage staff, motivate, supervise and mentor
Strong supplier relationship management experience having implemented cost-efficient contracts
The ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

Though previous legal experience may be beneficial, this is not essential so long as you are capable of providing a fresh and energetic approach, focussed on delivering continuous improvement.

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