Head of IT

VML
London
2 days ago
Create job alert

Role type:

Perm, FT/PT

Make your application after reading the following skill and qualification requirements for this position.Location:

LondonPreferred start date:

ASAPLIFE AS A SATALIAN

As an organisation, we push the boundaries of data science, optimisation and artificial intelligence to solve the most complex problems in industry. Satalia, a Wunderman Thompson Company, is a community of individuals devoted to working on diverse and challenging projects, allowing you to flex your technical skills whilst working with a tight knit team of high performing colleagues.Led by our founder (who is also WPP's Chief AI Officer), Satalia's ambition is to become a decentralised organisation of the future. Today this involves developing tools and processes to liberate and automate manual repetitive tasks, with a focus on freedom, transparency and trust. At the core of our thinking is an approach to wellbeing and inclusivity. We unpack human behaviour and unpick prejudice to ensure a safe and inviting environment. We offer true flexible working and allow our employees to find the working practice that makes them most productive. At Satalia, your opinion matters and your achievements are celebrated.THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced IT Director to lead and manage all aspects of our IT infrastructure, security, and operations. As a key member of our leadership team, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and secure operation of our technology systems, enabling our team to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to our clients.As we grow and scale, this key role will help facilitate and put in place the needed processes and plans to enable that scale to continue and ensure we are compliant and meet our clients needs.Our "Base" team consists of a small team of IT professionals looking after our day to day IT operations and security needs. The team also works closely with other group internal IT teams to provide wider day to day support to our people.Governance

Develop a strategic roadmap that aligns with the business strategy and objectives.Scope to cover information security, privacy and information technology.Devise and establish policies and systems to support the implementation of strategies set by the leadership team.Implement and Manage an effective Staff Training and Awareness program to promote best practices.Adopt a continuous improvement approach to the management of Information Technology, Information Security and Privacy.Ensure that main stakeholders are informed and consulted via an effective Management Review process.Risk

Identify information security threats and manage an effective Vulnerability Management Process.Maintain an effective, proactive Risk Management Framework.Manage and maintain the Satalia Risk Register.Ensure an effective Incident Management procedure and Business Continuity Plan are maintained.Compliance

Manage an effective Audit Programme to check compliance against key control requirements.Ensure an appropriate level of support for annual external audits required to support certification.Ensure data security and compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, contractual and policy requirements.Ensure process and requirements are met to support GDPR compliance and protection of personal data.Maintain and improve level of compliance with ISO 27001:2022 and Cyber Essentials Plus requirements.Work in partnership with development staff to embed best practices in the development processes throughout the software development lifecycle.Devise and embed an effective Vendor Management programme to ensure the service provided by critical suppliers meet organisational requirements.Operational

Oversee all technology operations and evaluate them according to established goals.Oversee the management and improvements of our inhouse digital twin "hubble".Manage and deliver IT projects on time and within budget.Supervise the use of technological equipment and software to ensure functionality and efficiency.Monitor technology developments to identify the need for upgrades, configurations or new systems, and report to upper management.Work with the parent company IT operations teams to ensure practices are aligned and fit for purpose for a modern AI organisation.Analyse the costs, value, and risks of information technology to advise management and suggest actions.Support multiple groups of users with differing requirements, e.g. Business IT users, Cloud Developers, Data Scientists.Support the sales teams by providing content to RFP and RFI processes.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Education & Experience:

7+ years of progressive experience in IT / IS management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.Proven experience in managing IT infrastructure for an AI, data science, or technology-driven organisation.Technical Skills:

Strong understanding of cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and their security implications.Experience with running and managing heterogenous hardware (Apple, Intel), OS (OSX, Linux, Windows) and software environments.In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity principles, best practices, and relevant technologies. Professionally qualified e.g. CISSP, CISM or CISA.Experience with IT service management (ITSM) frameworks, such as ITIL.Other Skills & Abilities:

Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.Have run small teams.Excellent organisational and time management skills.NICE TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.Experience running both Microsoft O365 and Google Workspace solutions.Understanding of AI solutions.Interest in modern organisational design and how technology can drive change and improvement within an organisation.If you feel like you don't tick all our boxes but know you'd make a fantastic Head of IT at Satalia, please do apply! We know the value of transferable skills and experiences and would love to hear about these in your cover letter.As an equal opportunity employer we welcome applications that reflect the diversity of our wider community. Please let us know at any time if you require reasonable adjustments to your interview process.WE OFFER

Benefits - enhanced pension, life assurance, income protection, private healthcare.Remote working - cafe, bedroom, beach - wherever works.Truly flexible working hours - school pick up, volunteering, gym - no problem.Generous leave - 27 days' holiday plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave.Annual bonus - when Satalia does well, we all do well.Impactful projects - focus on bringing meaningful social and environmental change.People oriented culture - wellbeing is a priority, as is being a nice person.Development - annual development budget to upskill yourself.Transparent and open culture - you will be listened to and heard.By applying to Satalia you are expressly giving your consent for the collection and use of your information as described within our

Satalia Recruitment Privacy Policy . In addition, please note that background checks are included as part of our on-boarding process.We aim to respond to all applications within 2 weeks. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks this means your application has been unsuccessful.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Software Development Team Manager

People Systems and MI Manager

Data Engineering Manager

Data Integration Manager

TechOps Engineering Manager

Research Manager – Remote - Variety, flexibility & autonomy!

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Navigating Data Science Career Fairs Like a Pro: Preparing Your Pitch, Questions to Ask, and Follow-Up Strategies to Stand Out

Data science has taken centre stage in the modern workplace. Organisations rely on data-driven insights to shape everything from product innovation and customer experience to operational efficiency and strategic planning. As a result, there is a growing need for skilled data scientists who can analyse large volumes of data, build predictive models, communicate findings effectively, and collaborate cross-functionally. If you are looking to accelerate your data science career—or even land your first role—attending data science career fairs can be a game-changer. Unlike traditional online applications, face-to-face interactions let you showcase your personality, passion, and communication skills in addition to your technical expertise. However, to stand out in a busy environment, you need a clear strategy: from polishing your personal pitch and asking thoughtful questions to following up with a memorable message. In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of making a strong impression at data science career fairs in the UK and beyond.

Common Pitfalls Data Science Job Seekers Face and How to Avoid Them

Data science has become a linchpin for decision-making and innovation across countless industries, from finance and healthcare to tech and retail. The demand for data scientists in the UK continues to climb, with businesses seeking professionals who can interpret complex datasets, build predictive models, and communicate actionable insights. Despite this high demand, the job market can be extremely competitive—and many applicants unknowingly fall into avoidable traps. Whether you’re an aspiring data scientist fresh out of university, a professional transitioning from a quantitative role, or a seasoned analyst looking to expand your skill set, it’s crucial to navigate your job search effectively. In this article, we explore the most common pitfalls data science job seekers face and provide pragmatic advice to help you stand out. By refining your CV, portfolio, interview strategies, and communication skills, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a rewarding data science role. If you’re looking for your next data science job in the UK, don’t forget to explore the listings at Data Science Jobs. Read on to discover how to avoid critical mistakes and position yourself for success.

Career Paths in Data Science: From Entry-Level Analysis to Leadership and Beyond

Data is the lifeblood of modern business, and Data Scientists are the experts who turn raw information into strategic insights. From building recommendation engines to predicting market trends, the impact of data science extends across virtually every industry—finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and beyond. In the UK, data-driven decision-making is critical to remaining competitive in a global market, making data science one of the most sought-after career paths. But how does one launch a career in data science, and how can professionals progress from entry-level analysts to senior leadership roles? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the typical career trajectory, from junior data scientist to chief data officer, discussing the key skills, qualifications, and strategic moves you need to succeed. Whether you’re a recent graduate, transitioning from another technical field, or an experienced data scientist aiming for management, you’ll find actionable insights on forging a successful career in the UK data science sector.